Discussion on Marine Protected Areas

[Granitu]

thanks for your response but after learning how things work in Malta, this is a country where you can trust no one.

The code of practice should be extended to all areas not just Cirkewwa. Being a fellow spearfishing myself and an avid fisherman, I know for sure that there are richer places in fauna and fish than cirkewwa and by far!!!

one should protect his own interest but it is not enough. It has to be extended further and governments matter only money. I work in the accountancy profession I know myself how flexible the authorities can be to clients (thank god it is this way).

"The sea is NO ONES exclusive property, so of all the passionate things you mention I would disagree with you on one matter..you cannot ask that the part time fishermen category be removed. They have as much right to use the sea as we have. I also understand that the (is it the MFA?? ) have got sustainable fishing practices based on local fisheries regulations as part of their statute. "

True but the system is being heavily abused and I reported such abuses, i cannot say what I found because there are lawsuits going on.

To curb abuse at times, you need to restrict the law. To be further informed, one good thing that the government will be doing intention is to to eliminate part time fisherman and degrade them to MFC. MFC rights will be extended but what part time fisherman are doing at times is they declare up to their mimmum to retain their license and sell through black market the other fish.

 
 I have sensitive date I compiled for a particular job that shows a very particular trend. The data is also in the authorities possession.

[Granitu]

correction : Part time fisherman rights will be revamped and structured in a similar ruling to MFC regulations. Minimum Quota structure is likely to be eliminated. Part-time fishing will be allowed but at different conditions.

[malvizzu]

Afterall politicians and governmnet always give priority to hobbies having a high economic activity.

With the exception of hunters. The hunting community generates thousands of Euros each year in shotguns, ammunition, accessories, etc. but still the only thing we achieved from the government is a high increase in licence and a crackdown on the hunting days 

[Antonio Anastasi]

we can only be frustrated. No one comes and help us when we report illegal net fishing in MSkala, Kalkara, Birzebbuga, St Pauls Bay .... and other areas.
I have been personally on the phone in delicate hours to report such irregularities and sometimes police tend to make fun of you also.

Goverment has no money to spend in fuel and has no boats to patrol, such illegal activities which are being done in early hours or even night hours.

Cirkewwa stand to be different ........ the place generates money so we take care of it and try to impress tourists. this also applies to some other places where you go diving.

Most of the amateur fishing people are very much in favour of conservation.

this forum also have a special number to report illegal fishing but we do not get help. There are also fishing clubs that have been practising catch and release for more than 15 years ..... what do we get?

Placebo. I can understand your frustration. I have spoken to personell in the enforcement section both ALE and AFM and I think they are as frustrated as we are. They cannot be everywhere and they are over stretched and undermanned and under equipped.

The best that you can do is to get organized. Talk to other fishermen and anglers that feel the same way you do and get a wave moving. Put pressure on the government. You represent a lot of votes.

Unfortunately here in Malta, it is in our DNA structure to wait for the government to do something.... NO MORE..now is the time to take the bull by the horn and carry our responsibilities.

Get organized. Photographic and video evidence are acceptable. Just check with the ALE or AFM what is required in way of proof.

I am sure that if we dedicated as much energy to getting organized as we do complaining or pointing fingers we can get, ion the least VOLUNTARY based protection and enforcement in a short time frame.

[placebo]

if you browse this forum you will see evidence. We never got any help ...... I see your point and that is the way I also think but unfortunately we did not get any help. Personally i phoned on several occasions. I recall one time calling the police in birzebbuga they came to the spot shouting for the man on the boat and he did not give any notice and they left the place.
On another time they joked at me saying that there was nothing illegal.
Another time i called directly ALE , i was transferred to Police GHQ in Floriana and then the line dropped after keeping on mobile for around 10 minutes.
We have everything set up on the forum all we need is help from authorities. But it looks like we never going to get it. Just visit fishmarkets, restaurants and you see .... undersized fish everywhere (maybe it stops for a week but then it continues)

Anyway i am PRO for Kingfisher Sport Fishing Association and action from our side all we can do is practice catch and release and teach future kids and members who join all about the fun of sportfishing. At least we are playing our part ... then when maybe the time comes authorities will start thinking different but I am very negative on this thing happening.

[Granitu]

Afterall politicians and governmnet always give priority to hobbies having a high economic activity.

With the exception of hunters. The hunting community generates thousands of Euros each year in shotguns, ammunition, accessories, etc. but still the only thing we achieved from the government is a high increase in licence and a crackdown on the hunting days 

Malvizzu I have nothing about hunting but hunters abused heavily of their position and targeted birds which are proteced by law. Still more could have been done.

What the fishing community can provide is tourism during peak times. I believe that in order that amateur sport fisherman will ever be considered, the fishing community has to prove the possibility to generate sufficient funds for the government to

Protect the fishing community
Profit... through taxes.... from it...