The Parliamentary Secretary for Fisheries, Aquaculture and Animal Rights, Alicia Bugeja Said, announced the first eight approved projects from six beneficiaries under the Aquaculture Fund, representing an investment of eighty thousand euro. The signing ceremony followed the call for applications issued earlier this year, which closed at the end of July and yielded ten proposals from educational institutions and NGOs.
The selected projects promote environmental awareness, encourage children to explore careers in the sector, and contribute to the growth of the blue economy.
The Parliamentary Secretary stated that the fund is generating real opportunities for innovation and sustainability in aquaculture and the marine environment, reflecting strong commitment from educational and community organisations.
Acting Director General for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Bjorn Azzopardi, explained that the fund was established following legal amendments in 2023, whereby part of the annual fees paid by aquaculture operators goes directly into the fund. It finances projects by students, educational entities, NGOs and public bodies up to a maximum of ten thousand euro over a period of up to two years.
The Parliamentary Secretary concluded that this collective investment strengthens the foundations of Malta's blue economy and promotes a culture centred on environmental responsibility.
The beneficiaries are:
Coast is Clear Foundation - Marine Environmental Awareness and Clean-up Campaign;
Għaqda Mużikali Beland AD 1861 - Symphony of the Sea;
MCAST - Enhancing Sustainable Aquaculture in Malta through Recirculating Aquaponics and Groundwater Reuse for Food Security;
Nature Trust - Pilot Study on the Feasibility of Co-culturing the Sea Urchin Paracentrotus lividus with Commercial Fish Species in Maltese Fish Farms;
St Joseph Band Club - Għaxaq - Educating our Communities about the Marine Ecosystem, its Biodiversity and the Benefits that Food Derived from our Seas have on our Health;
Żibel - Project Qabda, Project Extend u Project Pontus.