Malta To Establish First National Research Centre For Aquaculture And Fisheries
The Minister for National Heritage, the Arts and Local Government, Owen Bonnici and the Parliamentary Secretary for Fisheries, Aquaculture and Animal Rights, Alicia Bugeja Said, were present for the signing of an agreement between the Lands Department and the Aquatic Resources Malta agency.
Through the transfer of land currently under the responsibility of the Lands Department, Malta will now begin the process that will lead to the development of its first ever Research Centre for Aquaculture and Fisheries. This land transfer will strengthen international-level research through a new centre equipped with the best tools, skills and resources needed by these sectors.
Minister Owen Bonnici explained that through the transfer of public land in Triq il-Barrakki, Marsaxlokk, to Aquatic Resources Malta, this property will serve a key purpose in areas that Malta is investing in. This not only enhances research capabilities, but such investment will also lead to the creation of new, high-quality jobs.
As part of this investment synergy in the fields of aquaculture and fisheries, the Fort of San Luċjan in Marsaxlokk will fall under the responsibility of the Aquatic Resources Malta agency. The Fort will continue serving its current functions related to aquaculture and fisheries research.
Minister Bonnici emphasised the Government’s commitment to ensuring that public land and property are utilised in the best possible way – for the benefit of better quality of life for Maltese and Gozitan families, for the strengthening of the economy across all sectors and for the creation of greater prosperity for all.
“It is crucial that we continue to invest in research supporting aquaculture and fisheries. Projects such as this demonstrate our Government’s commitment to strengthening maritime sectors in a sustainable and innovative manner. The improved use of public property to create Malta’s first research centre in aquaculture and fisheries is a key step that will reflect economic growth, quality job creation, and investment in local talent,” Parliamentary Secretary Alicia Bugeja Said stated.
“This project not only strengthens research and development but also positions Malta as a leading hub in the Mediterranean in this sector,” she concluded.
The Aquatic Resources Malta agency, led by Chief Executive Dr Frank Fabri, began operations in 2024. As an entity, it carries out numerous research and innovation projects that aim to boost the local fisheries and aquaculture sectors.
Having already undertaken and continuing to undertake, various upgrades and research initiatives at the Fort of San Luċjan, the agency will now assume responsibility for the process that will ultimately lead to the construction of the first new research centre for aquaculture and fisheries built to the highest standards. This will enable the agency, on behalf of the Maltese Government, to achieve the ambitious targets outlined in Vision 2050.
This agreement involves the transfer of public property currently under the Lands Department. Through this agreement, Malta will for the first time have a dedicated Aquaculture and Fisheries Research Centre. This much-needed research will become a reality thanks to a state-of-the-art facility with the tools, skills and resources these sectors require.