A fisherman who had 850 kilograms of tuna confiscated needlessly in 2013 as part of a police investigation into theft from fish farms is seeking compensation for the damages he suffered.

Michael Carabott, 37, from Zejtun filed a judicial protest against the Police Commissioner complaining that the confiscation and the effect this had on his tuna quota imposed by the Fisheries Department was jeopardising his family's livelihood.

He explained that the police had started an investigation into theft of tuna from pens in October 2013.

He had been approached as he was out at sea and the 850 kilograms of tuna he had caught was confiscated from his fishing boat.

However, despite a magisterial inquiry, no criminal proceedings had ever been taken against him. The entire catch was exhibited as part of the inquiry and he was informed that this was eventually destroyed.

He called on the Police Commissioner to pay him damages suffered.

Lawyers Veronique Dalli and Dean Hili signed the protest.