Minister Anton Refalo and Parliamentary Secretary Alicia Bugeja Said have launched the National Fisheries Strategy 2026–2036 for public consultation.
The strategy provides a long-term national framework for the sustainable development of the fisheries sector over the next ten years, with the aim of strengthening the sector’s resilience, protecting marine ecosystems, and supporting fishing communities.
The Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights, Anton Refalo, said: “This strategy reflects the Government’s clear vision for a sustainable and resilient future for the fisheries sector, which is an essential part of our country’s identity, economy, and cultural heritage. The strategy is built on the principle that there can be no future for fisheries without a healthy sea, and at the same time there can be no sustainability without social justice and decent livelihood prospects for our fishers.”
Minister Refalo stated that through this strategy, investments are being made in sustainability, generational renewal, infrastructure, and training, to ensure that fisheries remain viable and attractive to young people. He emphasized that this vision is the result of continuous dialogue with fishers and all stakeholders, which will continue throughout the public consultation process.
“The Government remains committed to working hand in hand with fishing communities to ensure that this strategy is implemented effectively for the benefit of the sector,” the Minister concluded.
The Parliamentary Secretary for Fisheries, Aquaculture and Animal Rights, Alicia Bugeja Said, said that the strategy also forms part of a Government electoral manifesto measure, work on which began through extensive consultation with fishers. This process resulted in several important points and suggestions that are now incorporated into the strategy being launched for public consultation. She added that the strategy addresses key challenges facing the sector, including sustainability and generational renewal, while aligning with Vision Malta 2050.
“This strategy places fishers at the centre of fisheries policy, while also addressing sustainability and innovation within the sector. As a Government, we recognized the need for this strategy and are satisfied that, through continuous work also carried out by the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, we have now reached the stage of launching it for public consultation,” stated Parliamentary Secretary Alicia Bugeja Said.
The Director General of the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Bjorn Azzopardi, explained that the strategy is built on an extensive process involving 37 consultation meetings with fishers from different ports and engaging in different types of fishing, followed by broad consultation with Ministries and entities that, in some way, are connected to the fisheries sector.
“The strategy we are proposing is built on four strategic pillars – sustainable fisheries, generational renewal, investment in infrastructure, and training for fishers. From these pillars emerge 20 strategic objectives and no fewer than 86 measures that will guide the development of the sector over the next ten years,” Mr Azzopardi explained.