PRESS RELEASE BY THE PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARIAT FOR YOUTH, RESEARCH AND INNOVATION AND THE PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARIAT FOR FISHERIES, AQUACULTURE AND ANIMAL RIGHTS

OurOBS Project: The first 360° mapping of Maltese waters aboard R/V Gaia Blu

Parliamentary Secretary Keith Azzopardi Tanti, together with Parliamentary Secretary Alicia Bugeja Said, visited the OurOBS (Our OBServations) project aboard the R/V Gaia Blu – an oceanographic research vessel.

The project, led by MCAST in collaboration with the Aquatic Resources Malta Agency and supported by Malta Council for Science and Technology (Xjenza Malta) and Italy’s Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), aims to carry out the first 360-degree mapping of the physical and biochemical structure of the water column around the Maltese Islands. This initiative will contribute to a deeper understanding of marine dynamics and their links with coastal ecosystems and small pelagic fish, while also providing a scientific basis for sustainable fishing practices and marine management.

In his remarks during the visit, the Parliamentary Secretary for Youth, Research and Innovation, Keith Azzopardi Tanti, said, “The Maltese seas are 14 times larger than our land, and therefore we are committed to continuing to monitor and manage our seas sustainably. Through this project, we are building the knowledge base required for sustainable fishing, stronger coastal communities, and future generations. This collaboration reflects the Malta Vision 2050 and our commitment to being not only users of the sea, but also its responsible custodians.”

Parliamentary Secretary for Fisheries, Aquaculture and Animal Rights, Alicia Bugeja Said, emphasised, “This project is an important step forward for Malta to continue strengthening its capacity to sustainably understand our marine resources. As an island, it is crucial that we invest in solid information to guide our decisions on fishing, aquaculture, and the conservation of the marine environment. This initiative highlights the importance of science and collaboration in building a resilient and sustainable blue economy. As a Government, and as part of Malta Vision 2050, we are committed to continuing to support these efforts and ensuring that Malta contributes to regional and European efforts towards more sustainable seas and the smarter use of our resources.”

For his part, Professor Aldo Drago, Principal Investigator of the project, said “This oceanographic research vessel represents a fundamental step towards adopting an ecosystem-based approach to fisheries management, which goes beyond basic monitoring to include repeated observations and detailed studies of marine environmental dynamics. This will allow us to better understand fish stocks, monitor ecosystem health, and ultimately guide sustainable fishing practices for the future.”

During the visit, contributions were also made by Simona Genovese (CNR), Chief Executive of Aquatic Resources Malta Dr Francis Fabri, and MCAST Principal and CEO Stephen Vella. They underlined the scientific and educational scope of the project, including the participation of MCAST students on board the R/V Gaia Blu to gain direct experience with the technologies used in marine research.

The project also offered a public awareness opportunity, as the vessel opened its doors to visitors to experience the advanced equipment and methods used on this oceanographic research ship. This outreach initiative, supported by Valletta Cruise Port, aimed to stimulate greater interest in marine science and environmental conservation.

The findings and preliminary results of the OurOBS project will be disseminated in the coming months, with the data made accessible for scientific use and for the development of evidence-based policy, in support of the sustainable management of Malta’s seas