Revenue for fishermen last year increased by 36 per cent, an increase of more than Lm651,000, the National Statistics Office said yesterday.
In the last quarter of 2005 revenue for fishermen increased by 50 per cent, compared to the same period in 2004.
This increase was due to a larger catch of bluefin tuna and swordfish at better prices. The volume of sword fish landings increased threefold.
The total fish landings for 2005 amounted to 1,336,881 kilograms, an increase of 25.2 per cent, when compared to 1,067,822 kilograms of fresh fish which were landed in the year 2004. The two major species which were responsible for this increase were blue fin tuna landings, which increased by 32.3 per cent and sword fish landings which recorded an increase of 85.4 per cent. The wholesale value of fish landings increased from Lm1,826,101 in 2004 to Lm2,477,854 in 2005, an increase of Lm651,753 or 35.7 per cent.
Rural Affairs and Environment Minister George Pullicino said the increase in revenue should encourage fishermen to look ahead with optimism.
“The government will continue to work towards a sustainable future for the fishing industry,†said Mr. Pullicino.