Draft aquaculture strategy launched for public consultation
Resource minister launches the draft aquaculture strategy for public consultation which intends to increase investment and improve economical diversification.
Resource and rural affairs Minister George Pullicino said that there needs to be bigger investment in aquaculture because it could contribute economical diversification. “We need to invest and identify what is required in order to grow in this sector. Malta is already ahead in some areas when compared with other countries and further investment could create numerous opportunities.”
Pullicino today launched the Draft aquaculture strategy for public consultation at the National Aquaculture Center (NAC). “It is important to acknowledge the ongoing research in a field which up until the nineties did not exist in Malta. Our main interest is to move from primary research and fattening of fish to breeding Closed Cycle Species on a commercial basis.”
The strategy report was prepared by the University of Stirling in Scotland and proposals were based on the strengths and opportunities already found in Malta.
Aquaculture consultant Robert Vassallo Agius explained that strengths included an experienced offshore sector with the scope for expansion and a relative proximity to Italian market. “Malta is also the leader in the development of amberjack for aquaculture and has well established international research links. Our position is also considered favourable as it is on the migratory route for tuna while we have a versatile, adaptable and competent fishing workforce.”
Vassallo Agius said that the opportunities for Malta included developing a leading position in the culture, processing or marketing of amberjack as well as continuing to play a major role in the blue-fin tuna industry (CCS feasibility). “Malta has the opportunity to develop premium value added products based on ‘new’ species, introduce quality control schemes, branding and market development and become a d leading centre for offshore aquaculture development,” Vassallo Agius said.
The goal is to increase Closed Cycle Species (CCS) which would result in breeding fish from beginning to finish instead of Capture Based as is tuna. Malta currently focuses upon importing tuna to be fattened and eventually exported.
“The objectives of the proposed strategy for aquaculture in Malta include improved regulation, improved operation, improved environmental monitoring and better innovation,” Pullicino said.
The minister said that the European Union had a deficit regarding fish which will continue to increase without investment in aquaculture because money will continue to go to third world countries to export the 70% of fish. “Malta can contribute to reducing the deficit both from a financial perspective and food security.”
The industry currently employees around 2,000 persons directly and indirectly and this could be increased further according to Pullicino.
The Draft Aquaculture Strategy for Malta can be downloaded from the Ministry of Resources and Rural Affairs website.
The document will be open for public consultation for the next six weeks to all stakeholders, including the fishing community.