"This project not only strengthens research and development, but also reinforces Malta's position as a leading centre in the Mediterranean in this field," stated Parliamentary Secretary Alicia Bugeja Said.
Photo: Government of Malta
Authorities in Malta have announced the signing of a land transfer agreement which will enable the development of the Mediterranean country's first research centre dedicated to aquaculture and fisheries.
The deal, announced by Malta's Ministry for Culture, Lands and Local Government and the Parliamentary Secretariat for Fisheries, Aquaculture and Animal Rights, involves the transfer of public land, currently managed by the Lands Authority, to the government agency Aquatic Resources Malta, for the construction of the facility.
As part of the agreement, management of the historic Fort San Luċjan in the traditional fishing town of Marsaxlokk, which currently houses an aquaculture and marine biology research station, will be transferred to aquaculture and fisheries research agency.
At an official event marking the handover, Malta's Minister for the National Heritage, the Arts and Local Government Owen Bonnici said the transfer would serve an important purpose in key sectors where the country is investing, and added that such projects are intended not only to raise the standard of research in Malta, but also to create “new and quality jobs.”
“It is important that we continue to invest in research in favour of aquaculture and fisheries. Projects like these show the Government’s commitment to strengthening the maritime sectors in a sustainable and innovative way," stated Parliamentary Secretary for Fisheries, Aquaculture and Animal Rights Alicia Bugeja Said, via a press release.
"The better use of public property to create the first research centre in aquaculture and fisheries is an important step that will reflect economic growth, creation of quality jobs and investment in local talent. This project not only strengthens research and development, but also reinforces Malta's position as a leading centre in the Mediterranean in this field," she added.
Aquatic Resources Malta, which began operations in 2024 led by Chief Executive Dr Frank Fabri, is already involved in several research and innovation projects in support of Malta’s fisheries and aquaculture sectors, having already carried out renovations and research at the Fort San Luċjan site, most recently installing a new "state-of-the-art" pump room enabling continuous filtration of seawater.
EU Commissioner Costas Kadis aboard the Ocean Sentinel, a Mediterranean surveillance vessel operated under the European Fisheries Control Agency, used to monitor fishing activity and enforce regulations.
The announcement comes after a two-day official visit to Malta in June by European Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, Costas Kadis, which the government described as a "productive" step forward in EU–Malta cooperation in the fisheries and aquaculture sectors.
Commissioner Kadis was accompanied on the visit by the Maltese Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights Anton Refalo and Parliamentary Secretary Alicia Bugeja Said.
As part of the visit, which included engaging with local fishermen and inspecting a Mediterranean fisheries surveillance vessel, the Ocean Sentinel, Kadis toured the Aquatic Resources Malta facilities and reviewed EU-funded aquaculture projects alongside Minister for European Funds Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi. He also visited a local fish farm "to see sustainable aquaculture practices in action," government officials said.
“This visit was an important opportunity to give a stronger voice to the needs and challenges of our fishers within the European institutions. As a small country with a rich maritime heritage, Malta continues to work to safeguard the interests of our fishers, particularly those from Gozo and Malta, who are at the heart of this sector," Minister Refalo said, via a press release.
"Our commitment remains to defend and strengthen their position in European fora, to continue promoting sustainable fishing based on scientific evidence, and to be on the frontline in addressing challenges such as climate change. In this context, Malta will continue to deepen its cooperation with the European Commission to ensure that EU policies remain sensitive to the realities and livelihoods of our people," Refalo added.