Malta Fishing Forum

I received this notification email from the Federation outlining the proposed regulations for the Bluefin Tuna permit for the 2013.

We would very much appreciate our member views on these proposals, your comments and feedback/suggestions.
______________________________________________________________________________

FROM: Federazzjoni ta l-Ghaqdiet tas-Sajjieda Dilettanti Malta

On Monday 25th March 2013 Federation representatives attended a meeting with Fisheries Control Officials regarding Blue Fin Tuna Recreational licences for 2013.

For better control of Blue Fin Tuna catches, the Fisheries Control Department is working on the following new system for Recreational Blue Fin Tuna licence.

Alongi, pastardella, dolphin fish (lampuka) and allied species do not fall under this licence and regulations.

Applications:

   Applications will open around the second week of April for 15 days.
   Late applications will not be accepted.
   All recreational vessels can apply.
   All valid applications will be accepted.
   Season for Recreational Fishermen starts on 16th June up to 16th October 2013.
   All accepted applicants will be grouped in three or four districts (base ports) according to number of applicants.
   Each district will be licensed a number of weeks, e.g. with three districts, each district will have five to six weeks, spread over the period from 16 June to 16 October.

Conditions of Licence:

   A line above 110 mm and specific tuna hook is considered as Tuna gear.
   Such a gear is not allowed on board outside licenced weeks during the period.
   One Tuna per trip
   All accepted applicants going out fishing must inform fisheries control of departure and return to port during the whole period between 16th June 2013 and 16th October 2013, even if they are not going out fishing for Blue Fin Tuna.
   Based on past years reported blue fin tuna catches by licensed recreational fishermen, this year the quota stands at 500 kilos.
   If the above quota is reached, the season for recreational fishermen will be closed at that time even if it is prior to the 16th October.
   The minimum allowable catch size remains at 30Kilos and/or 115cm length.
   Tuna catches cannot be commercialized but used for personal consumption or for charity.

The Federation will be attending further meetings with the Fishing Control Directorate once final dates have been set by the Fishing Directorate.

Another Fu-k up by the Federation in collaboration with the fishing directorate...........Oh well

The weeks per district part is confusing and does not make sense to me. And the 500kg limit is too low since everyone knows that the catches were quite a lot last year.
The other rules can be accepted.

In my opinion, the following points are unacceptable!
   All accepted applicants will be grouped in three or four districts (base ports) according to number of applicants.
   Each district will be licensed a number of weeks, e.g. with three districts, each district will have five to six weeks, spread over the period from 16 June to 16 October.

This will mean that people/groups having more than one boat, will obviously apply from different districts! Why the f**k do we need to be holier than the pope in this country! Can't we just go by eu rules and stop bloody there!!! One tuna within regulation size limits per trip and f**k all!

also what is meant by this?
   All accepted applicants going out fishing must inform fisheries control of departure and return to port during the whole period between 16th June 2013 and 16th October 2013, even if they are not going out fishing for Blue Fin Tuna.

DAMN BS!!!!


Please mates lets wake up!

Happy Easter to all by the way :)

so even if i am going for serran half a mile out i have to tell fisheries.  if they tell me my dates are from 15th Sep to 16th October the sea will probably be rough for the most of that time especially if you dont have a big boat. . and those who have their insurance that expires on the 15 th September and have to take out their boats can not go also.
and also the bag limit is very low. you can not make the conclusions on the past year because last year the applications were not open for everyone but only to those who applied on previous years so if there were only a few people with permits it is logic that a small number of tuna was recorded caught with fisheries.

Yesterday on the news it was reported that a new committee will be formed by the government to discuss the commercial fishing with consultation with commercial fisherman.
Maybe it is time that the Malta Fishing Forum contacts the Government and also asks for a new committee to be formed also for recreational fishing and the forum will be present in this committee. The other Federations have a lot of members that are Part-time so not always they will be truly representing the recreational fisherman.

Joe the Gaffer already started something in his previous posts but we have to give our help if we want our suggestions to be heard

Uzgur... u jekk jien imissni f'settembru u il 500kg ikunu ga intlahqu noqod insaffar?

Din farsa tad districts biz zmien, ala dahluwha?  La hemm il kwota ta 500kg x'sens taghmel?

500Kg jinqabdu qabel ma jkun imissek! Ghax ma ssirx per ezempju 1 tuna per trip (confirmed and measured/weighed by fisheries), 3/4 tuna per season per boat?

Indeed we always have to try and reinvent the wheel and I'm sorry to say get it horribly wrong. We proposed two years ago and again last year that rather than messing around with ballots or groups, do like they in the rest of the world!

- Allocate a fair TAC for Recreational fishers (RF TAC)(500kgs is not fair)
- Indicate Season (OK)
- Issue permits to all those who apply (OK)

- Allow ALL those WITH permits to fish during the season using the mechanisms already in place to report and land your catches. From those catches the RF TAC starts reducing and this can easily be displayed on Fisheries website, the forum if they so wish or an email update indicating the current remaining TAC left.

Once it is used up, season is closed. As others have stated the proposals with 3 groups are unfair, past years reported catches are a useless method of comparison because the system in place did not work (Almost a secret the first year, 16 people via lottery the second year, and last year those of the previous year etc etc). There is also no reason to have application open for only 2 weeks, leave it open for 1 month and utilise all channels to communicate this information.

- Ensure that the RF TAC is protected and reserved for us and not utilised by Commercials fisherman who overshoot their quota as in previous years. Whilst Tuna Farming is very lucractive, commercial fishing is on the decline with many fisherman handing in their boats against EU grants etc. If it doesn't already the recreational sector supports a much larger area of commerce: Boat Builders, Boat Importers, Engine Suppliers, Trailer Manufacturers, Upholstery Makers, Marine Equipment Suppliers, Mechanics, Fishing Tackle Stores, TM registrations and moorings, etc etc

I would also suggest that they (fisheries dept) stop harassing those who report a Tuna catch and stop their phone calls months after the catch. Once you report the catch and it is verified then thats it the job is done

Shanook can you elaborate a little or drop us a PM so that perhaps this is something that we can raise with the Director when we meet. I vaguely remember Pauline Tuna mentioning something similar a while back.

Nick I would suggest that once a person reports a caught tuna and it is registered........Although we can discuss the locations where one has to go to report the tuna... for example if I am fishing on the west side off Gozo and I catch a tuna I have to go to Msida to report it... Ha as if. I leave from Gozo go down to Msida and then back to Bugibba........no way hoze.... thats like a 4 hr trip for me.
Back to the original... once a person reports and the tuna is registered then that is the end of it there is no need for the fisheries to check what is left of the fish, whether its been eaten or whatever...

Skip / Shanook...all I mention is based upon facts...Skip thanks to quote me.....just a question.....from the tonnes of tuna caught by the farms by us ameuters....how many were declared according to our allocated quota !!!...check and revert with an answer.....the answer is very minimal....thats why our quota has been reduced drastically cause abuse brings regress and this regress is now applied to us directly...once we can say we had a proper quota, thanks to the full time and part time schemes !...thanks for our opportunity which once we had and we have lost it !!!.....I dont agree neither how this years allocation is being given and shared amongst us and upon some direct orders....as Ganni said...what happens if the quota is reached before the next district is reached....I have to end up that the main koperatives, are always the last to smile and smile with a good feedback being given to them...why us ameuters dont have this say......another thing ....be eyes open for the fish4tomorrow.......I can say that till today I have this hobby as a priority to my life.....once we have to say that once we did this and once we did that...PAROLI FIL VOJT MA JASAL GHAL IMKIEN...we have to act responsibly...and judge and quote with a high perspective just to sustain and keep this f*** hobby alive and to let our passion be a part of our live..which i have to say that with all the talking done inside here everybody talks for his own sake !!!!!!!!!!

If anyone would like to detail their views on how this permit should be, I have aired my views a few posts above but certainly would be good to get a cross sections of people's opinions on the matter.

Whats the use Skip.....if it was at leaast 8 yrs ago...i would try to suggest some assumination...though assuming nowadays is a saying like making an ass of you and me....and this is whats happening to us ameuters !!...i will tell you that if everyone leaves his that and this we end up discussing anything but not this subject .......

Quote from: Pauline Tuna on April 04, 2013, 08:56:28 CET
Whats the use Skip.....if it was at leaast 8 yrs ago...i would try to suggest some assumination...though assuming nowadays is a saying like making an ass of you and me....and this is whats happening to us ameuters !!...i will tell you that if everyone leaves his that and this we end up discussing anything but not this subject .......

Not sure I have really understood what you are saying. And I never give up, that's the easy route.

If it wasn't for continued lobbying from us and others before long you probably wouldn't even be allowed to go out fishing. What needs to be enforced is the abuse in and around the fish farms where nothing is being done in a controlled manner. From the F/F Operators to the MFA/MFB's that are fishing there every day and then landing them as a legal catch, to the MFCs and S registered boat some of which go there fishing everyday. If you are outside of the cardinal marks then my understanding is that is perfectly legal, but not to be tied up to the farm or inside as so many boats are.

FCD/AFM do not have the resources to enforce the majority of regulations, but the simplest solution would be to place FCD personnel on shift at each of the farms to monitor and enforce the rules.

I agree whole heartedly that it is recreational fishers that are always targeted first because we are "easy to deal with" and blamed for everything, but like some have indicated we must protect our hobby and not abuse it ourselves.

Nick I think your initial proposals are good to go. All I added is how to report the caught fish as the way it is now is close to impossible to work out. The officials should be at the port of call. If they so wish to. If one don't get hassled one would be more than happy to report the tuna.

Quote from: skip on April 04, 2013, 09:01:11 CET
FCD/AFM do not have the resources to enforce the majority of regulations, but the simplest solution would be to place FCD personnel on shift at each of the farms to monitor and enforce the rules.

@Skip – and you think that any FCD Pesonnel is not easily bribed to close an eye. We're living in Malta unfortunately. MFAs & MFBs already have contacts informing them when Patrol Boats are making a "surprise" inspection, let alone a lone personnel!!!!!

I am no expert in the topic but my views are
1. 500kg is too small an amount... This could be a fish or two!
2. Open season by district means a. If i get the last district to open i do not stand a chance b. its also subject to weather
3. Why not 1 fish per boat owner (>17ft to limit abuse, meaning i do not use my 6ft tender to get a second token under my wife name) per season ( still not fair but thats more than the 500kgs proposed). At least everyone gets a fair share. Say one gets to buy ( for a nominal fee) a token tied to the boat and the owner pre season, which is taken away once the fish is landed. A person without a token cannot carry bft gear in the boat. One reports a catch immediately via vhf or cellphone, than lands it at a designated spot.

Give me one, just one good reason why the authorities should provide a higher  BFT quota when last year, of all the BFT permits issued, only one, yes one BFT catch was registered.  So, with one BFT caught last year weighing 47.2kgs,  and registered, 500kgs should be enough..

In my opinion having a higher quota would encourage more people to report their catch. I think that with having a tight quota, the same thing will happen as if just 10 people out of all those registered report a catch similar to yours, the quota is spent!

How many boats were registered to catch tuna last year? 
They have to change the way we have to report the catch.
They have to stop calling the individual that makes a catch.

Gaffer...you hit the nail on its head....youre correct....its useless complaining now, when yes as you said only few Blue Fin Tuna's were registered (here u have a small mistake as not one was registered though few off).  Regarding the allocation of more quotas I really note that its not possible, as we always have the main co-operatives moaning and trying to achieve more quotas for, as stated by them they sustain a living for themselves.  The members in this forum should keep in mind that the always traditionaly in Malta was that the sustainable registered vessels such as MFA & MFB, wants the areas of Malta for themselves (neverless to keep in mind that they sustain a living).  Therefore whats been said by them is really getting into practice.  Our say is only a joke for the authorities...plse remember that an enforcement has a backround upon knowledge given by someone.....Kindly note that past protests by same co-operatives led them to be very powerfull to achieve their aim upon written criteria...if not given by the gov they will protest.......were always left behind as this is our hobby and therefore its not imp......

Benri.....i guess that you need some knowledge of what your suggesting.....
http://www.iccat.int/en/   ...... Although youre correct its not a matter to just increase this quota...its a matter from the conservation area....ICCAT is monitoring all this...all the procedures imposed by this organisation has a very well impact on the Commercial side....try to think where us for hobby / for some pleasure time, fits into this organisation....

Thanks for the info Pauline Tuna. Now, from another perspective, am I correct in stating that in Italy catches equivalent to over 20% of Italy's bluefin tuna quota are taken by recreational fishermen? So where did our 500kg come form in the 1st place?

@ toxictuna from where did you get the 17ft limit? of course, cause your boat is over 17ft ;) that's exactly how things are done at the fisheries.  So because my boat is just 14ft I'm out of this if it was up to you to decide, awesome.

@ gaffer... i'm not trying to justify that only 1 tuna was registered, however as you know very well, the season was very short and most tuna came in after the season closed.  Another thing that has put me off and others for sure is the hassle to meet the fisheries protection officers, especially when you put your boat down from a slip far away from any landing station... its not nice to travel a long distance in that sun and spend time waiting.

@ toxituna, prosit kif tirraguna fuq tas 17 pied. mintiex xi konsulent tad dipartiment eeh. Ghax kif qal sew dak ta qabli, dawk hekk jahsbuha. jien bicca qoxra ta 12 il xiber u li kieku jaghtuni cans inbellhek bit tonn li ndahhal, u tehsibx li min ma xi gageg ta.

Benri......once again ..iringrazja lil alla li ghanna 500 kg quota.......ax hemm min iridha ukoll....kif edt qabel kieku jistaw jeziljawna milli nitilaw nistadu fuq il bahar .......ara fuq l-art il business tghana ahna niehdu hsiebhom pero le dawn le.....kollox lejhom..ajnuniet u kollox

Quote from: toxictuna on April 07, 2013, 07:21:50 CET
I am no expert in the topic but my views are
1. 500kg is too small an amount... This could be a fish or two!
2. Open season by district means a. If i get the last district to open i do not stand a chance b. its also subject to weather
3. Why not 1 fish per boat owner (>17ft to limit abuse, meaning i do not use my 6ft tender to get a second token under my wife name) per season ( still not fair but thats more than the 500kgs proposed). At least everyone gets a fair share. Say one gets to buy ( for a nominal fee) a token tied to the boat and the owner pre season, which is taken away once the fish is landed. A person without a token cannot carry bft gear in the boat. One reports a catch immediately via vhf or cellphone, than lands it at a designated spot.

your last point has to be limited per registered boat - and if one owns 2 boats he can only register for one

Please be informed that the applications for recreational fishermen to apply for a permit to catch and land bluefin Tuna will open on Monday 8 April and close on Friday 26 April.  Applications may be obtained from the Fisheries Directorate at Ghammieri between 8am and 12.00pm daily from Monday to Friday.  Please ensure you apply before the closing date as stated above.

Can you please specify what documents we need to take to apply for the permit? And are there any fees?

Should be MFC or can an S boat register?

Quote from: bmamo on April 08, 2013, 15:25:34 CET
Should be MFC or can an S boat register?

Both

Went there today.
You don't need anything at least I was not asked for anything. I took fishing booklet, the valletta reg and I'd card.
All I did was fill in an application form and handed it to the messenger. Was not given an acknowledgement....not good.
By the way I was told by same that one can register online so those who have not been check that out and maybe you save yourselves a drive and a zoo walk...

Quote from: ganni on April 07, 2013, 16:28:53 CET
@ toxictuna from where did you get the 17ft limit? of course, cause your boat is over 17ft ;) that's exactly how things are done at the fisheries.  So because my boat is just 14ft I'm out of this if it was up to you to decide, awesome.

Sorry mate, ( oops thank god i wrote a disclaimer stating i am no expert)i never imagined any one with a fourteen footer goes for bft....but now that i think about it i did see some one trying to last yr. well than say larger than 10 ft?  The same logic applies.

Quote from: The_Gaffer on April 07, 2013, 08:47:57 CET
Give me one, just one good reason why the authorities should provide a higher  BFT quota when last year, of all the BFT permits issued, only one, yes one BFT catch was registered.  So, with one BFT caught last year weighing 47.2kgs,  and registered, 500kgs should be enough..

because i did not manage to apply like many others who did not know the applications where open! So i did not catch any last year

Got a call this morning as I didnt put down the district..........which as I was told is from where I am going out to fish. So I said I either launch in Bugibba or Bbugia. Does it make sense if you trailer your boat then you can launch from wherever you like. I dont know there has to be a change in mentality otherwise we will never make progess.  To report a fish I have to go to Marfa she said, so from Bugibba I have go to Marfa.

Look at the bright side Tony!!! - It's an acknowledgement that they received your application :D :D :D

Quote from: shanook on April 08, 2013, 18:46:46 CET
Went there today.
You don't need anything at least I was not asked for anything. I took fishing booklet, the valletta reg and I'd card.
All I did was fill in an application form and handed it to the messenger. Was not given an acknowledgement....not good.
By the way I was told by same that one can register online so those who have not been check that out and maybe you save yourselves a drive and a zoo walk...

Unfortunately i couldn't find anything online. If someone else succeeds please paste the link here. Thanks

Yep ur right bry, I need young ones like u to keep me from getting grumpy....it's old age u know.....

As this stage, take it as a registration of intent. The finer details still need to be ironed out as many things don't make sense.

If you are a trailered boat, I would put down "Trailer" as district.

well actually when she asked for the district I said the 11th district ..........thats Attard right......

I also got a call from the fisheries this morning about the district. I told her that i trailer the boat so i told her that i dont go from the same place but she kept insisting that i have to tell her a place. than after a while she told that she will leave it empty but i told her to wright i trailer the boat. she said ok but i dont know waht she did

Quote from: benri on April 09, 2013, 10:04:15 CET
Look at the bright side Tony!!! - It's an acknowledgement that they received your application :D :D :D

i took a photo of the application and emailed it just to have some assurance they have it. Suggest to all to do so. Email is at the bottom of application

I went today and was asked for the boat registration, and she did a copy of both this registration and my application and handed me a copy back...
Buqq...

fejn nista murr beix ngib applikazzjoni ghat tonn pls?

Quote from: The_Gaffer on April 08, 2013, 00:01:23 CET
Please be informed that the applications for recreational fishermen to apply for a permit to catch and land bluefin Tuna will open on Monday 8 April and close on Friday 26 April.  Applications may be obtained from the Fisheries Directorate at Ghammieri between 8am and 12.00pm daily from Monday to Friday.  Please ensure you apply before the closing date as stated above.

Quote from: baghira on April 09, 2013, 22:05:50 CET
I went today and was asked for the boat registration, and she did a copy of both this registration and my application and handed me a copy back...
Buqq...

How come they asked you for the boat registration?

Skip one has to go to ghammieri not in valletta.

buqqq.... that's what the lady wanted.....

Quote from: shanook on April 21, 2013, 20:55:48 CET
Skip one has to go to ghammieri not in valletta.

Mhux next to the Pixkerija? That's the only place I know of....

no u have to go to ammieri at luqa. Do you know where the Old home is of st Vincent de paul...they are opposite each other.
Do you know where the Turkish cemnetry is or the Malta bacon factory or coca cola... well on that road that leads to Gormi there is a side road that connects to the road that leads to Lidl or to where that Phallus statue is. well on the way up before you come to the roundabout on the right hand side there is the ammieri. You havta go there mate. you park near the gate entrance and u take a hike to the fd. enjoy.

Wow okay, that I didn't know! Did they close down Barrieria Wharf?

Yep the sae was making them sick....good one freedive lol

Update: I got a call this afternoon from FD (mr Frans) where he asked me to choose a district as I put down ST Pauls and Birzebbugia. I asked the reason and he said that the permits are going to be by different dates for fishing. Eg St pauls on Mondays, wednesdays and fridays and Birzebbugia tuesdays, thursdays and saturdays (this is just an example). He didnt even have time to finish his sentence where I informed him that he is imposing on me when to go fishing and when not to. And that this goes agaisnt my rights. He said that this is being done to be fair with all fisherman as there are 400 and do I expect to go everyday? I explained why this is not fair 1st of all I might not be able to go out on that day and yes if I wanted to why shgouldnt i go out everyday, I didnt buy my boat to be used on certain days.  He also said that I have to inform FD that I am going fishing and when I get back he implied that this is for my safety and that the FD has to know when i go out and return. BullSh--  I tell Valletta port when i leave and return and that FD does not care about my safety as I had to buy an Epirb and it is not even registered in Malta as we dont have the facility to do so. I also asked where we are going to unload or where the tuna is going to be inspected and he said either Marsa or Marfa in my case and i tried to explain that i cannot afford to make an extra four hour trip just to show off this blessed tuna, apart from the cost.
So to cut the story short I didnt choose the district and that he will pass my application to the director and hopefully he will call me back so that I can explain my complaint.
Oh by the way I have sent an email to the Parliamentary secretary to clarify.

Joe Gaffer, can you pick this up when you next with the FD. It seems they are going ahead with the plans they had before, yet I was under the impression from the PS that the situation would be reviewed properly.

I fully support Tony's comments, the proposed restrictions by day/district are ridiculous; will this also apply to Commercial Fishermen!!

Last year they stated only a handful applied, now they are saying 400?

Seems like this is getting quite interesting.  We have a meeting tomorrow to discuss the BFT fishing permits for recreational fishermen, together with the FD, reps from the Federation, and probably staff from Fisheries.  I was not present when dicussions where held between the Federation and the FD which determined the criteria for issueing a permit for recreational fishermen to catch and land BFT.  So, unfortunately, I am not aware of all the details discussed and agreed.  Don't expect much, as I suspect the die has already been cast in stone!!

I am aware that things take their time to get done and that the PS has a BIG job to start getting things right. Id rather wait and have things done properly than as freedive said a half baked cake.
BUT I do not want to be part of a system that imposes on my rights. I'd rather not get a permit than go so low as to accept the conditions that they want to impose on us. I didnt apply when the system was with a lottery as I didnt like that, imagine now someone tells me when it is my turn to go fishing. NO WAY

Quote from: shanook on April 24, 2013, 18:30:01 CET
I am aware that things take their time to get done and that the PS has a BIG job to start getting things right. Id rather wait and have things done properly than as freedive said a half baked cake.
BUT I do not want to be part of a system that imposes on my rights. I'd rather not get a permit than go so low as to accept the conditions that they want to impose on us. I didnt apply when the system was with a lottery as I didnt like that, imagine now someone tells me when it is my turn to go fishing. NO WAY

this is a reason we did not apply this year for the permit. How can one report that is going out every time or have to go out always from same place?

The reason that I did not report any catches last year, was that we had 3 boats and we did nt even seen them. I applied to catch it with a harpoon, where the season closed early for my kind of fishing. Now it looks that they extended the months, but still too difficult for us

I also received the phone call from FD department from Frans this morning. As i had written trailered boat in the district part he called me to tell him from where i will go out for tuna. In the book I have written Gnejna as homeport so he told me if I will be using Gnejna. I told him now I trailer the boat since I dont have anymore a mooring at Gnejna. He told me if i dont tell him a place the application will not be valid. I told him sometimes you can not go from Gnejna because of the swell since the slip is not good and so i go from Bugibba. He told me if that particular day those from Gnejna can go for tuna those from Bugibba cannot so you cannot go and launch from bugibba for tuna. I was told  the same things that were said to Shanook. Fishing for tuna will be allocated by district and days. The reason he gave is different from that given to shanook. He told me you are not alone applying for the permit but there are 200 more. He told me how do you pretend us to control 200 boats if they decide to go out on the same day but I dont know what he meant with this.

I told him that the what he was saying was only a proposal and nothing was finalized but he answer by saying that the rules will be as he was saying.

I am uncertain whether I will apply. I have no burning desire to keep a 115cm/30kgs+ Tuna and have to deal with the whole hassle of specific landing areas and waiting. Incidentally I assume we are allowed to gut and bleed the fish out prior to landing?

As I am more than happy with Catch and Release and I don't need any special permit for that, I think most probably I will wait and see what the outcome is for 2014 :(

Indeed Mr Galdes has some unhappy people to contend with and a revamp at FCD is always a healthy thing.

Just read Busumark's update, and you know what........I'm not subscribing to this farce. Each to their own but they can count me out. 500kgs will be gone in a jiffy if it is not all taken up again like last time by the main commercial fleet overshooting their TAC if the fishing is good.

Those with a permit will then ALL be obliged to report their outings for the rest of the season long after their right to land tuna has closed.

Uzgur ma jistawx ilahhqu ma 200 bastiment, lizjed jekk kulhadd telaq min hemm ghax ma setawx jahdmu go dak il genn.

ma jlahqux ma dawk in nies kollha???? x jigifieri, meta tmur tistad sar tikser il ligi? dajes telajn lejn kemuna kulljum jaddu full speed ma jikkalkuwla lil hadt, specjalment bit turisti, u jekk tkun fil ponta ta l ahrax u kemuna kulhad tarah addej max xatt. Ma dawk zgur li ma jlahqux, mhux ax tohrog hemm barra u tiprova taqbad huta.

As agreed, I am providing an update following a meeting which took place at the FCD between reps of the FCD, Federation and MFF.  The meeting agenda item was Permits for recreational fishermen to catch and land BFT.  To date, there are about 160 applications, these will all be granted a permit.  There are no restrictions on days or time when to fish, as long as the terms and conditions below are adhered to.

The following are the agreed terms and conditions:

This year's quota allocated to recreational fishermen if 500kgs.  This quota is based on last year's reported catches, which only ammounted to 70kgs.  

Permit is applicable between the 16 June and the 14 October.  If the quota is reached before the closing date as agreed, then the permit will also be suspended.

The designated landing sites for FCD inspection of BFT catches are the following: Mgarr (Gozo), Marfa, Valletta and M'xlokk.  No other area will be considered for landing and inspection purposes.  However, FCD personnel are still obliged by law to carry out boat inspections as and when needed.

All recreational fishermen holding a BFT permit MUST advise the FCD either via SMS or phone prior to departing on a fishing trip, and likewise on returning - even if not specifically going out to fish for BFT.  This is mandated to all BFT permit holders during the BFT season, for both bcommercial and recreational fishermen.  Failure to comply will forfiet the BFT permit.

Recreational fishermen with a BFT catch need to inform an FCD official at least 2 hrs prior to making port to alert the FCD to carry out the necessary registration of the BFT catch.

Landing of BFT is stricktly prohibited between 11.00pm and 02.00am.  

Terminal lines cannot exceed 1.60mm.  However, a double line of .80mm each line is allowable, or even a triple line of .50mm.  This item is still pending authorisation

There will be on site inspections and controls carried out by FCD at the tuna pen farms in SPB and the pens located just off hurds bank.  FCD inspectors will be registering catches and boats, and they will then expect these boats to register their catches with FCD.  Failure to comply will obviously be referred to the competent authorities for further action.  

MFF and Federation reps put forward the suggestion that next year's quota needs to be increased to the original 1500kgs.  FCD noted this suggestion, were very receptive, however this is dependent on the number of BFT that are registered this year.

One word of caution guys.  Failure to comply with the permit's terms and conditions will qualify for immediate suspension of BFT permit, including any other action by the FCD as deemed by law.  Moreover, defaulters will not be able to apply for a BFT catch permit the following year.

Gifiri dis sena nistghu nistadu mal fishfarms bla problemi ?

Jien illum ghamiltu ax qas cans ma kelli

Quote from: EmicMalta on April 25, 2013, 08:58:18 CET
ma jlahqux ma dawk in nies kollha???? x jigifieri, meta tmur tistad sar tikser il ligi? dajes telajn lejn kemuna kulljum jaddu full speed ma jikkalkuwla lil hadt, specjalment bit turisti, u jekk tkun fil ponta ta l ahrax u kemuna kulhad tarah addej max xatt. Ma dawk zgur li ma jlahqux, mhux ax tohrog hemm barra u tiprova taqbad huta.

X ghandu xjaqsam il ksur tal ligi hi? mela ma qrajtx sew. jekk tirraporta li qbadt tonna mhux in nies tad dipartiment iridu jigu biex jirregistrawa. U int tahseb li jekk jinqabdu izjed min tnejn se jlahhqu.   

Quote from: bigboy on April 25, 2013, 12:51:20 CET
Gifiri dis sena nistghu nistadu mal fishfarms bla problemi ?

Jien illum ghamiltu ax qas cans ma kelli

Ser ikun hemm hbula marbuta ma baghi madwar il-fishfarms.  Tistu taslu sal hbula.  Hadd gewwa it-territorju gewwa l-fishfarms.

Quote from: Accjolaman on April 25, 2013, 13:08:42 CET

Quote from: EmicMalta on April 25, 2013, 08:58:18 CET
ma jlahqux ma dawk in nies kollha???? x jigifieri, meta tmur tistad sar tikser il ligi? dajes telajn lejn kemuna kulljum jaddu full speed ma jikkalkuwla lil hadt, specjalment bit turisti, u jekk tkun fil ponta ta l ahrax u kemuna kulhad tarah addej max xatt. Ma dawk zgur li ma jlahqux, mhux ax tohrog hemm barra u tiprova taqbad huta.

X ghandu xjaqsam il ksur tal ligi hi? mela ma qrajtx sew. jekk tirraporta li qbadt tonna mhux in nies tad dipartiment iridu jigu biex jirregistrawa. U int tahseb li jekk jinqabdu izjed min tnejn se jlahhqu.   

It-tnejn zbaljati hbieb.  Mhux huma jigu, pero intom tridu tmorru fid-designated landing sites.  Huma 4 dawn is-sites: Mgarr (Gozo), Marfa, Valletta (hdejn il-pixkerijja) and M'xlokk.  Huma dis-sena ser ikunu 8 minn nies.

Thanks for the update Gaffer and thanks for your patience and input! I know it is not easy to say the least! I am totally against the following:
"All recreational fishermen holding a BFT permit MUST advise the FCD either via SMS or phone prior to departing on a fishing trip, and likewise on returning - even if not specifically going out to fish for BFT."
I am even considering refusing my permit if it is not changed.
Lets meet the Federation on the 5th May and discuss CONSTRUCTIVELY. Also, the quota was left way too low considering there are 160 applicants!

another thing which is not stated is it one fish per trip???

Quote from: benri on April 25, 2013, 13:39:32 CET
Thanks for the update Gaffer and thanks for your patience and input! I know it is not easy to say the least! I am totally against the following:
"All recreational fishermen holding a BFT permit MUST advise the FCD either via SMS or phone prior to departing on a fishing trip, and likewise on returning - even if not specifically going out to fish for BFT."
I am even considering refusing my permit if it is not changed.
Lets meet the Federation on the 5th May and discuss CONSTRUCTIVELY. Also, the quota was left way too low considering there are 160 applicants!

Thanks for your feedback Benri.  I purposely left out the why from this statement, as I must confess both myself and the Federation reps opposed this statement until it was clarified.
ICCAT mandate that all fishermen holding a BFT catch permit, irrispective of whether they are commercial or recreational, need to alert the authorities when leaving port to fish during the BFT season.  This requirement is applicable also to fishermen who will not be going out to fish for tuna, but still enjoy the status of a BFT catch permit.  The commercial fishermen in Malta with a permit for BFT catch are obliged to notify the authorities when leaving port to fish, even when not fishing for tuna during the BFT season.  The FCD insisted that this needs to be extended to the recreational fisherman also, as there should be no distinctions between commercial and recreational fishermen.  Everyone is free to do as they wish.  However, in the case of BFT permit holders, this rule is mandated by ICCAT for control purposes.  Malta is just following rules, which are applicable to all BFT permit holders, irrispective of whether they are commercial or recreational.

Quote from: shanook on April 25, 2013, 13:46:09 CET
another thing which is not stated is it one fish per trip???

Yes, it is one fish per trip. These are the items as discussed.  We are again meeting to finalise matters, though I doubt there will be any major changes.  Once we have that sorted, we will post the ful regulations here

Again Benri - I totally agree with you.  We need to demonstrate to the competent authorities that recreational fishing is a force to be reckoned with.  Our strength is in our numbers.  I will try and secure TV coverage for the Federation event.

Has anyone ever considered the implications once you register for the BFT permit, whether you go out fishing for BFT or for any other fish? Once you are registered, they have the boat's registration at first hand. When a patrol boat or any other authority boat is out at sea and notices your registered number, they would surely head to your boat for inspections, whether you are fishing or not. Imagine how annoying and frustrating it would be to be stopped every time you are out at sea!!!!

Quote from: malvizzu on April 25, 2013, 14:47:34 CET
Has anyone ever considered the implications once you register for the BFT permit, whether you go out fishing for BFT or for any other fish? Once you are registered, they have the boat's registration at first hand. When a patrol boat or any other authority boat is out at sea and notices your registered number, they would surely head to your boat for inspections, whether you are fishing or not. Imagine how annoying and frustrating it would be to be stopped every time you are out at sea!!!!

Good point malvizzu.  As long as everything is in order, one should not have anything to worry about, right? :P

Yes I know but still would be very annoying!

Thanks for the update. For those who have applied and will retain their permit I hope they have a good season and it is not closed early. As stated in my previous post, I have declined to participate in this year's permit as I feel 500kgs will not be sufficient and to then have to spend the 4 months reporting each time I go out for some fun isn't worth the hassle.

Hopefully in 2014 the quota will be as it should be and the mechanism tried and tested and tweaked if needed.

Upping the quota is really up to us recreational fishers,  If we register our BFT catches, then for sure, the quota will be increased, as this justifys the means.  However, in truth, we don't have much of an argument at the moment, seeing that we only registered 70kgs out of a possible 1500kgs!

Quote from: The_Gaffer on April 25, 2013, 13:28:09 CET

Quote from: Accjolaman on April 25, 2013, 13:08:42 CET

Quote from: EmicMalta on April 25, 2013, 08:58:18 CET
ma jlahqux ma dawk in nies kollha???? x jigifieri, meta tmur tistad sar tikser il ligi? dajes telajn lejn kemuna kulljum jaddu full speed ma jikkalkuwla lil hadt, specjalment bit turisti, u jekk tkun fil ponta ta l ahrax u kemuna kulhad tarah addej max xatt. Ma dawk zgur li ma jlahqux, mhux ax tohrog hemm barra u tiprova taqbad huta.

X ghandu xjaqsam il ksur tal ligi hi? mela ma qrajtx sew. jekk tirraporta li qbadt tonna mhux in nies tad dipartiment iridu jigu biex jirregistrawa. U int tahseb li jekk jinqabdu izjed min tnejn se jlahhqu.   

It-tnejn zbaljati hbieb.  Mhux huma jigu, pero intom tridu tmorru fid-designated landing sites.  Huma 4 dawn is-sites: Mgarr (Gozo), Marfa, Valletta (hdejn il-pixkerijja) and M'xlokk.  Huma dis-sena ser ikunu 8 minn nies.

U int bis serjeta tahseb li dawk tad dipartiment se jkunu hemm fil landing site jistennewk gurnata shieha??? mhux ghalhekk is saghtejn.

Accjolaman dik problema taghhom Jien naghmel skond il ligi imbad jekk ma jkunux hemm Jien nitlaq. Diga skumdita li irrid immur port iehor. U din ma naqbilx ghax Jien suppose nirritorna fil port tieghi. Issa naraw jekk nirrangawx din ukoll.

Pass iehor tajjeb grazzi ghal skip u gaffer.

Skip once the quota is used there is no need to inform that you are going out

Thanks for the explanation Joe - knowing why they need to know when we're out makes some sense now. In fact I also read that the Fisheries have issued a call for applications for Observers during the season.
Apart from that I think we're moving in the right direction even though there are other issues which need tweaking eg. ports of call. With some goodwill I know agreements can eventually be reached as I'm sure that it's also easier for Fisheries Officials to call at say Bugibba instead of Marfa!

Thanks for the update Gaffer and well done.
I went to register today and the lady insisted to choose a district. So this district thing has been abolished now?

Gaffer did you discuss anything about the district. If they are going to keep this system of the districts does it mean that I have to go always from that place even if i am not going for tuna although you can catch a tuna even if you are deep-sea fishing since i have to inform them everytime i go fishing.

@busumark - Following the meeting held this morning, there are no restrictions on days or time when to fish, as long as the terms and conditions are adhered to.

@Freedive - It would be great if we come up with these arguments on the 5th May ;)

Quote from: benri on April 25, 2013, 18:35:36 CET
@Freedive - It would be great if we come up with these arguments on the 5th May ;)

I second what Benri is suggesting here.  We can argue here until we turn blue in the face.  However, the fact remains that we need to present our arguments in the appropriate fora.  Our next opportunity will be the Sunday 5 May, at the Annual General Meeting for recreational fishermen.  My hope is that we all participate in a healthy discussion to demonstrate that we are very much aware of the situation at hand.  We must also reinforce our commitment towards exercising our right to fish in a responsible manner, promote sustainability, while demostrating a high degree of respect towards the fish we seek.  In other parts of this forum (on the Fish On thread) I have pledged my efforts to bridge the gap that exists between the recreational and the commercial fishermen.  I will use the TV programme Fish ON, as a vehicle to promote an environment of collaboration and understanding between the two sides.  My objective is that by year-end, we should be in a position to sign a Memorandum of Understanding between the recreational fishing community and the 2 fishing cooperatives.  We need, in fact, let me qualify that, we must find a way how we can both continue to enjoy the benefits of fishing.  Commercials on the one hand to put dinner on the table for their family, and recreationals on the other hand to enjoy our passion, fishing.  
That my friends, is my ultimate objective.

Quote from: benri on April 25, 2013, 18:31:39 CET
@busumark - Following the meeting held this morning, there are no restrictions on days or time when to fish, as long as the terms and conditions are adhered to.

@ Benri Only no restrictions on days or time are mentioned. The Place from where to go out is not mentioned so this district thing could still be valid. Never assume when dealing with government departments.

Quote from: The_Gaffer on April 25, 2013, 15:38:06 CET
Upping the quota is really up to us recreational fishers,  If we register our BFT catches, then for sure, the quota will be increased, as this justifys the means.  However, in truth, we don't have much of an argument at the moment, seeing that we only registered 70kgs out of a possible 1500kgs!

Joe, it is therefore VITAL that FCD fully reserve the 500kgs quota to Recreational and ensure that this isn't taken by Commercial fishermen in order to allow the registration of catches that FCD are looking for.

However even if the EU mandates people to report their outings, if the season is closed early due to TAC utilisations then all permits become null and void and then I don't see why there is any justification to report one's activities as one would no longer be a BFT permit holder. @Shanook I did not see anywhere then if the season ends early this obligation also ends, actually it appears that you are expected to continue to report your activities until the 14th October.

I'm sure eventually there will be a set of concrete clarifications, but honestly until that happens I think that the applications should be suspended and put on hold until after the 5th May, in order to give people a final set of clear cut regulations and not conditions that keep changing or being amended. A closing date of the 26th and all this uncertainly is not a good start gentlemen :(

I hope that Mr. Galdes takes note as I know there are several people on the fence about whether or not to apply tomorrow and others who are considering refusing the permit once issued based on the current conditions. A month is still plenty of time if Applications are closed off by mid-May

Nick, nowhere is it stated that one needs to report one's activities once the BFT season is closed.  Once the season closes, that arrangement ceases to exist. 
Nick, your assumption is slightly off here.  The FCD issues a call for recreational fisherman to register their interest in acquiring a permit to catch and land BFT.  Unfortuanely things are running late, as the FCD needs to report to the EU on number of permits issues, etc.  This data also needs to be forwarded to ICCAT.
Moreover, Nick you know as much as I do, as we were together when the former DG of fisheries explained the allocation of quota to Malta, that in theory, that quota belongs to the commercial fishermen.  They are the ones who are entitled to it.  This was stated by the former DG, and you and I did not challenge that because we both knew it was true.
I fully agree with your statement on fence sitters.  It seems to have become a national pastime!

Quote from: busumark on April 25, 2013, 20:10:46 CET

Quote from: benri on April 25, 2013, 18:31:39 CET
@busumark - Following the meeting held this morning, there are no restrictions on days or time when to fish, as long as the terms and conditions are adhered to.

@ Benri Only no restrictions on days or time are mentioned. The Place from where to go out is not mentioned so this district thing could still be valid. Never assume when dealing with government departments.

Discussions have not been concluded on this yet.  However, my understanding is that district refers to your port of call, so that the FCD indicates to you where you need to land your catches, if any.  I agree, Gnejna presents a challenge.trailered boats also present a challenge. I have no idea how to resolve this!

Quote from: The_Gaffer on April 25, 2013, 20:35:29 CET
Nick, nowhere is it stated that one needs to report one's activities once the BFT season is closed.  Once the season closes, that arrangement ceases to exist.  
Nick, your assumption is slightly off here.  

Joe, sorry to disagree but this is open to interpretation and needs a proper official clarification. Page one states:

Conditions of Licence:

   All accepted applicants going out fishing must inform fisheries control of departure and return to port during the whole period between 16th June 2013 and 16th October 2013, even if they are not going out fishing for Blue Fin Tuna.

The written words are whole period, there is no specific mention of this ceasing to be required if the season closes early. That is where my interpretation is coming from and that is why I feel it needs clarification.

One your second point about TAC allocation, the allocation belongs to the country. The former DG stated he gave Commercial Fishermen preference first and before us, however you know in Italy it is the other way around. Given our numbers hopefully under this administration the balance will be a bit more on the fair side. I wholeheartedly support your comment that last year was a disgrace in respect of alleged landings vs. reported Rec landings, and we effectively have to start from scratch again.

I may be playing devil's advocate here BUT I know I prefer to know what I am applying for even if it is an expression of interest. Restrictions and regulations are coming but they must be fair and just and not rushed and ideally introduced gradually even if Malta is in breach of its obligations to the EU in this area, there are plenty of other areas where that is still the case and I am sure those too will be worked on gradually. These are my own personal views and concerns.

Ageed.  the 1st point was clarified in today's discussions.  I too agree that things are not being tackled in the appropriate manner.  However, the MFF is a latecomer to these discussions, so we need to improvise as we go along!

Second point is of more interest.  As you quite rightly put it, it is a matter of interpretation.  Italy do not use the quoata as most commercial fishermen as simply not interested in fishing for BFT.  So the recreationals get the higher end of the quota. I guess the tackle lobby in Italy is much more powerful than what we can ever imagine to have here.  It surely is a multi billion Euro industry, with local manufacture and supply. Whereever there is local manufature, which guarantees local emplyment, there is state intervention.  With the prevailing economic situation in Italy, only God knows what hype and arguments are being brought forward to support local manufacture. Remember trade unions are also very strong in Italy, and they will use all means possible to secure the whole tackle/fishing/trade/charter industry.  We are talking big big numbers here.  Italy has a population of 67 million.  Here in Malta local tackle shops sell just enough to compete with one small town in Italy, especially if that town is near a the coast.  Also, you remember our conversations with the President of Big Game Italia.  There lobby is so strong that they have people on the ground in Brussels to lobby in favour of their recreational activity.  Nick, we were invited to join them, remember?.  Imagine if we had joined forces.  So, please do not compare Malta to Italy, we are a non starter.  We have a Federation here that represents recreationals but also accepts MFBs, and we have this forum as a lobby. Then there are a few of us like you, me and Dr. Joe and a couple of others from different federations and clubs who go out of our way to promote fishing.  How many people here are members of the IGFA, or at least, log onto their site to see what is happening around the world as regards fishing and sustainability.  No, instead we waste our energy and efforts by missing the tree for the woods.  
Yes, needless to say, restrictions are on their way, so is tighter regulation.  We need to stay on the ball Nick, and nail certain illogical arguments there and then.  But yet again, we need to remain focused because as things stand, we're just recreational fishermen.

I am somehow amazed how many are happy for this achievement when last year there were not such regulations and you all did not stop complaining. I complain when I feel the need to, without any second causes. And I compliment when there is the need to being it black or white.

500kg ???? scientific mentoring result..???? If catches are notified 1/2 an hour fishing for all season.... If the fisheries are by the pens, they will see the catches with their own eyes which I am sure they already did, but then blame the fisherman for not reporting it..

inform prior to depart fishing even if not for tuna.......so if i go spearfishing i have to call and inform that I will be out at sea.....

pens will be surrounded by more ropes and buoys...... happy fishing to those guys that spend a couple of hours for sawrell by the pens... x tahseb malvizzu....

Then go to marfa in my case and wait for the official, which is not thattttttttttt bad if he turns out in time if duly advised....

So having said all this..... I applied this year just to have the opportunity to apply next year as it happened before, and to get some flesh in my family's freezer........
Considering all this I better refuse it... but let's wait a bit and see what happens......

Upps by the way... did you see the damaged pens (rubbish) left alongside the reef at next to mistra bay for the last 2 years...I am wondering who the owner was!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! and why they were left there...... Maybe the fisheries Auhtorities did not notice them....Wondering only, If then, they can see below the surface of the water.......................

Cheers guys... this is my input

For the past 2 hrs I have been trying to find the EU regulations regarding recreational fisherman to catch tuna.
If anyone has they rules please either send by email or post them here or post the exact link here
I emailed EU office in Brussels and here in Malta.
These are needed before the federation meeting.

Thanks

PS I called EU office in Valletta at 9.30 am and I got an answering machine saying that they are now closed but will open at 9 am................OIM

Ps I got a reply ans the answering machine was not switched off Human error these things happen....

In the meantime I also emailed Federation for a copy of the rules. Not the maltese rules but the EU rules. I know that Malta can add to them but I want to know what is EU and what is local.  to see what makes us as Gaffer said holier than the pope

@Shanook - I think you'll find what you need on the ICCAT site.  Goto www.ICCAT.org, highlight the management tab at the top of the screen, goto resolutions and recommendations.  You should be able to filter down to the documents you are looking for.

@Shanook - there are also resolutions, signed by all ICCAT members - those are binding. 

Got them Joe and in the meantime I also got a reply from the federation as well as from the Eu office in Malta.
well done and thanks to all

last year:
1: we were chosen with a lottery.
2: We had to tell where to land the fish (designated ports)
3: had to call FD 4 hrs before ETA
4: Had to tell whereabouts the fish was caught
This year
1: All who apply have a permit
2: We have to tell where we will land the fish (designated ports)
3: we have to call FD 4hrs before ETA
4: We have to tell the whereabouts the tuna was caught
5: All those with permit have to call FD everytime they go out whether for tuna or not???

So we improved in that all applications have a tuna permit, we regressed (terribly, threading on our rights) in that those who are not out fishing for tuna still have to call FD. We regressed in the amount of the catch (the excuse is that there wasnt any catch last year, as if Malta (commercial fisherman) lost the quota). Sorry not a good enough excuse. The first time I applied for tuna I didnt even have time to go fishing that the permit was withdrawn as the quota had been exhausted (that was the best joke ever)

This I cannot tolerate as its an imposition, If i go out for tuna I will call FD (recommended  by ICAAT, all boats fishing for tuna have to inform FD) but I will not, if I am not going fishing for tuna. I have already argued about the lottery on tuna days and it seems to be resolved, I will argue against this and I rather not hold a permit at all.
This is my opinion certain things make sense but this doesnt. I still dont agree that I have to go to designated ports and not mine But for now I can somehow understand that it is short notice but I hope that this gets resolved and we are treated as law abiding citizens. I am innocent untill proven guilty.

Oh by the way ICCAT says that the boats have to call to ports as indicated by Fisheries. But I think with a bit of good will on the fisheries part it can be easily resolved with good intentions from both sides.

Shanook as things stand now, all commercial fishermen who hold a BFT permit must at all times, even when not going out to fish for tuna, inform the FCD of their intentions.  So, the FCD is arguing that since the commercial guys have to do it, so do we.  It is now 2 hrs before heading to port that we need to inform FCD of a BFT catch, and not 4 hrs.
Next year the quota is set to increase.  So, it is up to us to report catches so that we can up our quota.   We all differ in our opinions, one way or the other.  The important thing is to be reasonable, and apply a good dose of common sense.

Exactly and there should be a distinction between large commercial fisherman and recreational ones. IF they want to treat us as equals in this then we should share the quota with them. One weight ........
As I said this is a local imposition and can't understand why we are accepting it so happily, oh well.

Shanook, I don't agree with you - We are not accepting it so happily but should air our views constructively on the 5th May.
Like you I do not want to keep informing fisheries each time I go out fishing - especially when I take my daughters fishing close to shore and there is no chance to land a tuna as a by catch! Going out for Alongi might be different as there is always a chance of landing a tuna.

Update: got a call from France (fisheries) and he told me that the alternate days have been set aside and the district they need it so that when we call, fisheries will know how many boats are out fishing and from which area.
I thanked him as he called back as he had promised, very good service from the department in this regard.
Lets hope that at the federation meeting we will have good sensible reasoning from both sides.
Sorry forgot to ask Gogo is the meeting with open agenda or is it just the new regulations, or can we submit our queries in writing so that the federation decides which ones are open for discussion as I presume that time is limited.

"This is just me venting with some humour........ - Maybe this year given that we catch OH SO MANY Tuna when trolling all 200 boats will catch one each and we will over shoot our 500kgs quota by 5500kgs in one day hehe!!!"

Statisically I feel FCD should collect whether the BFT from Recreational fishing was caught trolling in open seas or in the vicinity of a fish farm whilst anchored/drifing as that would show how few are caught whilst trolling.

On the revenue side of things I think that the BIG money for Malta is in Farming and not so much the actual tuna commerical fishing.....my understanding is that Commercial fishermen can sell their quota on to others if they chose not to utilise themelves. I believe Malta has a couple of Purse Seiners who buy up the quota from others here.......so really it's just a few Commercial boats benefiting.

We will always be the minority and the lower priority, thankfully we have Joe lobbying for the Forum and The Federation for their members, and good channels with governement who are listening to our concerns.

Once the season opens it is imperative that you all follow the final conditions of the permit you accept, because at the moment there is the view that Recreational Fishers just moan and have no accountability.

Quote from: shanook on April 29, 2013, 10:37:44 CET
Update: got a call from France (fisheries) and he told me that the alternate days have been set aside and the district they need it so that when we call, fisheries will know how many boats are out fishing and from which area.

U dan Frans tal pixkerija xjahseb? li qoxra tistad biss barra l port mnejn tohorg? bhalikieku jien billi nzomm id dghajsa il maghluq mhux xorta immur bi dritt filfla.  Ghadda ghalawidnejja li hafna mil buzullotti t'hemm gewwa dan tal pixkerija qed jaqlaghhom ghax lahquh naqra.  xeba jitkarrab ghal hut biex jaghlaq ghajnejh ghal min jaqbillu? pero mhux hu biss il percimes tafux... hemm dik li ghandhom il bastimenti tat tkarkir ohra.

Kunu afu li jekk hemm 4 ma jdabrulhomx rashom mil hazin ghal ghar ser jibqghu sejrin.

Quote from: Cellikku on April 29, 2013, 16:07:56 CET

Quote from: shanook on April 29, 2013, 10:37:44 CET
Update: got a call from France (fisheries) and he told me that the alternate days have been set aside and the district they need it so that when we call, fisheries will know how many boats are out fishing and from which area.

U dan Frans tal pixkerija xjahseb? li qoxra tistad biss barra l port mnejn tohorg? bhalikieku jien billi nzomm id dghajsa il maghluq mhux xorta immur bi dritt filfla.  Ghadda ghalawidnejja li hafna mil buzullotti t'hemm gewwa dan tal pixkerija qed jaqlaghhom ghax lahquh naqra.  xeba jitkarrab ghal hut biex jaghlaq ghajnejh ghal min jaqbillu? pero mhux hu biss il percimes tafux... hemm dik li ghandhom il bastimenti tat tkarkir ohra.

Kunu afu li jekk hemm 4 ma jdabrulhomx rashom mil hazin ghal ghar ser jibqghu sejrin.

Habib, napprezza hafna dak li qed tghid.  Pero, tinsiex, dan huwa forum miftuh ghal publiku.  Ghaldaqstant, meta taghmel jew tghid xi haga fuq haddiehor, kun lest li tissostanzja.  Importanti din, ghax inkella jintillef il-kredibilta tal forum.  Apparti li huwa nmiktub iswed fuq l-abjad, u allura hemm bzonn li tissostanzja, ghax jista jintuza bhala malafama.  Ma jfissirx li ghax ikun ghadda minn ghala widnejk, iffisser li hu minnu.  Jista jkun li minnu, u lili issibni warajk biex inwwaqfu kull abbuz.  Pero noqodu attenti kif nghidu certi affarijiet.  Jekk int cert minn dak li qed thgid, ibatli private messege, u mexxu minn hemm. Grazzi.

We are going to have to deal with a new director as Caruana has resigned.

Imma kif f'dan il-pajjiz dejjem irridu ingergru :(
Jumejn ilu ktibt kontra id-direttur ta dak iz zmien u issa ghax irrezenja u ha jahtru direttur jew direttrici gdida ha ngergru ukoll?
Jien qtajt qalbi!!!! ma nafx!!!!

That's why it's Maltese gemgem bry. Seems that things are in the right direction as we were being treated like stupids (cretini).  We have to wait and see how things work out its not exactly easy that one changes 25 years of misuse. Anything new needs time to work out.

Dr.Adreina.

Marine biologist who is keen on conservation....goooooood, augers well for the recreational. 

Dr. Andreina Fenech Farrugia

Quote from: FREEDIVE on May 01, 2013, 21:05:24 CET
Wrong number!!! Don`t get the names wrong, one is a previous director of fisheries the other will ban all types of fishing completely :/

I'm a bit slow on the takeup here.  Who will ban all types of fishing? 

Dr. Adriana Vella, Ph.D, conservation biologist - Is known for her Dolphin spotting and strong views on Fishing

Dr Andreina Fenech Farrugia - Former Fisheries Director

Quote from: skip on May 02, 2013, 09:44:59 CET
Dr. Adriana Vella, Ph.D, conservation biologist - Is known for her Dolphin spotting and strong views on Fishing

Dr Andreina Fenech Farrugia - Former Fisheries Director

Time will tell if we will benefit from this appointment, but i believe things are moving in the right direction. I think its high time that certian trawling and net fishing is eliminated.

Time to re-introduce and incentive long line fishing with a twist to fishing tourism - its being done in italy why not in Malta???

xi hadd ircieva xi haga minghand il fisheries dwar l applikazjoni?

Le

xejn

Nothing

As per info by Dr Joe Carabott Damato on Federation website, there is another meeting to finalise matters on the 23/5/2013 therefore, we should not expect anything before that date.

Mela ilbierah kont qed nitkellem mal kugin minn Melbourne Australia u qalli li hargu min Melbourne bay ghat Tonn u qabdu 8. (ma nafx ezatt liema speci pero qed nassumi li blue fin, nista nikkonferma) Huma jistghu jaqbdu 3 kull wiehed li jkun hemm fuq il-boat, kull dabra li johorgu.
Tajjeb qeghdin ehhh....
U ahna forsi 3 bejn kull sajjied Malti fis-sena, jekk inkunu xortina tajba.

The meeting is romorrow

Forum Home > Information > 2013 Blue Fin Tuna Fishing Licences for Recreational Fishermen

Federazzjoni ta l-Ghaqdiet tas-Sajjieda Dilettanti Malta
Site Owner
Posts: 23    

On Monday 25thMarch 2013 Federation representatives attended a meeting with Fisheries Control Officials regarding Blue Fin Tuna Recreational licences for 2013.

For better control of Blue Fin Tuna catches, the Fisheries Control Department is working on the following new system for Recreational Blue Fin Tuna licence.

Alongi, pastardella,dolphin fish (lampuka) and allied species do not fall under this licence andregulations.

Applications:

Ø                      Applications will open around the second week of April for 15days.

Ø                      Late applications will not be accepted.

Ø                      All recreational vessels can apply.

Ø                      All valid applications will be accepted.

Ø                      Season for Recreational Fishermen starts on 16th Juneup to 16th October 2013.

Ø                      All accepted applicants will begrouped in three or four districts (baseports) according to number of applicants.

Ø                      Each district will be licensed a number of weeks, e.g. with three districts, each district will have five to six weeks, spread over the period from 16 June to 16 October.



Conditions of Licence:

Ø                      A line above 110 mm and specific tuna hook is considered as Tunagear.

Ø                      Such a gear is not allowed on board outside licenced weeks during the period.

Ø                      One Tuna per trip

Ø                      All accepted applicants going out fishing must inform fisheries control of departure and return to port during the whole period between 16th June 2013 and 16th October 2013, even if they are not going out fishing for Blue Fin Tuna.

Ø                      Based on past years reported blue fin tuna catches by licensed recreational fishermen, this year the quota stands at 500 kilos.

Ø                      If the above quota is reached, the season for recreational fishermen will be closed at that time even if it is prior to the 16th October.

Ø                      The minimum allowable catch size remains at 30 Kilos and/or 115cm length.

Ø                      Tuna catches cannot be commercialized but used for personal consumption or for charity.

The Federation will be attending further meetings with the Fishing Control Directorate once final dates have been set by the Fishing Directorate.




--
March 29, 2013 at 11:09 AM   Flag Quote & Reply

Federazzjoni ta l-Ghaqdiet tas-Sajjieda Dilettanti Malta
Site Owner
Posts: 23    

The Fisheries Control Directorate has confirmed that Applications for Recreational Fishermen Blue Fin Tuna Licences for 2013 will open as from Monday 8th April 2013 and will continue to be accepted up to Friday 26th April 2013.  Applications will be accepted betweem 08.00 till 12.00 at the building of Ghammieri Marsa and Mgarr Gozo.


April 4, 2013 at 11:08 AM   Flag Quote & Reply

Federazzjoni ta l-Ghaqdiet tas-Sajjieda Dilettanti Malta
Site Owner
Posts: 23    

Today the 25th April 2013, members of theFederation Committee attended a meeting with representatives of the FisheriesControl Division to further discuss the regulations attached to the licencesfor Blue Fin Tuna Fishing by recreational fishermen between 16thJune 2013 and 14th October 2013. Also present for the meeting there was a representative from the MaltaFishing Forum.  It was agreed that thefollowing regulations will apply.

   Applications will be accepted up to 26th April 2013 at 15:00 hrs.
   To date between 150 and 160  applications have been received.
   All applications received will be accepted.
   Total Quota allowed for Recreational Fishermen this year is 500 Kgs.
   License valid between 16th June 2013 and 14th October 2013 unless allowed quota has been caught prior to the 14th October 2013.  If allowed quota is caught before the 14th October, the licence for BFT fishing is no longer valid. (The district and weekly license mentioned by FCD during our last meeting and to which the Federation had objected has been dropped.)
   Landing of fish (TUNA) can only be done at designated ports i.e.  Mgarr (Gozo), Marfa, Valletta, Marsaxlokk.  Fisheries Control Division Officials are still entitled to carry out any boat inspections they may deem fit.
   Anyone catching a Tuna must notify Fisheries Control Division at least two hours before landing the fish.
   No landing of fish is allowed between 23.00 hrs to 02.00 hrs.
   During the license period, each Tuna License holder must inform Fisheries Control Division of departure and return to port, irrespective of the type of fishing he is going out for. Sending an SMS will suffice.
   Fishing line, single or pair, exceeding 160mm overall will be considered as Tuna gear. This applies only for the terminal end. Hand line to beginning of terminal end can be of any size or nature. (This was also a Federation request during our last meeting. Before 110mm and single line through out was being considered)
   The tuna hook is considered as Tuna gear.
   Only Tuna licensed fisherman can hold aboard the above gear.
   Only one Tuna per trip.
   Attempts by the Federation to increase the allowed quota for this year were unsuccessful. If this year there is an increase in registered catches, then the quota can be revised next year.  In this case both the Federation and MFF representative suggested the 1500 kgs allowed last year.  Although this request was noted no definite assurance was given by FCD officials.
   Any licence holder caught infringing any of the regulations will have his licence for 2013 immediately revoked and will also not be allowed to apply for a BFT Liicence next year.

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April 25, 2013 at 9:30 AM   Flag Quote & Reply

Joe Carabott Damato
Moderator
Posts: 13    

Next meeting, hope the last, with Fisheries Department officials on BFT license 2013 is due 23rd May 2013.

Joe Carabott Damato
May 14, 2013 at 2:12 AM   Flag Quote & Reply

Federazzjoni ta l-Ghaqdiet tas-Sajjieda Dilettanti Malta
Site Owner
Posts: 23    

The meeting with the Fisheries Control Directorate which was scheduled for today at 09:30 hrs has been postponed to tomorrow at 13:00 hrs because one of the persons which should have been present was not advised of the meeting.
May 23, 2013 at 4:45 AM   Flag Quote & Reply

Federazzjoni ta l-Ghaqdiet tas-Sajjieda Dilettanti Malta
Site Owner
Posts: 23    

Today members of the Federation Committee attended a meeting with representatives of the Fisheries Control Division to finalise the regulations regarding to the licences for Blue Fin Tuna Fishing by recreational fishermen between 16thJune 2013 and 14th October 2013. Also present for the meeting there was a representative from the Malta Fishing Forum.  It was agreed that the regulations agreed upon during the meeting held on the 25th April 2013 will apply. will apply.

The Fisheries Control Directorate representatives assured the Federation representatives that the relative licences to all applicants will be issued in the coming days.

Once the season opens, updates as to the remaining quota will be sent to the Federation and the Malta Fishing Forum by the Fisheries Control Directorate so that the remaining quotas will be kept updated on the relative Websites.
May 24, 2013 at 9:39 AM   

I can confirm the above minutes.  i was present on behalf of the Malta Fishing Forum.  One word of caution to all.  The FCD will be out on their rib controlling the fishfarms situated in the north and south of the island.  A record 260+ vessels applied and will be granted a fishing licence to catch and land BFT.  Once the quota is reached, the licence will be caancelled, and no other fishing for BFT will be permissable.  So guys, lets get those tuna landed and registered, so we can up the quota to at least 1500kgs for next year.

One question if I send SMS to inform fisheries I am going out, do I get an SMS reply? What is the mobile number of fisheries?
I still feel that we are being discriminated and screwed..... But I suppose it's normal nowadays.

All 260 vessels are MFC or S ?

@ Shanook - I think its best to send an sms and not call.  If you send an sms you will get a delivery report... can serve as proof if needed.

So the districts thing is still in force?

The only registrations permitted to fish BFT on a rcreational basis are S, MFC and Valletta.  The ditrict thing is just an indicator of which port or location you have exited from. Agree with Gianni here, if you are going out for BFT,best to send an SMS.  Iyou sre going out but not fishing for BFT, you do not need to send an SMS, however be sure you do not have any tackle on board which is used to fish for BFT.  Once the quota is reached, and the permit is expired, you do not need to send an SMS anymore.  Good luck guys, and tight lines

@Gaffer thanks for the clarification. So they abolished the regulation that recreational vessels must inform FCD each time they go out fishing?

Would be useful if FCD could provide a sample license and regulations in advance that could be uploaded

What is classified as tuna gear?

What I meant about the districts thing is if the rule that each district will be given specific days when to fish is still in force or not?

No it is not according to the regulations posted

No moonwalker, that is not the case.  Everybody can fish when they want, where they want.  the regualtions state that every time you intend to go out for BFT, then you have to make known your intentions to the FCD.  This is only applicable if you are going out for BFT.  However, if you are found to have BFT gear and you have not given notice of your intentions, then you have defaulted.  For BFT gear, we all lnow what BFT gear consists of, i dont think that you should be liable if stopped and found to have trolling gear and light tackle.  If you do have heavy tackle on board, and heavy line, and big hooks, then chances are that is BFT gear.  So, if i were you, i would not chance it. 
What i do know is that the FCD will be patrolling the north and south fishfarms.  There are already signs that a lot of boats that did apply are intending to fish by the tuna pens in SPB and the ones in th south.

It says line over 160mm is considered tuna gear....I would call it towing gear....I  am sure someone made a mistake in this line size....

Quote from: shanook on May 25, 2013, 23:39:08 CET
It says line over 160mm is considered tuna gear....I would call it towing gear....I  am sure someone made a mistake in this line size....

Actually lines up to 160 are allowed, that is 1.6mm.  So, you can use a single line of 1.60, a double line of .8mm, etc.  these are the same regulations used by the local commercial fishermen while fishing for BFT.

This is good news :-)......
The outhorities as usuall are informing defaulters where they will be ie: by the fishfarms.... nowhere else.......
So other places of interest will be free to destroy during these days..........
This is no news guys........ This is usuall news.....

Beg to differ Joe but it says line over 160mm is considered tuna gear..... if it was up to 160 then if i troll with a 80 is that considered tuna gear as well????
Very shady as usual

Quote from: baghira on May 26, 2013, 10:17:10 CET
This is good news :-)......
The outhorities as usuall are informing defaulters where they will be ie: by the fishfarms.... nowhere else.......
So other places of interest will be free to destroy during these days..........
This is no news guys........ This is usuall news.....

Where else Silvo?  Is it not better to inform people, especially people who tend to be irrisponsible towards the regulations, then to shut up, say nothing, and allow a few irrisponsable people spoil what others like the Federation committee and the MFF admmins have worked so hard to achieve.  It was not easy to convince the authorities to open up the quota to recreational fishermen, whatever one may think or say, the quota still belongs to the commerial guys.  I personally feel it is better to warn people, than to allow them to get caught, be a bad example to the many responsible fishermen, and spoil everything for next year's quota.

Quote from: shanook on May 26, 2013, 10:43:35 CET
Beg to differ Joe but it says line over 160mm is considered tuna gear..... if it was up to 160 then if i troll with a 80 is that considered tuna gear as well????
Very shady as usual

I'll take your word for it, but the regulations being issued with the permit state otherwise.  I would not allow myself to get lost in these details Shanook, with 500kgs only alloted to recreational fishermen, I think and this is my personal opinion, that the quota will be exhausted within one week. 

I'm sorry joe, but the quota does not belong to the commercial guys, it belongs to the nation.

The way Skip and myself were informed,   If it wasn't for the commercial guys who in The 1990's registered their catches, Malta would have no quota at all.  

Of course, and its because of them that we have a low quota... they registered very few landings... thinking that way the authorities would conclude that they have a small impact and it ended up working the other way round.

To add to this there was no obligation for recreational fishers to register any BFT caught, so it wasn't up to us.  Hopefully this year all 500kg will be registered as to use all of our quota... and I'll be giving a try too haha

I'm with your there Gianni.  Its not the hookups, we get plenty those, its the eventual landing that counts. 

Conditions of Licence:

Ø                      A line above 110 mm and specific tuna hook is considered as Tunagear.

Ø                      Such a gear is not allowed on board outside licenced weeks during the period.

I agree also...
But I know that people and authorities would be distracted on this Tuna issue, and more than usuall they will ignore other activities.

No Caldaland according to the last meeting the regulations are those of the 25th April, where it is stated that line above 160mm single or double is considered tuna gear.....

yes shanook,you are right,but in writing,so far,that is all we have.

Is a big Circle Hook considered as Tuna hook? I use these for Wreck fish not for tuna.

I also use large strong circle hooks with the electric reel

These rules are getting to be ridiculous

110mm is 11cm or 4.3 inches!!!

As Shanook stated I think we're missing a decimal , as it should be 1.10mm !!

Definitely an ommission.  1.1mm is more like it.  The rules have been upgraded to reflect the various decisions taken during the discussions.  These rules will be attached to the permit which will be issues in the coming days.  However, what has changed from the original posting is:
All skippers holding a permit to catch and land BFT must report their intention when going out to fish EXPICITLY for BFT to the Fisheries Control Division.  If you are a permit holder but not going out fishing for BFT, you do not need to inform the FCD, HOWEVER, make sure you do not have any BFT gear on board.
Maximum leader line to be used is a single line of 1.6mm, or double line of .8mm.  
No fishing for BFT within the confines of the tuna pens situated at SPB and outside M'Scala. We are informed that the fishfarms will this year have a perimiter rope around the cardinal marks, so anybody caught fishing inside the perimiter is liable.
Permit holders are obliged to report the BFT catch as soon as it is landed (make sure the BFT is bigger then 115cm or heavier than 30kgs).  Only one BFT per day can be landed per boat
We have been informed that the FCD rib will be out everyday performing patrols along the fishfarms, taking note of who is fishing for what species, whether you are a permit holder, and whether you have informed the FCD of your intentions.  Special attention will be given to boats seen fighting and landing BFT, to ensure that they are repoprting the catch.  
So guys, lets go and catch us some BFT, have fun, stay within the rules, and if you feel obliged to report any abuse, then you have our support!

These are the important ones, there are other rules, but I guess these were the most contentious.  

Anyone got a reply re the tuna permits ?

Quote from: bigboy on May 28, 2013, 10:52:41 CET
Anyone got a reply re the tuna permits ?

All those who applied will be granted a permit.  The Fisheries Control Directorate are preparing the necessary paperwork and will be forwarding the permits in the coming days.  Thats the latest news we have.

at least :) The sea is bubbling with Tuna !!!!

Quote from: bigboy on May 28, 2013, 11:18:38 CET
at least :) The sea is bubbling with Tuna !!!!

Ija, Smajt!!!.  Naqa bnazzi irrid jaghmel issa

Is it far out or as usual near the farms

Open water shanook !! Farms still quiet !!

ghalxejn jaghmel l bnazzi issa ax fis 16th June nistaw imorru ghalihom

Xorta tista taqbad xi wahda bi zball u tehlisa.

I got a call from Fisheries asking me to go pickup the fishing license.
I asked is it the Tuna license?
He said no its the fishing License.
I said I am registered Valletta not MFC.
He said Yes its the fishing License.
I said OK will come today or tomorrow.

Buq.... Has anyone got a similar call?

Guys, when you do get these calls, can you please ask who is it on the other end.  Most probably its the tuna licence.

I got mine today... Yes its for tuna. What is strange is he said min catch is 8kg whilst the doc says 30kg. He said its because of a special derogation from eu. Boq? So why did they write 30kg? What if i get a 15 kg and get fined? Any comments

As gaffer rightly said................NAMES!

Well the fish farms can keep 8 kg tuna.......don't see anything special there but I always follow the black and white not paroli

I didn't get a call.......

laqqas jien :(

Is it true that the tuna permit does not allow for drift fishing with live bait?
My friend told me that fishing has to be: trolling, rixa

Just got a call from fisheries to collect license. I asked about the fishing methods and he said, rod, rixa and harpoon. I asked how come and he said that this is according to my fishing book, as I don't have a permit for surface long lines...........I have lost hope.....

I also got a call this morning.

Quote from: shanook on June 07, 2013, 08:23:26 CET
Just got a call from fisheries to collect license. I asked about the fishing methods and he said, rod, rixa and harpoon. I asked how come and he said that this is according to my fishing book, as I don't have a permit for surface long lines...........I have lost hope.....

Shanook, you know quite well you cannot use surface long lines (kontz tal-wicc) for BFT.

No I don't expect to be allowed to use surface long line for tuna. ...my comment " I have lost hope" is for the reason given that it is according to my fishing license.  Which is not right. It is according to a special license to fish for tuna. Otherwise if it was according to my license it won't have a restriction for line diameter, and I would be able to use a handling with live bait. I hope it's not going to turn into an excuse to make more restrictions on the fishing license.....
I still don't agree that a tuna permit should carry special restrictions, but should be according to our recreational fishing license and nothing extra.
Because now a person who does not have a tuna permit and goes out to fish and has a line over 1.1 is a breaking the law and could be fined.....how stupid can that be.

Ghadni kemm cempilt lil Fisheries, biex nikjarifika punt numru 1. li jispecifika li l hadt tal hut ghandu jsir f 5 postijiiet msemmija.

Paul Carabott qalli li l hadt hemm biss jista jsir, u officer irid jara l huta nizla mid dghajsa f'dawk il portijiet imsemmija BISS.

Jien fehmtu li fil kaz tieghi huwa mpossibli li nohrog minn san pawl bdajsa 14 pied mutur 9.9hp u noqghod nitla l-Marfa, jew l-Port l Kbir biex nurihom il forsi tonnu li qed nohlom li ser naqbad bil licenzja specjali.  It-triq hi twila ghall xi hadd bhalli, u jekk iqum il-bahar, jien kif ser imurr lura mil belt ghall san pawl jekk jigi majjistral peress li mhux jaghmel rih din sena

Staqsejt ukoll, jekk bsunnara ta tonn wahda u nillixka huta, u nrejjex biha biss hux permisibli qalli ok, u nistghu nuzaw floats bhall fenders.

Ma kienx jaf distanza li iridu nzommu l-bod mill fishfarms.

Jekk jghogobkhom, is-sigurta fuq il-bahar tas sajjieda bhallna dilettanti tigi l-ewwel u qabel kollox, u nipretendi li jkun hemm officers san pawl jew fl akkwati fuq l-art biex nhottu hemm, jien hemm irregistrajt li nohrog fuq l-applikazzjoni.

Vera li din l-ewwel darba , imma biex snin ohra ntejjbu l-affarijiet ta sigurta wkoll.

@Albatross - Hija regola li tonn BFT irrid jigi 'landed' fil postijiet msemmija.  Dik hija regola tal-EU, u ma tistax iddur mahha.  Nifhem il-punt tieghek li b'opra ta 14 il-pied mghobbi b'xi tonnu tkun qed tilghaba jekk tmur il-Marfa jew il-Belt biex tirregistra t-tonn, umbghadd iqum il-bahar.  Imma habib, xini is-soluzjoni?
Insija li jizdiedu il-landing sites.  Mhux ser tigri din. Dawn il-landing sites registrati mal EU, u Malta tehel penali qawwija jekk tazzarda ma timxiex mar-regoli kif miftehma.  

Il-fishfarms huma koperti bir-regolamenti ta' Transport Malta.  Ma tistax tistad il-gewwa mill-konfini tal-kardinal points li jimmarkaw il-fishfarms.  Minghalija din id-darba ha jkun hemm habel idawwar il-farms.  Imma miniex cert.

Ghandek ragun tghid li s-sigurta tal-bahara dilettanti tigi l-ewwel u qabel kollox, u nippretendi li l-ewwel wiehed li jhares is-sigurta tieghu innifsu huwa l-individwu stess!

P.S. Qed naqra xi ktibt hawn, u marridx nigi interpretat hazin habib.  Jien imdorri niehu shieb lili inifsi.  Bl'ebda mod ma qieghed inkun arroganti mieghek, sempliciment irrid nghidlek li dejjem hu hsieb tieghek inifsek l-ewwel, u tistenniex lil haddiehor jiehu l-inizjativa.  Fl-opinjoni tieghi, ir-riskju hu f'idejk...opra ta 14 il pied bin-9.9HP hi naqra zghira ghas sajd tat-tonn.  Forsi zbaljat, ghax jista jkun li tajba...imma dik hija decizzjoni tieghek, ghax kullhadd responsabli ta ghemilu.
Insellimlek!

Xi hadd fehem ezatt x irkapti tista tuza???????

Qasba, imma bil wieqaf? U liska tista tkun hajja jew friska?
Rixa, jigifieri miexi bil lure, imma tista twaddab fender? Mela fuq idejk, u harira 1.1 xi darba ser izzomm tonn jew?
Harpoon, imma bil powerhead? jew b virga normali u bla fender forsi naghmel l-iktar dive fonda f'hajti, u tkun l-ahhar wahda!!
X hin saqsejt ma hadt l-ebda risposta hlief li fenders u tankijiet ma jistghux jintuzaw, u bil brazzol biss ma tistax.

Buqq

Tista tuza braid? Jew mono biss? Jien qasba wahda ghandi kbira, suppost narmi il braid jew nista nghamel il braid u il mono fuqu? Nahseb wara kollox xorta jigi...

Ha nwiegeb li naf jien.  Il-brazzol mhux ehxen minn 1.6mm, mhux 1.1mm.  il-bqija tal medda tista ttuza cima jekk trid, l-importanti l-brazzol, jew wiehed singlu ta 1.6mm, jew dopja forza ta .8mm.  Il-bqija tista tuza kull metodu li trid.  Bil-harpoon nistqar li ma nafx jekk tistax tuza powerhead (powerhead xi tkun?)...Jien ghadni ma rcivejt l-ebda telefonata!

Jien ma rcevejt xejn u qbadt u mort.
Hu stess qalli li l-istagun 5 minuti se jdum miftuh daqs kemm ser ikun hemm nies ghax kellu lista ma tispicca qatt. 250 applicants.

Kul ma hemm miktub
L irakpti permessi huma biss il-qasba, ir rixa jew il harpoon. Filkas li tintuza il qasba jew rixa il linja principali jista jkolla dijametru massimu monofilament ta' 1.1mm singlu. L-uzu tal harpun huwa projbit li jintuza bl-aqualung u mal lejl.

Powerhead hija skartocc fi tarf tal-virga.

Jahasra qed toqghodu tidhlu f'hafna cajt u twaqqghu il gebla fuq saqajna.

Lixka hajja jew mejta mux xorta!  Braid u mhux braid x'differenza ha taghmel?  La id dokument ma jidholx f'dawn l-irqaqt ghala ghandna nidhlu ahna? Hemm xi haga li tghidlek ma tistax tuza braid? Le. Mela uzah u minti taghmel xejn hazin.

Meta issemmu dawn l affarijiet biex iddahlu il flieles f'mohh in-nies tad-dipartiment li qas jgharfu pixxispad minn tonna.

Qed tghidu hazin.... Fuq wara tal licenzja hemm miktub monofilament ta 110 mm singlu. Jekk tridu nipostja kopja

Mela jien mort nigbru illum. Kellu lista twila hafna u dawk li ingabru kienu kemm fuq quddiem u kemm fuq wara. Jien nahseb min ma cemplulux jista jaqbad u jmur imma ahjar iccemplu wahda qabel fuq il free phone.
Fuq il licenzja hemm miktub li harira sa 1.1mm izda dak li qdieni qalli car li dak zball u trid tigi 1.6mm. Saqsejtu jekk nistax nistad bil liska u qalli ovja izda mhux bil konz!
Saqsejtu fuq is Circle hooks u qalli snanar apposta ghat ton ma jezistux u ghalhekk jista jkolli li irrid fuqi.

@toxictuna nahseb li jekk taghmel 1+1 tinduna li 1.1mm qieghed jirreferi ghal leader. jekk ser tistad b'xi fender mhux habel ha jkollok?!

gerfixtuni... Monofilament x'inhu mela?
U Jekk qallek li bil qasba kif qed insemmu il fenders?
U Bir rixa se trejjex b'habel jew!

Buqq....
I gave up...

jien ghadni ma rcevejt l ebda telefornata

Jien nahseb ghalina id delittanti is sajd tat ton ghandu jkun biss bil qasba (bir rixa jew bil liska) u mhux fuq l idejn u landi.
Bil Harpun sorja ohra ovjament.

Jien bir rixa tal kahli nistadlu normalment :D

Jien sa minn dejjem fuq idi bil bott rejjix, qasab qatt ma kelli u mhux behsiebni nixtri... allura jien ma nistax inrejjix hekk moonwalker? prosit ghalik eh

U bir rixa bil habel inrejjex. jekk qed inrejjex ghal xi tonnu ma nahsibx li ser inzomm f'idi harira.  jkelli fergha ta 10 qami harira, kurlin, bott,naqra kurlin ohra u bott iehor.
hadta it tghalima ghax meta kont izghar ghoddni sebghi tajjarli.

Li ridt najd jien hu li hafna sajjieda il Landi  juzawhom meta jkunu weqfin mal Fishfarms biex ma jitilfux hin mat Tonnu. Jekk int trejjex fuq idejk ovjament bilfors trid tuza il landi.

Imma ghandek ragun u nirtira il kumment ghax jista jinftiehem hazin.

Ma gara xej, laqwa li fthemna.  alekk ma tistax tiggenerizza ghax nehlu kollha u mux sew.

Niehdu cans u nippruvaw.  grazzi ta l-info gaffer

Ghandi kurzita meta il kwota ha tinqabad fi zmien ta gurnata u jigu rrapurtati xi 700 kilo tonn facilment... min ha jirraporta il 200 kilo extra x ha jigri?? In bona fide ha jkun qabad tonna u zamma ghax ma jafx li l kwota inqabdet fi zmien ta gurnata pero qabada meta m emmx kwota ax inqabdet...

Z zmien itina parir u almenu imma emm bidu :)

Granitu - dejjem hekk jigri, anki fix-xenarju commerciali, il kwota tintlahaq u tinqabez fl-istess gurnata.  Nahseb bhal ma qalu ta qabli, qed nanalizzaw wisq is sitwazzjoni.  Ejja nohorgu nistadu u niehdu pjacir.  X'hin tintlahaq il kwota, tintlahhaq.  

Quote from: The_Gaffer on June 11, 2013, 14:01:11 CET
Granitu - dejjem hekk jigri, anki fix-xenarju commerciali, il kwota tintlahaq u tinqabez fl-istess gurnata.  Nahseb bhal ma qalu ta qabli, qed nanalizzaw wisq is sitwazzjoni.  Ejja nohorgu nistadu u niehdu pjacir.  X'hin tintlahaq il kwota, tintlahhaq. 

Ezatt, Il problema li probabli gaffer sakemm nasal tkun ga ntlahqet il kwota :P

Jien nahseb {forsi z-zmien juri li jien zbaljat} li l-kwota ddum ma tintlahaq.

Jien hekk nahseb ukoll li qabel nofs Lulju ma tintlehaqx.  Hemm xi mod li nkunu nufu fiex wasalna biex tintleheq l kwota?

Meta iccempel li hiereg tistad ghat Tonn jghajdulek jekk il kwota intlahqitx jew le.

Seems its been sometime since we all had a long chat on MFF. This thread was started in English. We all know the rules but.......
We have all been given the rules, just follow those. Nothing less nothing more. If there are details missing its not our fault. As soon as you land the fish send SMS stating approx fish size and that its dead, and then take it from there.

Tomorrow  Thumbs UP  good luck  ;D ;D ;D ;D :-* :-* :-* :-* :-* :-*

any catches?

Have u guys used all the quota or I still have a chance of trying

Got Them all .... from behind my desk :)

Well done fortuna lol

Any news on tuna catches???

??????????????
Nobody was there last sunday??

baqa 499kilos u 950 grams biex taghlaq il-kwota...........ghax kilt landa tonn taz-zejt tal 50 grams!

 ;D ;D ;D Great One!

Tghid lahquha l-kwota dawn?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i5mMI8t7vV0

Dawk x'qasab huma uwx?

tal-genn dawk il-qasab.

Il bierah ghamilt gurnata nrejjex mal fishfarms bil haj ! u lanqas messa mgidma. qisek qed tistad go bir. 40euro az-zeta! L`unika haga li rajna kien pixxispad kbir jaqbez.

uzgur siehbi, tunnu bil hajt imissek wiehed kull 5 snin... umbad hawn min jigi jghid li kif inizzel naqra liskuta jmissuh xi 5 kull darba li jmur... tal mikimaws

Quote from: caldaland on June 19, 2013, 14:40:40 CET
Tghid lahquha l-kwota dawn?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i5mMI8t7vV0

Min qed jeqred it-tonn allura  ??? ??? ??? daqs kemm huma zar. Qishom qed jaqbdu l-fanfri  >:( >:( >:(

Quote from: Cellikku on June 20, 2013, 08:48:29 CET
uzgur siehbi, tunnu bil hajt imissek wiehed kull 5 snin... umbad hawn min jigi jghid li kif inizzel naqra liskuta jmissuh xi 5 kull darba li jmur... tal mikimaws

U zguuuuuuurrrr!!!!! jekk ikollhom min iqabbadulhom minn taht  ;) ;) ;)

Quote from: malvizzu on June 20, 2013, 11:33:40 CET

Quote from: Cellikku on June 20, 2013, 08:48:29 CET
uzgur siehbi, tunnu bil hajt imissek wiehed kull 5 snin... umbad hawn min jigi jghid li kif inizzel naqra liskuta jmissuh xi 5 kull darba li jmur... tal mikimaws

U zguuuuuuurrrr!!!!! jekk ikollhom min iqabbadulhom minn taht  ;) ;) ;)

S sajd inzertaturi habib!!

Same as rednaell.... same trolling uselessly. Same swordfish jumping

Can we fish for tuna near the fishfarms (outside bouys) or no with the recreational permit?

as far as I know yes, so long as you're out of the perimeter.

jekk taqra il licenzje tkun tghaf. imma ijwa tista

Yes but someone told me otherwise so I thought better ask here to be sure.

qatt ma tista tkun cert milli jajdulek, kulhadd iparla u jivvinta.  mhemm xejn aqwa minn dak li qed iswed fuq abjad bil miktub

You can fish wherever you like as long as you respect the law.  As for fishfarms, you need to be outside the cardinal bouys that mark the perimeter of the fishfarms.  The SPB ones have a rope tied around these markers, the ones down south do not.  Ensure you have a permit, as things are getting slightly hot under the collar at the moment.

Why do we have to return the Tuna license back? We all know that the quota has been reached and these papers are not going to be reused.

Because we are made in malta!

U trid tmur personali bih, bil posta jew registrata mhux tajjeb!!

Quote from: Moonwalker on September 02, 2013, 14:15:20 CET
Why do we have to return the Tuna license back? We all know that the quota has been reached and these papers are not going to be reused.

I do hope Fisheries have a good reason for this.  We are meeting on Wednesday, I'll ask why the permit has to be returned by hand.

I just can't understand this stupidity! Pass il-quddiem u ghaxra lura!
And.... they want it back by Friday!!! whether it's on your boat or not!
Joe..... I know you will but please try to drive some sense into them. My permit is on the boat and they expect me to go to bugibba, take the tender, uncover the boat etc.... just to get this bloody permit returned. Moreover I do not recall reading any condition stating that the document must be returned.

I sent MSG to ask regarding the return of the tuna permit.
I understand its a useless piece of paper since the license is now closed. 
I asked hon Galdes regarding this and I got a reply in about 5 minutes (well done for replying in such as short time).
The answer was that the paper is "needed for audit purpose. Can be sent by registered post".
I was not going to bother sending it at all as it does not make sense, but a friend of mine took mine along with his.
Why would a scrap piece of paper be needed for audit. When we picked it up we had to sign for it, that's what should be used for audit not this. If there are other reasons which I am missing then I cannot comment but to make a person go all the way to the fisheries just to return a piece of useless paper is uncomprehendable.

Benri - ever heard pf the expression 'flocking dead sheep' that is my take on this!
I too received a call on friday to return the permit by this Friday, knowing me, i said and what if i don't! It was as if i was talking to a recording...as the person at the other end just demanded that i need/have/must return the permit by Friday, to which I replied 'Or else?' Imma ghal xejn.  So indeed, flocking dead sheep

Quote from: The_Gaffer on September 02, 2013, 16:29:01 CET

Quote from: Moonwalker on September 02, 2013, 14:15:20 CET
Why do we have to return the Tuna license back? We all know that the quota has been reached and these papers are not going to be reused.

I do hope Fisheries have a good reason for this.  We are meeting on Wednesday, I'll ask why the permit has to be returned by hand.

Gaffer How it went at the meeting ?

Meeting is tomorrow.  However, it is acceptable to send in your expired Permits via post. 

Jien hadd ma cempili, jigifieri naghmlu f inkwatru l permess. :D :D :D :'( :'(

lili hadd ma cempilli anqas... fil verita qas biex immur nigbor il permess ma cempluli meta kienu hargu... ma jsir xejn sewwa

Dawk li hadd ma cempillhom,jihduhom xorta l-permessi. Naf x'qed nighd!

Ma fimtekx?

Lili ma cemplulix u xorta gbartu u il permess hadtu lura fi tmiem l-istagun... imma dan kollu ghax kont naf nies li rcevew it telefonata, kieku ma kont naf lil hadd li cemplulu kont nibqa bir rieha

Ghamilt sew...................u zball min taghom li ma cemplulekx. Li rrid nighd jien hu li min ma cemplulux biex jirritorna l-permess,ghandu jtihulom xorta,jew imur bih jew jimpustah. Lilu jaqbel!

jien bghattu bil posta sahha tawna cans u fethu ftit mohhom ma rridx ndardara.

Hemm raguni tajba ghala iriduhom,izda ma nistax nghida hawn...........l-ahwa ibghatuhom.

Hawn xi hadd jaf jghidli jekk hargux il permessi ghat ton jew meta hirgin ghax iltqajt ma xi zewgt ihbieb u xtaqu jkunu jafu u ghedtilhom issa nistaqsi fuq il forum.Grazzi

@Spiru - Ghad ma hemm xejn s'sissa.  Ibqu certi li kif inkun naf xi haga, l-ewwel ma taqraw fuqa jkun hawn :)

Biex tohrog ghal Tonn tista b dajsa Valletta jekk thallas permess?

Jekk kollox jibqa l-istess bhal snin ta qabel, allura iva, tista tohrog b'daghjsa registrata Valletta ghat tonn, sakemm ikollok il-permess mehtieg.  Ma hemm l-ebda hlas marbut ma dan il-permess

thanks

Grazzi hafna!! nistennew bil herqa il permess mela

smajtu xihaga lahwa?

Id-diskussjonijiet ghaddejjin hbieb.  Il-Federrazjoni u il malta Fishing Forum qedin spalla ma spalla fid-diskussjonijiet.  Kif ikolna xi haga konkreta, nikkomunikawa

Ijja Joe zomna infurmati. Ilni nonfoq flus, dis sena record perres li l`ewwel darba li ha narma ghal das sajd!

Aggornament:

Illum saret laqgha ohra mad-dipartiment tal-Fisheries.  Ghan-naha tad-dilettanti hemm il-Malta Fishing Forum u il-Federation.  Jidher li hemm qbil fuq kollox barra l-kwota.  Miniex nghid li mhemx qbil mal-kwota, qed nghid li qedin nistennew risposta ghal ahhar proposta taghna.  Iggifieri, il-kwota ghad trid tigi stabilita, pero nistaw niggarantixxu li ser tkun iktar mis-sena l-ohra.  B'kemm, ghad irrid jigi deciz. 
- Nista nassigura lil kullhadd li rieda tajba biex naslu hemm, kemm minn naha tal-fisheries, u kemm minn naha tar-raprezzentanti tad-dillettanti.
- Nistaw nghidu ukoll li ir-regolamenti kif kienu is-sena l-ohra, ser jibqaw fis-sehh ghal din is-sena ukoll.

Ghalissa dak kollox, kif ikolna risposta fuq il-proposta taghna ghal kwota, din nikkomunikawa immedjatament.
Grazzi,

Nistaw nikkonfermaw li l-kwota allokata ghal din is-sena ser tkun ta 1000kg.  Dan iffissir li l-kwota giet irdupjata mill-allokazzjoni tas-sena li ghaddiet.  Dawn id-diskussjonijiet issa huma maghluqa mad-dipartiment tal-fisheries. 

Grazzi tal-update u grazzi akbar tax-xoghol li jsir minn naha tal-MFF u tal-Federation.

1000kg zgur li ahjar mill-500kg tas-sena lohra

prosit u grazzi

Jien personalment,mhux dilettant ta din is-sajda,izda xorta napprezza ix-xoghol ta MFF...............prosit.

Well done....now it all depends on us to act accordingly to keep or improve this provision.

Well done !

Well done and thank you for your excellent work, as always.

proset :) cans ikbar biex ntela lewwel tonn  fuq id-dajsa :) meta ha jinfethu l-applikazjoni u min fejn iridu jingabru/jidahlu?

Quote from: Kevin G on March 21, 2014, 14:33:45 CET
proset :) cans ikbar biex ntela lewwel tonn  fuq id-dajsa :) meta ha jinfethu l-applikazjoni u min fejn iridu jingabru/jidahlu?

Dalwaqt nispjegaw kollox.  Din id-darba il-Federation ser tkun qed tigbor id-dettalji ghal applikazzjonijiet.  Din kienet parti mil-hidma u negozzjar li sar mill-Federation u l-MFF.  Qed nistennew il-Fisheries jghadduna id-dettalji, u minn hawn ngharfukhom xi jrid issir.  :)

Is there a chance of getting tags for catch and release??

Well done

Prosit Joe u prosit ukoll ghal min kien involut

big thanks and well done to all those involved

Prosit! imma fehmuni din... jaf jaghlaq f gurnata season? ezempju jinqabdu 10 ta 100kg :(

Quote from: bonell on March 21, 2014, 20:34:34 CET
Prosit! imma fehmuni din... jaf jaghlaq f gurnata season? ezempju jinqabdu 10 ta 100kg :(

Iva, jista jigri hekk.  Il-kwota hija kwota.  Kif u meta tintlahaq, jinghalaq il-permess.  Hekk jigri lis-sajjieda professjonali ukoll. 

Dear all,

When the BFT permit for 2014 can be collected ? Are there any procedures to get it?. I've got MFC registration.

Thanks.

Pedro - You need to apply first in order to be able to collect the permit. We will shortly be announcing to procedure on how to apply.

Nixtieq najd proset tal hidma kollha u sagrificju tal hin li tofru, fismi u f isem xi hbieb li japrezzaw u xtaqu jibatu messag

Thanks Dward.  huwa ta sodisfazzjon ghalina (Dr. Joe, Frank u Jien f'isem il Federation u L-MFF) li hemm minn ghadd japprezza l-hidma taghna favur id-delizzju.