Malta Launches EU-Funded Project To Diversify Aquaculture Species
The Parliamentary Secretary for Fisheries, Aquaculture and Animal Rights, Alicia Bugeja Said, together with the CEO of the Aquatic Resources Malta Agency, Dr Frank Fabri, launched the project Species Diversification for Maltese Aquaculture. This project is co-financed by the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF).
The project aims to address the vulnerability of the aquaculture sector through closed-cycle breeding. Currently, this is being carried out with two species – sea bream and sea bass – and the process is producing around 2,500 tonnes per year of these species.
Through this project, two new species – amberjack and red porgy – will be introduced. The project will also develop closed-cycle breeding protocols for high-value fish species. For this purpose, the Agency has equipped the pump room and aquatic facilities as necessary so that different species can transition through each stage of the process. The procurement of amberjack and red porgy was carried out through a public call.
Parliamentary Secretary Alicia Bugeja Said praised the work being carried out by the Agency. “Aquaculture is a priority for this Government and we demonstrated this when we established this Agency. Through projects like these, we continue to show how we are supporting this sector. Through the Agency’s work, we will strengthen the resilience, sustainability and competitiveness of the local sector,” stated the Parliamentary Secretary.
Parliamentary Secretary Bugeja Said also expressed satisfaction with the Agency’s investments to continue developing and providing training for employees, including through partnerships with the private sector. She added that this training will also eventually lead to the use of sea cages for the growth and eventual hatching of amberjack.
“The Agency’s mission is to strengthen this sector, both through quality research and by positioning fisheries and aquaculture strategically for sustainable development. This project reflects the Agency’s commitment and is a crucial step forward in strengthening national capacity in aquaculture. The project is also the result of collective dedication and we look forward to more initiatives in favour of the sector’s sustainability,” The CEO of the Agency, Dr Frank Fabri, said.
Dr Jurgen Mifsud, scientist and researcher at the Agency, explained that the project will introduce advanced technologies, such as automated monitoring systems, as well as fish feed including probiotics and microalgae. He went on to explain that standardised protocols will be developed for each species, applicable both locally and in other European coastal areas. He also mentioned that toward the end of the project, educational sessions and workshops will be offered to students and professionals in the sector.
Mark Vella, Head of Communications of the European Commission Representation of Malta, praised the project for bringing together innovation and sustainability in favour of aquaculture diversity. He noted that on Europe Day, this research project launched by Aquatic Resources Malta is an example of how the European Commission, of which Malta is a member, makes a real impact and serves the interests of European citizens by promoting diversity in aquaculture.