On Friday, 18 March MCAST and the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture signed a Memorandum of Understanding that will see both parties collaborate in the fields of marine aquaculture research. This agreement will consolidate the existing cooperation and will develop further this scientific collaboration and research between the two institutions.

MCAST and the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture have agreed to cooperate in agreed specified areas of scientific research and in other scientific projects to their mutual benefit, assist each other in the solution of scientific research problems of mutual interest, facilitate the exchange of experience between scientific workers from each institution and exchange scientific information and literature. Both institutions will allow research workers from the other institution to carry out specified research work in the laboratories, archives, libraries and other facilities.

Through this agreement both institutions will develop joint research projects and seek local and international funding for these research projects, thus opening up opportunities for MCAST students reading for Diplomas and Degrees in Fish Management to participate in cutting-edge research in aquaculture. Through these research opportunities, students would be able to undertake aquaculture husbandry and management assignments and projects that would complement the units taught in class.

The official signing of the MoU was signed by Dr Silvio De Bono, president MCAST Board of Governors and Tristan Camilleri, director Aquaculture Directorate.