PRESS RELEASE BY THE PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARIAT FOR FISHERIES, AQUACULTURE AND ANIMAL RIGHTS: Tuna Season officially opens

First tuna catch brought into St Paul’s Bay

On Wednesday afternoon, the first tuna fish of the year, weighing an average of 180 kilograms, was brought into St Paul’s Bay, officially marking the start of the tuna season.

During this season, the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture is offering a free 24-hour offloading service from the Marsaxlokk quay to facilitate the work of fishermen when they return with their catch. This service is being provided through a modern crawling crane, financed by the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) — another initiative promoting modernization and sustainability in the fisheries sector.

The Parliamentary Secretary for Fisheries, Aquaculture and Animal Rights, Alicia Bugeja Said, emphasised, “The arrival of the first tuna represents an important moment for our fishing community who work with dedication at sea. Through tangible investments such as the free offloading service and the modern equipment funded by European funds, we are ensuring that our fishermen are equipped with everything they need to work more efficiently, safely, and sustainably.”

She commended all fishermen for their hard work and dedication and concluded by saying, “Our fishermen are an essential part of our country’s maritime wealth and deserve everyone’s appreciation. Hence why this government remains committed to strengthening maritime infrastructure and continuing to support the fisheries sector, which is an integral part of our identity and economy.”