Parliamentary Secretary for Fisheries, Alicia Bugeja Said, has visited scientists from Aquatic Resources Malta as they conduct the annual Mediterranean International Trawl Survey (MEDITS). The survey is a coordinated, multinational effort to collect vital data on fish populations and the overall health of the marine ecosystem. The findings provide precise information on the abundance and distribution of various species, which is essential for informing sustainable fisheries management policies at both national and European Union levels.
During her visit, Bugeja Said praised the initiative as a testament to the government’s commitment to sustainable fishing, highlighting its alignment with the Malta 2050 Vision for the maritime sector. She explained that such research is crucial for responsibly strengthening the industry’s economic potential. “These studies not only help protect the environment and marine life but also ensure a better future for our fishers and for future generations,” she stated.
Francis Fabri, Chief Executive of Aquatic Resources Malta, elaborated on the operational aspects of the survey, which is part of a wider set of studies the agency conducts for the nation. He explained that the research is performed aboard a vessel equipped with advanced technology, effectively transforming it into a mobile scientific laboratory. Onboard, scientists analyze species gathered through trawling to collect extensive biological data. Fabri added that the team’s work extends beyond the survey’s core requirements to include collecting water samples to study microplastics and taking samples from the seabed, further broadening the scope of their environmental monitoring.
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