Fisheries Minister Anton Refalo and Parliamentary Secretary Alicia Bugeja Said have pitched for Malta's dolphinfish (lampuki) fishing season to open in July, while up in Brussels to attend EU meetings.
In Brussels, Belgium, Minister Refalo and PS Bugeja Said attended a Council of Ministers meeting that featured the respective Ministers for agriculture and fisheries of other EU countries. They also had a bilateral meeting with the European Commissioner for Fisheries, Costas Kadis.
This pilot project idea was discussed with Commissioner Kadis alongside other topics of common interest, such as the fight against illegal fishing.
Malta's lampuki fishing season for this year began on 15 August and will close at the end of this year.
During the Council meeting, Minister Anton Refalo presented Malta's position on the European Commission's Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) proposal post-2027. On behalf of Malta, Refalo welcomed the simplification and flexibility efforts proposed, though not without expressing reservations on certain points which he said should be re-analysed with consideration for Malta's "particular circumstances."
"European policy should take into account the unique characteristics of our country, with more flexibility in the allocation of funds and sufficient support for small farmers and those maintaining minimal activity," Minister Refalo said.
Minister Refalo said that Maltese and Gozitan farmers, ranchers and fishermen play a fundamental role in keeping alive local production and the country's marine resources.
He continued that European policy should reflect Malta's unique characteristics and provide necessary support for these vital sectors to continue being sustainable and competitive in the future.
Regarding fishing and aquaculture, PS Bugeja Said highlighted the need for European funds to target attracting more young fishermen in the sector through investments, while continuing to support the work towards more sustainable fishing.
Outlining some of the challenges Maltese fishermen face, including with regards to illegal fishing, PS Bugeja Said noted that "fishing is not just a profession but part of our identity and heritage as Maltese."
"The Commission must ensure that the voice of Maltese fishermen is heard and ensure that illegal practices stop. Therefore, Malta is proposing a pilot project where the lampuki season opens in the month of July," she said, "This is also being proposed because it is also apparent that lampuki are migrating earlier in the Mediterranean."