Over the past few years, our society has faced monumental and generational change. The latest advancements in science and technology have left an indelible impact on every aspect of our lives.

Whether it’s in our work or profession, our time spent at home, or even the way we interact with our loved ones far and wide – innovation and technological progress is taking place, and will continue to do so, at break-neck speed.

Suffice to say that nowadays we do not simply use technology as a tool. We live it. As a government, and as citizens, we interact with it in almost all aspects. This phenomenon creates new avenues in which we conduct our daily tasks, while breathing new life in existing traditions and customs.

The same also applies with our small-scale fishing industry.

This sector is intrinsically linked with our identity as a country, with our history, and our generational social ties. And yet, the global push towards modernisation continues to provide new and exciting opportunities for our fishers.

Last week, this government announced a new investment, wherein each fisher registered with the Department of Fisheries will receive a waterproof tablet. This investment, which exceeds a quarter of a million Euro from both local and European funds, will be the first step in creating a more sustainable and efficient industry, for the benefit of our citizens, our consumers and the local economy.

This investment will launch our fishing industry into a new age - A digital age, which brings our fishers, and our public officials closer than ever.

These tablets, and the pre-installed apps within it, will allow users to access numerous services provided by the Department of Fisheries, directly from their fishing vessel, or from their own home. These fishers will be able to electronically register their daily catch, apply for new or renew existing licences, update any information related to their registrations, and have an immediate locator for any vessels registered under their name.

We truly believe that a fisher’s natural home is on their vessel, battling the waves and earning a just living for themselves and their families. As an academic and researcher in the field, I am fully aware of the different compliance requisites imposed on our fishers. Indeed, during these past months and years, a common concern brought forward by our fishers was the amount of time spent on land, fulfilling their legal obligations and requesting different services from the Department.

Nevertheless, such a transformative change may naturally bring about an element of anxiety. Transformative change, in any socio-economic area, tends to do so. Indeed, during the consultative meetings, many fishers spoke about the necessity of such a strong investment, in an area which has not seen similar innovative approaches in legislatures past.

I however, remain aware as before about the need for such a push towards technology. The immediate benefits about this game-changer of an investment will incorporate our government’s belief in a transparent, online and immediate public service to the fishing industry.

Too long have previous governments remained reactive when dealing with our fishers, introducing such transformative projects only when required to do so by chance or international politicking.

Rather than waiting for the inevitable, this government seized this available opportunity. Present and future generations of fishers require policies, investments and initiatives that proactively pave a sustainable future.

This technology will lead our government to obtain the most immediate and accurate picture relating to the health of our fishing stocks. The basis of this information will form a strong base for this government when discussing with the private sector and other public entities, both in a local and international fora. This way, we can continue to reach significant and important landmarks, for our fishers and the rest of our country.

Our small-scale fishing industry is full to the brim with potential. I remain as optimistic as ever about the path that our fishing industry can carve for itself.

This can only be done, however, by remaining level-headed about the challenges we face, the geographic limitations that we live in, and the need to preserve our maritime and fishing heritage for the next generation.

We must not, and will not stop here. But by strengthening the pillars of our fishing sector, we can create the change that our fishers envision, and deserve.

 Alicia Bugeja Said is parliamentary secretary for Fisheries, Aquaculture and Animal Rights