In the past 20 years, Malta has developed a niche yet economically significant aquaculture industry built primarily around three species, and is now positioning itself for long-term, research-led expansion through VisionARM 2050, Frank Fabri, chief Executive officer of Aquatic Resources Malta (ARM), said.
Malta's aquaculture sector has evolved beyond small-scale production into a strategic pillar of the country's blue economy, with tuna farming in particular placing the islands firmly on the international map. Privately operated tuna farms produce some of the highest-quality fish exported to Japan's premium sushi market, while sea bream and sea bass are also farmed extensively, supplying both export demand and local consumption.
In an interview with The Malta Independent on Sunday, Fabri explained that "VisionARM 2050, including its 40-vision objectives, gives us a clear direction to strengthen what we already do well, while creating the scientific foundations needed to diversify and future-proof the sector".
ARM is Malta's national agency responsible for research, innovation and technical development in fisheries and aquaculture. VisionARM 2050, which has received wide-spread endorsement by the fishers, the aquaculture industry, academics and related authorities, sets out a long-term framework to transform the agency into a modern centre of excellence by mid-century.
VisionARM 2050 goes beyond partisan politics and places Malta and its national interests at the heart of its mission. The strategic vision positions ARM as a research institution in fisheries and aquaculture, supporting a sustainable, competitive and environmentally-responsible blue economy, while demonstrating how small island states can lead in aquatic governance through research and collaboration.
Fabri stressed that ARM's work is intentionally driven by scientific evidence rather than political cycles. Research in fisheries and aquaculture, he said, must be insulated from partisan interests in order to remain credible and effective. Malta's research efforts in this field date back more than four decades, and ARM has worked to consolidate and strengthen this legacy by continuing long-term studies, aligning them with EU frameworks and expanding international cooperation. This strengthens our country today while securing its future.
One of the agency's current research is on two fish species which eventually, after developing all necessary protocols, could turn into a potential aquaculture production: the red porgy (pagru) and the greater amberjack (acciola). This EU-funded project is examining the environmental conditions required for the species to thrive, their nutritional needs, breeding cycles and overall suitability for farming in Maltese waters. The aim of this research, Fabri said, is to ensure that reliable scientific knowledge is available should aquaculture operators choose to diversify from three to five species.
"If research is successful, that knowledge about these species can be eventually shared with the industry, and possibly even farmed responsibly," he said. "Research strengthens the economy by reducing risks and improving decision-making."
Fabri said ARM's primary role is quality, valuable and useful research that generates new knowledge and protects sustainability of aquatic resources and the environment. As a result, this will then lead to further economic growth. Research, he argued, is essential to understanding and mitigating impacts on marine and aquatic ecosystems, ensuring that development does not compromise long-term environmental health.
"Our focus is to safeguard aquatic resources," he said. "A healthy economy depends on a healthy marine environment, not the other way around." To this end, ARM is planning to conduct a number of research projects that will be of benefit to the marine environment, the public, fishers and the aquaculture industry. Clearly there is a good opportunity to achieve a win-win-win outcome.
This principle also underpins ARM's work in fisheries management and conservation. The agency is conducting research projects on several vulnerable species found in Maltese and Mediterranean waters, including the purple sea urchins, the Mediterranean killifish and the broad-nosed pipefish. In some cases, researchers managed to breed and maintain live stock, helping to stabilise species populations that were or still are at risk.
Central to this approach is close collaboration with fishers, whom ARM increasingly views as partners in research. Throughout the year, ARM scientists join fishers at sea to carry out dozens of catches using different fishing gears, transforming vessels into floating laboratories. The data collected is published in line with regulatory requirements, and participating fishers are remunerated for their work.
"We see fishers as co-researchers," Fabri said. "They have experience and knowledge that complements science and research. This is our vision. That of doing valuable, useful and quality research."
A recent scientific study on lampuki (dolphinfish) illustrates this shift. ARM analysed a decade's worth of data before holding separate meetings with policymakers and representatives of the fishing community. Fishers were asked to interpret the findings alongside researchers and contribute to recommendations on the seasonal management of the species together with policy makers and politicians. The outcome was a jointly informed decision-making process, underpinned by evidence and practical experience.
Fabri acknowledged that one of ARM's biggest challenges remains infrastructure. The agency currently operates from Fort San Luċjan, a historic fortification built by the Order of Saint John, not originally designed to house advanced scientific laboratories or operate on a 24-hour research schedule in fisheries and aquaculture. While refurbishment works are ongoing, the limitations of the site restrict the level of research that can be carried out.
"To operate at the highest scientific level, we need purpose-built facilities with modern technology," Fabri said, adding that better infrastructure would also reduce operational risks and improve livestock welfare standards.
The design and construction of Malta's first dedicated fisheries and aquaculture research centre is another central objective of VisionARM 2050. ARM has identified a potential site, and following community outreach, it will be in the process of advancing the necessary planning and administrative procedures. While acknowledging the length of such processes, Fabri said the target is that construction begins by the end of the decade.
In the meantime, ARM has taken steps to open its facilities to the public. Fort San Luċjan now hosts guided tours twice weekly, allowing visitors to engage directly with researchers and gain insight into the agency's work. Fabri said public understanding of fisheries and aquaculture research remains limited in Malta, despite its importance.
Investment in people forms another core pillar of VisionARM 2050. ARM has recruited five PhD-level researchers, including Maltese scientists returning after long careers abroad, while also building a multidisciplinary workforce that includes engineers, technicians and operational staff. Research, Fabri noted, relies on a chain of knowledge, skills and competences, not academic qualifications alone.
The agency also hosts students from MCAST and the University of Malta on a rolling basis, providing hands-on training and placement opportunities. Many later transition into government employment schemes, helping to attract younger workers into the sector. From 2026 onwards, ARM plans to launch national education and outreach campaigns, with increased engagement in schools and a stronger public presence.
Looking ahead, VisionARM 2050 sets out a phased roadmap structured around four strategic pillars and 40 objectives. Aquatic Resources Malta's vision is that of building a repertoire of valuable, useful and quality research, invest in its human capacity and their skills, reach the level of scientific excellence and innovation in the sector, and establish itself as a regional research leader. ARM seeks global recognition and leadership, particularly in supporting other small island states facing aquatic and climate challenges.
Fabri expressed confidence that the vision's long-term nature, coupled with political consensus, gives it a realistic chance of success. VisionARM 2050 is not a partisan manifesto but is a destination supported from both government and opposition. "The competition is about who will embrace this change and do it better," he said.
If delivered as planned, the strategic vision could see Malta emerge as a focal point for specialised aquatic research in the Mediterranean, balancing economic opportunity with environmental responsibility.
"For a small island state, leadership comes from investing in people and their skills, opting for science excellence in useful research, working with communities and planning beyond electoral cycles," Fabri said. "That is what VisionARM 2050 is about."