Fishing in the high seas

I was disturbed to learn that the Libyan Jamahiriya has declared a considerable part of the Mediterranean Sea a conservation zone. It transpires that the area of sea falling within the ambit of this zone has historically been regarded as Maltese fishing grounds. Over the last few years fishing, especially tuna penning, has evolved into a multi-million dollar mega industry. It is no secret that a substantial part of the Maltese catch emanates from this part of the Mediterranean Sea.

The idea of creating a conservation zone is supposedly intended at protecting fauna and marine life. Not so, it seems, the subtle intentions behind the Libyans' move. In fact it has been widely reported in the media that the Libyan authorities' declaration regarding this substantial area of sea could well be intended merely as a pretext for furthering commercial and economic ambitions. It is not simply rumoured but almost ascertained that one of the Libyan leader's sons could well be behind this move.

As it happens the said Libyan leader's son has huge business interests in the fishing industry. Undoubtedly such interests can be further safeguarded by acquiring a monopoly on this huge mass of sea and this, to the detriment of Maltese fishermen and this is not right.

This issue has certainly been raised in the highest echelons of the Maltese government. The Prime Minister is acting correctly in this delicate diplomatic issue when he exercises utmost caution. Malta treasures its optimal close relations with the Libyan state.

In fact, over the last few months there has been a great effort from our side to further enhance our close ties with our important neighbour. In this regard it is worth remembering that within a very short period of time the Prime Minister himself led a high-powered delegation to Libya culminating in a summit with the Libyan leader himself.

This important delegation was followed by a parliamentary delegation composed of members of the House European and Foreign Affairs Committee, on which I sit.

From experience I can state that I was immensely impressed with the cordiality shown to us by the Libyan authorities and we were given the opportunity to meet practically the entire Libyan Cabinet, from the Prime Minister downwards. This clearly emphasises the importance the Libyans give to our country which, after all, in the past has shown its eagerness to support and assist Libya even in the most important international fora. In hard times Malta always proved to be Libya's friend. I have no doubt that Libya not only recognises this but is grateful to Malta's not so insignificant role in promoting Libya's full integration and the normalisation of its relations with the international community.

On our part, the Maltese authorities are more than keen to further increase not only our mutual relations from a political perspective but, more so, from an economic one. It is no secret that Libya at the moment is virgin territory for investment and we would be more than grateful if Libya, as it did in the past, would continue to promote Maltese investments.

The unilateral declaration we speak about therefore came somewhat as a surprise for Malta. Losing a substantial portion of our fishing grounds is no small matter and, therefore, is an issue which has to be duly addressed. Notwithstanding our smallness we must not be cowed into submission.

The Mediterranean Sea is our sea as much as it belongs to other Mediterranean countries. No one in this day and age can claim this sea as Mare Nostrum as used to happen in the past.

The zoning of territorial waters is to be regulated by international law and the high seas are there to be utilised universally by mankind.

Beneficial for us is the fact that the European Union commissioner responsible for such matters is no other than Joe Borg. In this regard one would hope the EU commissioner will use his influence and leave no stone unturned in order to resolve this pressing issue.

The Prime Minister was politically correct in the circumstances by stating that the Libyan declaration concerning the conservation zone is best dealt with at a European level. This is not only due to our diminutive political clout but also because logically the EU, as a whole, could be in a far better position to reach a settlement with the Libyan government than our country on its own would.

For years we have been promised that Malta's entry into the EU will signify in practical terms more political muscle. The crisis in question should definitely prove this correct.

Dr Herrera is a Labour member of Parliament.