Earlier this week, the Government launched a pilot project with the aim of re-introducing a traditional fishing method in Malta and Gozo.

This technique, known as “imrejkba”, is one practiced by recreational fishermen in our country, that had been utilised hitherto, for decades prior.

The ‘imrejkba’ technique uses a small apparatus attached to an anchor, with identification numbers written in a highly-visible manner. This fishing equipment is made of either reeds, plastic pipes, wooden sticks, planks or plastic bottles resting on cork pellets. The small, triangular structure of this fishing equipment is meant to swiftly cut through the waves, and be able to move quickly.

The work done behind the scenes, in making this possible, first started about a year ago. During a consultation process initiated by the Government, back in June of last year, a number of fishermen and relevant stakeholders expressed their wish for the mrejkba to be re-introduced in our fishing calendar in a regularised manner. It was evident that, in order to preserve this fishing tradition for future generations, the Government had to act swiftly and diligently.

However, it soon resulted that just re-introducing this fishing technique in a laissez faire manner will be counter-productive. A number of consultation sessions were also held with other entities, including the Environmental Resources Authority, Transport Malta and Heritage Malta. When re-introducing this traditional technique, it remains imperative that all stakeholders are able to work together in a congruent manner.

 We decided that the best way for this traditional fishing technique to see the light of day again will be on the basis of a holistic, practical plan. This strategy will provide a marriage of traditional techniques with modern exigencies; preserving an integral part of fishing culture for future generations in a sustainable and resourceful approach. We will conduct the formulation of this policy in an inclusive and transparent manner, therefore participant feedback is of paramount importance.

This pilot project also includes a public awareness and information campaign, and an ad hoc regulatory process whereby specific fishing zones are dedicated for this type of fishing, so as not to compete with other fishermen. 

As a former academic, and now Parliamentary Secretary for Fisheries, Acquaculture and Animal Rights, I am more than aware of the ever-increasing need for the general public, including recreational and part-time fishermen, to be even more aware of the possible environmental impacts that different types of fishing have on our local environment. Between the hazardous effects of climate change, zealous over-fishing by international countries and other recurring phenomena such as ghost fishing, it is more imperative than ever that we reduce the harmful impact that important economic sectors such as our fishing industry can have on the environment.

For this reason, this pilot project will introduce restricted geographic allocation, whereby any recreational fishermen wanting to use the imrejkba will do so in select locations, according to a pre-established size and number of hooks attached. This being a pilot project, these recreational fishermen taking part will help in formulating any further changes to the fishing zones where the mrejkba is used, based on their feedback during these very crucial mounts.

Moreover, all fishermen involved in this traditional fishing method will be provided with a logbook. This will help fishermen collect and store all relevant information on the amount and type of fish caught by the mrekjba. The data recorded here will help local agencies take stock of the ever-changing nature of the fishing supply in the Mediterranean.

Additionally, the data gathered will then be utilised in order to form a permanent, comprehensive legal framework, which will be enacted later on next year. In addition, this set-up will also help the Government of Malta in obtaining fair and representative quotas from the European Union, should legislative developments abroad necessitate the imposition of such restrictions in the future. This is exactly what happened in the case of other scenarios, such as the allocation of blue-fin tuna quotas, whereby historical records were essential in our fishermen obtaining their fair share of quotas.

In my speech earlier this week, I explained how this new pilot project will allow hundreds of recreational fishermen, learned in this technique, to be able to re-use this age old technique in a sustainable and environmental manner. These projects are not just about re-invigorating historical methods however: The use of the mrejkba by part-time fishermen will also re-invigorate the local population’s awareness of the need for ever more sustainable and responsible methods of fishing.

I urge one and all, whoever is interested in learning more about this pilot project, and the mrejkba, to contact the Fisheries and Aquaculture Department for more information in the upcoming days.

Alicia Bugeja Said is the Parliamentary Secretary for Fisheries, Aquaculture

and Animal Welfare