[WATCH] New fish market opens in Marsa

The new EU-standard facility will be operational as from Monday • Video by Ray Attard

A new fish market was opened this morning in Marsa.

Parliamentary Secretary for Fisheries, Roderick Galdes said that this new facility is essential to the seller, operator and the consumer.

During his short speech, Galdes explained how the fishing sector suffered a huge shock when Malta joined the European Union because the Maltese fishermen suddenly had to compete with other countries.

Galdes said that the government is also building a landing facility. During the previous administration, the PL Opposition had criticized the Nationalist government for building a new fish market in a place that is not accessible by sea.

Prime Minister Joseph Muscat said that the new €3.8 million facility is of a high European standard. “Modernizing this facility means a better and safer environment for the workers and buyers alike,” Muscat added.

He called upon the authorities to accept the modernization process, something that takes time, and insisted that fishermen's concerns and ideas are being heard.

The tradition and modernization of the fishing industry must blend together, the Prime Minister concluded.

The new fish market will begin operation on Monday.