European Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, Costas Kadis, has just completed a two-day official visit to Malta, which the Government said, is “further strengthening collaboration between Malta and the European Union in the fisheries and aquaculture sectors.”

During his visit, the European Commissioner was accompanied by the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights, Anton Refalo, and Parliamentary Secretary for Fisheries, Aquaculture and Animal Rights, Alicia Bugeja.

Commissioner Kadis had the opportunity to have a first-hand look at Malta’s “ongoing efforts to ensure sustainable fisheries” through a visit to the Ocean Sentinel, a key surveillance vessel operating in the Mediterranean under the European Fisheries Control Agency.

Officials from Malta and EU Member States work together on board the Ocean Sentinel to monitor fishing vessels. The Commissioner witnessed the vessel’s operations, which play a vital role in enforcing EU and international fisheries regulations and protecting the interests of Maltese and Gozitan fishermen.

The Commissioner also visited the fishing village of Marsaxlokk, where he met several local fishermen and engaged in an open dialogue about the opportunities and challenges facing the sector. The Government said that “this dialogue provided valuable insights into the realities of the Maltese fishing community and also highlighted the work carried out by the Government to continue supporting fishermen and our country’s commitment towards sustainable practices.”

Commissioner Kadis toured the Aquatic Resources Malta facilities, where he learned about the latest research and innovation in aquaculture. Present for this visit was Minister for European Funds Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi, as the European Commissioner was shown EU-funded projects being implemented by the Agency. He went on to visit a local fish farm to see sustainable aquaculture practices in action.

The Government said that Commissioner Kadis’s visit marks another important step in the ongoing partnership between Malta and the European Union, highlighting the shared commitment to sustainable fisheries and the protection of marine resources.

Minister Anton Refalo stated, “This visit was an important opportunity to give a stronger voice to the needs and challenges of our fishers within the European institutions. As a small country with a rich maritime heritage, Malta continues to work to safeguard the interests of our fishers, particularly those from Gozo and Malta, who are at the heart of this sector.”

He stressed that “our commitment remains to defend and strengthen their position in European fora, to continue promoting sustainable fishing based on scientific evidence, and to be on the frontline in addressing challenges such as climate change. In this context, Malta will continue to deepen its cooperation with the European Commission to ensure that EU policies remain sensitive to the realities and livelihoods of our people.”

Parliamentary Secretary Alicia Bugeja Said emphasised Malta’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding the interests of Maltese fishermen while promoting sustainability.

“The Maltese Government, in close cooperation with the European Commission, remains dedicated to supporting our fishing communities and ensuring that our seas are managed responsibly for future generations. Commissioner Kadis’s visit is a testament to our shared vision for a thriving and sustainable fisheries sector,” Bugeja Said stated.

Photo: DOI

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