The Fisheries Department today released some 20 blue fin tuna from a fishfarm off il-Hofriet.

The fish, which collectively weighed around 2.5 tonnes, had to be released because they were over the 100 tonne limit authorised to be housed in that particular cage.

Anthony Gruppetta, the director general for vessel regulation and fisheries regulation and control said the farm, operated by Fish & Fish, was recently asked to release the fish.

Although the operators would have preferred to keep it, they fully collaborated with the authorities during the release operation.

Tal-Hofriet farm is one of seven tuna farms in Maltese waters.