Alternattiva Demokratika – The Green Party said that it is shameful that Malta emerges as the country with by far the highest number of recorded infringements in the bluefin tuna ranching trade in 2010. Infringement reports issued by ICCAT, the international regulator of the bluefin tuna industry, confirm this fact. AD said that such infringements should stop.

Michael Briguglio, AD Chairperson, said, “It is shameful that the Maltese Government keeps playing to the tune of big business interests which are only interested in making as much profit in the shortest timeframe possible, periling tuna populations in the process. The unsustainable fishing of blue fin tuna will not only lead to extinction of this fish unless urgent measures are taken, as recommended by the European Commission, by scientists and environmental NGOs such as WWF and Greenpeace, but will also endanger the livelihood of the majority of Maltese fishermen who use traditional modes of fishing.”

Simon Galea, AD spokesperson for Agriculture and Animal Welfare, added, “AD is very concerned that the Maltese Government is aiming to battle the proposal of the European Commission for cuts in tuna quotas. Such cuts can help ensure the survival of this species in the Mediterranean, and which will guarantee a future for fishermen using traditional and sustainable fishing methods.”

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