The Parliamentary Secretary for Fisheries, Aquaculture and Animal Rights, Alicia Bugeja Said, visited the workers and scientists of Aquatic Resources Malta who are conducting the annual MEDITS (Mediterranean International Trawl Survey). This research is carried out in several Mediterranean countries at the same time in order to collect information about the state of fish stocks and our marine ecosystem.

The MEDITS programme is important because it provides precise data on the abundance and distribution of fish species. This information is used by the European Union and Maltese authorities to take decisions on the sustainability of fisheries.

Parliamentary Secretary Alicia Bugeja Said stated that, “The MEDITS initiative shows the Government’s commitment to sustainable fishing, in line with the Malta 2050 Vision for the maritime sector. This type of research also reflects the work we are undertaking to strengthen the economic potential of this sector in a sustainable and responsible manner. These studies not only help protect the environment and marine life, but also ensure a better future for our fishers and for future generations.”

She concluded by thanking the workers of Aquatic Resources Malta for their work in the field of fisheries and aquaculture in our country.

The Chief Executive of the agency, Francis Fabri, emphasized that this Euro-Mediterranean research is part of wider studies that the agency is obliged to carry out on behalf of Malta. He explained that this research is conducted on a vessel equipped with highly advanced technologies. The agency transforms the vessel into a scientific laboratory, and its scientists use the technology on board to analyze the species caught through trawling in order to gather a variety of data.

He went on to explain that beyond the requirements of this study, the agency also collects water samples to study microplastics, as well as seabed samples. He concluded by saying that through the research of Aquatic Resources Malta, our country continues to safeguard the sustainability of the marine ecosystem.