A pilot project has been launched so that traditional “imrejkba” (tackle) fishing can be practised again around the Maltese Islands
Launched by the Parliamentary Secretary for Fisheries, Aquaculture and Animal Rights Alicia Bugeja Said, it comes after consultation meetings with different stakeholders, primarily with fishermen and concerned entities.
The Parliamentary Secretary said that, a holistic plan has been prepared that includes all the aspects and necessary information for the fishermen to have peace of mind while boat fishing.
The meetings showed that there are still many recreational fishermen who are interested in continuing to practice this hobby. Therefore a “concrete plan was drawn up to keep this tradition alive, as well as to be practised in a correct and regularised way,” the Parliamentary Secretary said.
The Director of Fisheries Gilbert Balzan said that the definition of the word “imrejkba” is traditional and recreational fishing. This type of traditional fishing was actually created by Maltese and Gozitan recreational fishermen and it has been used for decades.
Mr Balzan explained that this fishing rod has a triangle shape made of reeds, plastic pipes, logs, wood or plastic bottles resting on straw. It is shaped like a triangle to cut through the water and keep moving forward. In the centre of the triangle is a mast with a brightly coloured sail and marked with an identification number.
The pilot project includes 16 specially allocated areas where this method of fishing can be carried out and also where one can equip their “mrejkba” with the amount of hooks as established.
It can’t be practised from sea craft and must not be extended over 250 metres from the shore.
Everything is explained in the logbook provided to the fisherman when they register with the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture. Through the logbook, information will be collected on the capture of the species, in honour of the principle of sustainability.
For more information, please call the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture on 2292 6876.
Photo: DOI/Clifton Fenech