The Fisheries Control Department have contacted me to inform us that Swordfish MAY be kept on board by recreational fishers (S and MFC boats) providing they are a by-catch. As we all know when trolling we do not target a specific species therefore if we hook up a swordfish it's always a by-catch.
Closed season as per commercial (dates to be posted this evening but I think it's 15th October - 15th November), and to date I have not been informed of a minimum size but I emplore that you all use your better judgement and don't keep baby swords.
You must call a landing officer 4 hours before arriving at the designated landing points: Mgarr, Marfa, Valletta and M'Xlokk , full details and contact numbers will be posted this evening.
Keep watching this space for further updates...........
Confirmed season is closed this year from the 1st October to the 30th November.
4hrs before land fall a Landing officer must be advised of the vessels details and the catch, approx weight and number of heads,
Swordfish may only be landed at designated ports:
Marfa/ Cirkkewa contact Mr. Jonathan Cassar 99460164
Marsaxlokk & Valletta Grand Harbour Mr. William Gatt 79332394 or Mr. Joseph Gatt 79835686.
This information is required in order to fufill Malta's obligation to monitor catches of certain species