PRESS RELEASE BY THE PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARIAT FOR FISHERIES, AQUACULTURE AND ANIMAL RIGHTS Malta continues to emphasize the need to attract more youths to the fisheries sector

During the Agriculture and Fisheries Council in Brussels, the Parliamentary Secretary for Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Animal Rights Alicia Bugeja Said reaffirmed Malta’s position on the fisheries sector.

The Council discussed various topics, including the future of the EU’s Common Fisheries Policy, the regulatory framework of the sector, and the need for increased financial support for investments in the industry. The European Commission also introduced a new campaign aimed at promoting aquaculture, highlighting its benefits for EU citizens and its economic and social impact.

In her intervention, Parliamentary Secretary Alicia Bugeja Said highlighted the importance of attracting more youths to the fisheries sector. In this regard, she emphasized that the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) should provide a dedicated allocation of funds to incentivize young individuals to work in the sector. This would help ensure continuity while also enhancing the industry’s competitiveness.

Regarding EU regulations and their impact on local fisheries, the parliamentary secretary stressed the need for legislation that reflects Malta’s realities, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach that does not account for differences between Member States.

Another key issue discussed at the Council was the need for simplification within the sector’s regulatory framework, as fishermen often face excessive bureaucracy and an overwhelming number of forms to fill out. In this regard, the Parliamentary Secretary called on the EU to introduce greater flexibility and streamlining of procedures related to fisheries.

Parliamentary Secretary Alicia Bugeja Said concluded that “We remain committed to pushing forward our country’s position so that, together with other Member States, we can address the challenges sector is facing to ensure a resilient fisheries industry that continues to operate successfully.”