Though comparatively small, the fisheries sector in Malta is divided into two segments. One consists of the big enterprises which catch and fatten big fish, mainly tuna. The other consists of traditional fishermen who operate mostly as a family concern and go out to sea in sizable boats, but not on trawlers as happens with “industrial” fishermen. They also service different markets – the big operators export practically all they catch and fatten; the “traditionals” sell their catches locally.

The two segments need to keep in step with regulations covering Mediterranean fishing that are becoming increasingly complex. They originate from the EU or from wider international agreements. The Malta government, independently of its political colour, has every reason to give support to both segments as both make a good contribution to the national economy.

I listened recently to an excellent briefing about the useful work being carried out for this sector which is also subject to very strong competition from the fishermen of other countries. A problem is that for many reasons, it is easier to assist the “large” firms than the traditional sector. Still the latter must not be sidelined in any way.

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EXCEPTIONS

A number of times quite recently I heard the following observation made by people who have been involved in European negotiations: when we discuss new European laws, (too) frequently we have to argue about how conditions that are being proposed will not fit Malta, due to its size and because it is an island. And so we try to secure exceptions or some other special arrangements.

I understand quite well what is being said for the same thing happens at the European Parliament on similar occasions, when votes are being prepared. My colleagues and I are ineed obliged all the time to invoke positions based on “proportionality” or on the need not to apply one-size-fits-all approaches.

I also well remember how prior to 2003, wise guys would emerge to ridicule the claims I would then be making that many of the EU regulations, no matter how appropriate for a continental market, do not fit well with the Maltese reality.

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QUOTAS...

The news that in France, in the Marseille area as well as in other places, limits have been established on how many people can visit in a day sites of natural beauty, was extremely interesting. Apparently great damage is being caused to the narrow, extremely picturesque creeks known as calanques. They are being visited by too many people. The sea and the small sandy beaches have become polluted. The natural surroundings including the garrigue that borders the calanques are being destroyed.

From the thousands that used to visit daily, only  few hundreds are now being allowed to descend to the bottom of the calanques.

The measure contrasts with what is happening here, not least in the context of the controversy that the situation of Comino has generated. Still  there can be no doubt that unless some quota system similar to the one adopted in France is introduced, all ideas about the development of quality tourism in Malta will remain hollow dreams.