Trawling in Malta's fisheries zone

Trawling in designated areas within the conservation areas will be allowed, although the total trawling capacity within the 25-mile zone should not increase from its present level. The size limitation of trawlers has been set at 24 metres. This means that only trawlers smaller than 24 metres will be allowed to trawl in the conservation area and within this area trawling can only take place in the areas that are specifically designated for trawling.

As a further restriction, in areas where the depth of the sea floor is less than 200 metres, such as the Hurd Bank, apart from being smaller than 24 metres, trawlers must also have an engine capacity that does not exceed 250 hp (horse power). Again, there can be no further registration of trawlers, both local or foreign that can fish in the zone.