Environment, Energy, Agriculture and Fisheries

The Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture is responsible from the fisheries and aquaculture sector, taking care first and foremost the fishing vessel registrations and control of the sector. Furthermore, it undergoes studies and reporting as a means of surveillance on the fish stock. The Department is lead by the Director General and a Director responsible from Fisheries and another responsible from Aquaculture.

Due to the individual growth in gross tonnage of the Maltese fishing fleet the Hard Standing Facility (HSF) has been developed with the aim of providing fishermen with the possibility of maintaining their fishing vessels in Malta rather than resort to other nearby countries. The HSF is situated in the fishing village of Marsaxlokk and comprises of a dry standing area of circa 6000 sq. mts. with maximum hoisting capacity of 250 tonnes. Fishermen can book the use of this HSF.Due to the individual growth in gross tonnage of the Maltese fishing fleet the Hard Standing Facility (HSF) has been developed with the aim of providing fishermen with the possibility of maintaining their fishing vessels in Malta rather than resort to other nearby countries. The HSF is situated in the fishing village of Marsaxlokk and comprises of a dry standing area of circa 6000 sq. mts. with maximum hoisting capacity of 250 tonnes. Fishermen can book the use of this HSF.

The operation of vessels registered with the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture can only be carried out by approved masters. Hence, it could be the case that an owner would need to change the current master or add a second for the continuation of fishing activities.