Maltese fishermen are being left unprotected despite promises made by the government to launch patrol boats, Mellieħa Councillor and PN Candidate Ivan Castillo said Friday.

In a post on Facebook, Castillo wrote that he met with a group of fishermen who explained in detail the difficulties they are facing.

“This sector has many restrictions, and the situation is already difficult on its own. It becomes even more of a challenge for these fishermen when they are left alone, without the support they require from the government. This is especially the case when it comes to their safety and the safety of their work,” Castillo said.

He added that Minister Byron Camilleri has only made “empty promises regarding the launch of patrol boats. These boats are meant to patrol the area and ensure that unregistered non-local fishing boats do not catch and damage what is not theirs but that which belongs to Maltese fishermen.”

Maltese fishermen have been promised the launch of patrol boats, but as of yet, nothing has been done on the matter. Consequently, Maltese fishers are clashing with their Tunisian counterparts as they are stealing their dolphin fish (Lampuki) from their equipment. Maltese fishermen are losing thousands, Castillo wrote.

He expressed his disappointment in the situation, saying that Maltese fishermen invest thousands every year in this sector but do not get much in return. They do it because they love what they do and as a result they are keeping Maltese traditions alive. In return the government has done nothing to support them.