Parliamentary Secretary for Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Animal Rights Alicia Bugeja Said, has reaffirmed Malta’s “commitment to marine biodiversity protection and sustainable fisheries in the Mediterranean.”

The Parliamentary Secretary was addressing a conference on the new LIFE OASIS project, titled “Guardians of the Ocean – Together for Sustainable Fisheries and Marine Turtle Conservation.”

This project builds upon the country’s efforts in marine conservation by fostering collaboration between fishers, scientists, and conservationists. Fishers possess invaluable knowledge on the subject, and this collaboration will ensure that their experience forms the foundation for sustainable fishing practices.

Parliamentary Secretary Alicia Bugeja Said emphasised the importance of balancing marine life protection with the needs of fishing communities. “This conference is proof of how fishers from Malta, Sicily, and the Balearic Islands are committed to safeguarding marine biodiversity while ensuring the sustainability of our fisheries.”

She explained that the government is working with fishers to implement practices that reduce bycatch and minimise the impact of fishing on marine ecosystems. She further stated that “sustainable fisheries are not only an environmental issue but also a responsibility toward coastal communities and future generations.”

She also highlighted the importance of collaboration between scientists, fishing communities, and the general public.

The Parliamentary Secretary also spoke about the crucial role of Fish Aggregating Devices when it comes to fishing, which holds ecological value for Maltese fishers and the entire region, and explained how this practice not only allows for targeted and sustainable fishing of certain species but also provides a livelihood for fishers and contributes to food security in the Mediterranean.

“This government remains committed to creating solutions that benefit both marine biodiversity and those who depend on the sea for their livelihood,” concluded Parliamentary Secretary Bugeja Said.

The conference was also addressed by the Director of Nature Trust Malta, Vincent Attard, who is leading this project.

He explained that LIFE OASIS will also assist dolphinfish fishers in adopting advanced technologies that enhance sustainability. He said that fishing rafts will be equipped with echo-sounder sensors, enabling continuous monitoring of fish stocks. “This will help optimise resource use, reduce fuel consumption, and improve the efficiency of fishing operations.”

“We are proud to launch LIFE OASIS in Malta, a country dedicated to marine conservation and sustainable fisheries. This conference provides an important platform for conservation and collective action towards the Mediterranean marine ecosystem,” concluded Mr Attard.?

Photo: DOI/Pierre Sammut

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