Taking decisions is part and parcel of the legislator’s mundane routine. In an area so kaleidoscopically vibrant as our fishing industry, the aspirations, needs and fears of stakeholders vary in a multitude of aspects. Keeping abreast of all the structural issues, individual needs and developing concerns however is only the easy part; proposing solutions and enacting successful change, is a thornier endeavour.

To achieve consistent progress in this sector, uniformity and consistency are among the most crucial elements. Those responsible with the livelihoods of the hundreds of local operators, cannot rely on a scatter-gun approach. With so much at stake, a consistent set of principles underpinning every decision is vital.

When it comes to the fishing industry, the government’s main aim is as clear as day. A sustainable, self-regenerating fisheries industry will not only propel economic growth for several local communities; but will also leave an indelible impact on our food production, our economy and our surrounding environment.

Such a vision, while commendable, must also be followed by a tangible effort. It is not enough for global legislators and policymakers to stare up the stairway; we must also step up the stairs. And indeed, two decisions taken by this government in the past few days, demonstrated as clear as day the importance of vigilant and coordinated action in this sector.

Late in January, the government announced that it was once again, shelving earlier plans for the creation of a North Aquaculture Zone, a few kilometres off the coast of Ċirkewwa and Qala Gozo. While the application was originally suspended back in 2020, following an automatic two-year reactivation procedure, the government was once again faced with a choice: cancel the project entirely or proceed with the previous application.

For us, the choice was obvious.

We recognise that the tuna farm industry in Malta plays a substantial role in the local economy. The NSO’s statistical report confirms how the total output of the seven tuna farms currently in operation, netted just under €200m to our economy during 2021; it had previously reached a high point of €229m during the pre-pandemic years.

Moreover, this sector also plays an indirect but crucial role in ensuring local food sustainability; with further incentivisation, this sector can truly spearhead this government’s circular economy efforts.

However, immediate financial growth will be unsustainable if it threatens the ecology surrounding it; such decisions must be mitigated by careful and considerate strategies. While immediate self-preservation is undeniably an easier route to take, such carelessness will rob the livelihoods of future generations of local fishers.

Ploughing ahead with this project in its past form, would have irreversibly ruined a pristine part of our seas. Moreover, the application would not only have taken up a sizeable chunk of existing fishing areas, it would have also impacted nearby areas which are key for the local tourism industry. Hence, why the government has decided against pursuing the project further.

In the same intervening period, the government organised discussions with all relevant stakeholders of tuna fishing in our country. After having successfully lobbied for a substantial increase in our yearly quotas, we sought to ensure that this success is divided in a transparent, meritocratic and just manner between different fishers.

I recognise that these meetings were the subject of some criticism by current candidates of the Opposition. This sentiment, in our opinion, is totally unwarranted. Being expedient is one thing, rushing over these consultation meetings without having concrete, detailed proposals attached, as seemingly suggested, would render these meetings a futile exercise in PR and not a constructive way forward.

We sought something more tangible, effective and credible. As expected, the transparent but cohesive way in which these discussions were organised, brought with it immediate results. By demonstrating this government’s transparent modus operandi, we will continue to earn the trust of all Maltese fishers, through both the bright and dark times ahead.

We cannot work hand-in-hand with fishers if we do not earn their trust; the latter is solely earned if we engage proactively, lay all our cards on the table and discuss the way forward together.

Nothing is more imminent than the impossible. To paraphrase the great Victor Hugo, what we as a government must prepare for is the unforeseen. Our vision, while already in place, will continue to take shape through our series of dialogues with all relevant stakeholders. It will underpin all the decisions that we will take together, both in the immediate and the long-term future.

Alicia Bugeja Said is the parliamentary secretary for

Fisheries, Aquaculture and Animal Welfare