The government is investing in an extensive research project on gathering data on local fish and marine life with the aid of €5 million EU funding.

On Monday, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Animal Rights and Consumer Protection Anton Refalo and Parliamentary Secretary for European Funds Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi held a press conference regarding the “Mediterranean International Trawl Survey”.

The survey, which takes place over two weeks, conducts scientific research regarding the fish found in the Maltese waters. The fish which are caught are used to analyse and provide research for scientists to understand or find any changes in the development of the marine life.

Refalo explained that the research is done with the aim to better understand the sustainability of fish stocks. “Through the extensive data gathered from this survey, the research section will be publishing a number of reports, as well as scientific studies aimed at improving the local fisheries sector.”

Through the research, the government plans to use the necessary scientific evidence and data to inform the fisheries policies at a regional level and to draw up plans on more sustainable development for the sector.

The survey is conducted by a Fisheries Research Unit within the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture within the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights.

Zrinzo Azzopardi said that this study is one of the many being funded through the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund 2014-2020. “This research forms part of the ‘data collection’ project for which a total of €5 million had been allocated. Thus, the Parliamentary Secretary stressed that Malta will be able to honour its obligations under the Common Fisheries Policy, as well as the Integrated Maritime Policy of the European Union.”