Tunis workshop to discuss fisheries difficulties with Malta

Problems between Tunisian and Maltese fishermen during the lampuki fishing season last year had been followed up at the highest levels, Fisheries Minister Ninu Zammit said.

During a presentation to Gozitan fishermen of funds forming part of the Lm2.5 million financial aid aimed at assisting fishermen improve their operations, Mr Zammit said a workshop on the issue would be held in the Tunisian capital in the coming weeks.

The workshop will include the participation of fisheries officials and technical staff from the two countries and fishermen's representatives from the Xlendi district.

The Tunisian authorities had shown great interest in the problem and wanted to see harmony between the fishermen of the two countries.

The minister said that with European Union membership, the fishing industry would benefit from financial aid under the Financial Instruments Fisheries Guidance - increasing export opportunities as the existing levy on fish exported to the EU would be completely removed.

In Gozo, there are 81 registered vessels used for full-time fishing and another 65 used for part-time fishing.

The minister said proposals submitted for the fishmarket to be modernised and better equipped were currently being considered.