Malta To Enforce Random Observer Coverage On Bluefin Vesselsff

The Rural Affairs and Resources Ministry last week stated that Maltese fishermen are requested to obey EU rules –nothing more and nothing less– and insisted that it will ensure that Malta’s obligations are fulfilled.

In a statement, the ministry replied to a press conference held on Saturday by the Fishing Cooperative about the implementation of the EU rules stipulating that independent observers have to be present on a number of fishing boats that catch tuna.

In its statement, the ministry pointed out that the Maltese government consistently defended the rights of Maltese fishermen to have an adequate quota of tuna even though stricter measures have been introduced to safeguard the species from illegal fishing.
 
However, it added, as an EU member state, the Maltese government is obliged to respect European Commission regulations. Part of these measures call for independent observers, paid for by the individual member states that go out with a number of fishing boats chosen by lot. The ministry pointed out that if Malta fails to respect these regulations, then any tuna caught by Maltese fishermen cannot be exported or brought back to shore as it will be considered as illegal fishing. The ministry also said that the Fishing Department held several meetings with the Fishing Cooperative and replied to each issue brought up in these meetings.

Furthermore, it added, thanks to the ministry, representatives of Maltese fishermen held an informal meeting with the European Commissioner Joe Borg during his brief stay in Malta this week. During the meeting, the fishermen were assured that the EU was not discriminating against them and that the Commission’s rules were equal for all.

However, the ministry also reassured the cooperative that, if there is any proof of discrimination against Maltese fishermen then it will defend their rights in all European and international forums.