How many of you have been to some shore sites, and encountered the following signs affixed:
Marine conservation area Mepa Law sl 425-01, Spearfishing is illegal in this area.
I have seen one at ghar lapsi recently.
Below is the e-mail that I have personally sent to Mepa and to Nature Protection.
This is due to the fact that I seriously beleive that this sign is abusive, and none of the authorities know anything about it. Does anyone of you guy has a better picture?
Below is the letter................
As spoken on our telephone conversation, below are listed the details of my complaint.
I am in the knowledge that in various shore sites in malta, notices are being affixed, (on poles) to prohibit spearfishing into that particular area.
On a particular occasion, I witnessed myself one of these notices, affixed on the steps, the way down to ghar lapsi.
This stated. ?Illegal any spearfishing activity in this area, Marine Conseravation Areas Mepa Law sl 425-01.?
I obeyed this sign, and left the site, altough this sounded strange to me.
Today and last Friday I contacted:
1 Local Council siggiewi, whom are not aware of this sign
2 Malta Maritime authority, whom are not aware of this sign either
3 Malta Maritime foundation (I couldn?t speak to anyone, but I sent an e-mail)
4 Mepa (this mail confirms)
I am a spearfisher, and love this sport. Ony whom practices this sport knows how many sacrifice and training you need to achieve any result.
I hate whoever acts badly (against rules, or law), because this brings along, a negative image onto all of those who pratice this sport.
On the other hand if someone else, is acting illegally, by putting up notices, (maybe for personal, or financial reasons), this situation has to end.
For this reason I am hereby lodging this complaint, giving you my personal e-mail and mobile number, hoping to hear any action that have been undertaken from your end please.
Regards Silvio.
Baghira, have you read the post by emic malta "Reserve zones
by EmicMalta [Today at 11:47:38] " I personally new that they were introducing marine reservs, but wasn't aware of any except around filfla.
I agree with the reserves, but not in areas which have been used by all sorts of fisherman for ages, at least some distance away from shore.
Hi ramio
I was aware of these that you mentioned (Notice to marines no 5 of 2008, Conservation areas around wrecks)
But these have been made public and I was in the knowledge of these long ago.
Authorites obviously know about them, but not about these signs.???
Well sombody is puting them up! It recon the autority knows who. They have to go to an expence to make, and install them. Obviously somone with a personal interest, maybe tourist divers org. did you check with police.
ija jekk trid huda emic, ngiblek chaser u nzommuwha ghal collection. taghtux kas guys malta s soltu mis seba niehdu l id......
morru ghoddsu u hudu gost
(http://maltafishingforum.com/talk/gallery/142_17_06_08_11_05_19.jpg)
(http://maltafishingforum.com/talk/gallery/142_17_06_08_11_06_41.jpg)
This is my email sent today to the MMA cos seems that no one is making any movement
Hello,
I m trying to find something on spearfishing on the the MMA site. Pls can you help us or send us a link so that we will know the reserve zones.Also in a lot of beaches there are making signs on poles saying Spearfishing is illegal. Can we know who had made these pls cos sent a lot of mails and didn t had any confirmations. Attached one can see the sign. And if no one is in charge of these signs, this means that can be taken of by the law?
Thanks
Edward
emic this note is only for guidance, it is not saying that in this particular place is illegal.......
there are the conditions, IF IT DOES NOT APPLY TO RESERVES AREAS FORGET THEM! hence, if lapsi is included, it was probably included as some launch boats from there, not because the zone is restricted
if they don't clarify, they shouldn't expect that anyone abides with the rules-
Go to medfish, under local laws...Malta...it's all there...so many words and speculations...yet nobody sits down and does a bit of homework.
http://www.medfish.com/
Malta
Written by Kenneth Busuttil Griffin
Spearfishing license: Before the actual purchase of the gun, one obtains license number from Police General Headquarters weapons Offices after a short interview with an officer. One is asked to fill in a form with personal details and speargun specifications.
- For the purchase of any arm which requires a licence and to keep such an arm during the year of its purchase. (reg.1_Police Licences Regulations, CAP. 128) EUR 16.31.
- To keep a speargun during any year following the year of purchase there of, per annum. (reg.6_Police Licences Regulations, CAP. 128) EUR 6.99
- To carry a speargun per annum (reg.7_Police Licences Regulations, CAP. 128) EUR 3.49
Restrictions: Regulation (EC No 1967/2006) which is administered by the Veterinary Affairs and Fisheries Division:
Spear-guns shall be prohibited if used in conjunction with underwater breathing apparatus (aqualung) or at night from sunset to dawn. (reg.4_Art.8_EC No 1967/2006).
Restricted areas:
Fishing is strictly prohibited in the proximity of the sewage outfall at Wied Ghammieq within the area demarcated on the land side by two stone pillars painted red situated on the sides of the drainage outlet, one on Xghajra shore in the vicinity of Ras il-gebel and the other under the Ricasoli Bastion and on the sea side by two range buoys. It is also prohibited to collect by any means from the same area any edible marine products. (reg.11_S.L.10.12 Fishery Regulations).
No fishing is permitted in the Dockyard Creek or in the French Creek, that is in those parts of the Grand Harbour to the south east of a line drawn from St.Angelo Point to Isola Point and hence to the northern end of Parlatorio Wharf and Corradino Hill without a special licence issued by the Director with the approval of the Prime Minister. (reg.12_S.L.10.12 Fishery Regulations).
No spearfishing is permitted in zones which are designated to be conservation zones by MEPA* and wherever artificial reefs are built for the purpose of scientific studies or as an attraction to tourist divers.
*Designated Marine Protected Areas: A marine site that has recently been selected and designated as a marine protected area and a Special Area of Conservation of International Importance is the marine area between Rdum Majjiesa and Ras ir-Raheb on the northwest coast of Malta. MEPA.ORG
The Veterinary Regulation and Fisheries Conservation and Control within the Veterinary and Fisheries Affairs Division (VAFD) has set a number of conservation areas around wrecks.
Spearfishing is prohibited in the following areas. Only surface fishing is allowed including trolling lines (rixa) and angling for pelagic fish.
Location: Wied iz-Zurrieq; Wreck: Um el Faroud
Location: Off Xatt l-Ahmar; Wreck: MV Xlendi, Cominoland, Karwela
Location: Marsascala; Wreck: Tug St.Michael, Tug 10
Location: Off Qawra point; Wreck: Imperial Eagle
Location: Off Cirkewwa; Wreck: Rozi, P29
Location: Off Xrobb l-Ghagin; Wreck: Blenheim bomber
Location: Off Exiles Point; Wreck: Bristol Beaufighter
Protected fish:
The minimum sizes of fishes, measured overall, shall be according to the following schedule:
Name: Min Size
Voparella and Vopa (Box boops) 90mm
Arznella and Munqara (Smaris vulgaris) 90mm
Trilja or Red Mullets (Mullus barbatus and Mullus sarmuletus) including Triljetta 100mm
All other fishes except transparent goby (makku) & whitebait (srajdna & nemusa) 115mm
Cuttlefish (sicca)* 75mm
Squid (klamari)* 100mm
*Cephalopods, measured from the anterior side of the eye to the posterior end of the body
Posted: 2008-05-19, this information is accurate as of date of publication.
well well, seems to me that some interesting information is evolving.
By the way spnotta, can you be a bit more clear in your phrases. ???
I believe that this forum is intended for discussion, and maybe for those who have no idea of any protected areas, so they can get a clearer picture. And for all of us to learn more from others.
Speculations....................................Does any maltese has to go to a website like medfish to get some information, Can't we get it directly from source??????? >:(
I know what I am saying, and I spoke directly to the departments or authorities mentioned in my letter and nobody, could until now give me an answer. I also have a pending complaint at mepa which has still been not answered.
Anzi malta qed nghixu u tafu l-affarijiet kif imorru hux. Bhal meta L-ewwel trid tigri xi katastrofi, imbghad niffaccjaw il problema. (Jien ghax naf x'jigri qed nitkellem, u kieku taf fejn nahdem jien, tifhimni ahjar.)
Jiddispjacini, imma ir-risposta jien nixtieqa minghand min kien ghamel il-ligi.
Nahseb li kulhadd ghandu dritt ikun jaf fejn huma dawn l-areas ezatt, sabiex ahna wkoll nkunu konxji bihom.
I might also be wrong, but in any case, when a complaint is lodged, the authority has to answer, both if positive and also in the negative.
And also I must add that the sign that I saw, had been a bit vandalised :o, and some wording was missing.
well if no one comes to change them we will know why, as the authorities should do something about people just putting up signs without prper auth.
Hi Guys, Actually I did that sign myself so that I can catch all the fish on my own. Please go somewhere else!
Has anyone spoken with the MTA seeing as it has their web address at the bottom?
Quote from: baghira on June 17, 2008, 23:24:52 CET
well well, seems to me that some interesting information is evolving.
By the way spnotta, can you be a bit more clear in your phrases. ???
I believe that this forum is intended for discussion, and maybe for those who have no idea of any protected areas, so they can get a clearer picture. And for all of us to learn more from others.
Speculations....................................Does any maltese has to go to a website like medfish to get some information, Can't we get it directly from source??????? >:(
I know what I am saying, and I spoke directly to the departments or authorities mentioned in my letter and nobody, could until now give me an answer. I also have a pending complaint at mepa which has still been not answered.
Anzi malta qed nghixu u tafu l-affarijiet kif imorru hux. Bhal meta L-ewwel trid tigri xi katastrofi, imbghad niffaccjaw il problema. (Jien ghax naf x'jigri qed nitkellem, u kieku taf fejn nahdem jien, tifhimni ahjar.)
Jiddispjacini, imma ir-risposta jien nixtieqa minghand min kien ghamel il-ligi.
Nahseb li kulhadd ghandu dritt ikun jaf fejn huma dawn l-areas ezatt, sabiex ahna wkoll nkunu konxji bihom.
IMHO I was very clear.
You don't have to go to medfish...you can find the respective documents from the European and Maltese Directives, laws and regulations...directly from the source.
Visiting medfish is not a bad idea either.
Hello we are in 2008...internet...google search??? I wrote that myself and from where do you think I got the info?...not from eavesdropping in the streets, in forums or what cikku said. I got it all from the source.
-European Regulation (EC No 1967/2006)
-The Veterinary Regulation and Fisheries Conservation and Control within the Veterinary and Fisheries Affairs Division (VAFD)
- Maltese Law...reg.12_S.L.10.12 Fishery Regulations
You want to talk to who is responsible for the directives stated on the banner (which I fully agree with) and the conservation sites ? You have to go to VADF who are just implementing and conforming with the European regulation EC No 1967/2006. Regarding the converation sites on wrecks those are coming from Malta's side.
Pullicino issued and statedwhat you all are discussing about in 2007 in the parliamentary questions directed to him.
Guys all this hassle for nothing...those signs do not mean you cannot perform spearfishing in those respective areas. The restricted areas are the ones that I listed on the previous thread. For now you should only be angry that you cannot perform spearfishing on those wrecks for "converservation purposes" whilst angling for pelagic fish on then is allowed.
Now that is something to be angry about.
That was my intention skip, but I had no time to. You're damn right.
By the way spnotta. It seems you know a lot of things though........somehow involved uhhhhhh...................acting like a consultant.
Actually I do not like funny phrases. I do a post to discussion going and not arguments.
Good for you discovering google ........................Hope you found it useful.....
I am a law enforcement officer and I do that everyday,,,, part of my job is to look and search for EC Regulations, Maltese legislation, and that is not always so easy as it seems.
And another thing....................We also have a sign at lapsi, but the local coucil is knowledgeable about it.
On the other hand I totally agree with you as regards the marine protected areas. I did not mean anything against any protected areas. Although I did not like your way of answering, I have to admit that you have a clear picture of the subject, and that you was of help in this post. And since we are in the dicussion, anything about Law SL425-01
Dear baghira, so this forum apart from lacking an appropriate code of ethics regarding sea sustainability...it is also lacking sense of humour. Shame...that is how I am...love me or hate me. :)
You are a law enforcement officer and it is your role to perform these find outs!!!! Maybe your offices should recruit me. :) Finding these things on the net is as easy as pie. Maybe you are not taxing your grey matter enough. :)
As for law SL425-O1 type it in google along with other significant key words and sieve through the results. I could give you the direct link but i think it would be good traing for you. :)
BTW these regulations were implemented in 2007 and were on the lips of many from 2006. You are not talking to the right indiviuals and maybe you should be more meticulous in your homework. I presented all you requested "fuq plat" with all the respective citations.
humour is the spice of life.
Joking apart, if you really need the direct links I will provide them to you. :)
Spnotta, the ethics regarding individuals has nothing to do with the forum so I would appreciate if you didn't link the two together, we are not here to enforce what each person does in his own time! The sense of humour or otherwise of an individual on a specific topic does not reflect that of the other 380 odd members or the several thousand people who browse through and don't post/register!
As I've said in many of my posts before, when I write something as I'm sure is the case for you as well, I'm merely expressing my opinion, nothing more, nothing less. I may be talking a bunch of crap and don't mind if someone jumps in and says so or corrects me, that's what it's all about.
I still haven't quite understood what the issue is/was in this topic that is causing conflict, but you may as well BOTH put it down to a difference of opinion or expression and say let bygones be bygones or you'll both be having a go at each other for another few pages and deviating for the original post!!
And to touch again on what you wrote, from what I've seen NO ONE really seems to have a code of ethics regarding sea sustainability, starting and ending with the government who were very happy to collect taxes and money from the fish farms putting Malta on the map in a very negative way around the world due to these activities. They didn't care about the pollution caused from these farms and allowed operators to do what they want whilst turning a blind eye and probably having their pockets lined in the process. The pariti are the worst offenders and are totally ignored by the authorities and then fishermen stay complaining that they can't earn a living.
I very much doubt that sportfishermen like us, be it trolling, bottom fishing, or spearfishing truly account for any kind of significant negative impact on fish stocks, yet we seem to be the primary 'target' as the easiest to enforce with the least amount of hassle.
Amen to that Brother........
There is nothing to get angry at... We get annoyed for the simple reason that its the 'one weight two measures' attitude we have in this country. To have restricted (conservation) areas is a fantastic idea. Its the only way we can help the sea to recuperate and thus having more fish to catch either for us or future generations. But the fish have to be able to reach the conservation areas not find Pariti all over the place.
All the members of this forum that I met personally take good care not too catch too much and what they shoot at or bring in boat are fish that have reached maturity. So we do our bit.
Regarding being in 2008, internet etc I know so many people who are either scared or not at easy when it comes to IT. Please respect each and every individuals ability. God created us different for a purpose and if you are a Christian than please act like one
May your God go with you all....
There is no personal issues here...at least from my side, I am just pulling someone's leg... :)
A forum is made of it's members, :)
Isn't it sarcatic...Stating one's fish wastage deeds whilst pointing fingers at the "pariti" ? Forum staff potentially could correct such posts in a friendly manner or at least point it out.
Rather than enforce, culturing members into sea sustainability would be optimal...sexual maturity sizes...emptying holes etc. Inform, educate...
But this all boils down to the percentage of members who REALLY have respect for the sea. As I see it and agree with SKIP most of us locals don't give a sh*t. It seems ignorane is bliss.
Eutrophication caused by inshore fishfarms depleted many of our coastal flora and fauna in past years...I see that some of us do some homework and CARE. That's good...but you know what they say ...charity starts at home...what greater opportunity to use this forum to promote sea sustainability issues, educate, culture and promote REAL sport fishing and leave the commercial fishing to the commercial fishermen.
Minorities are always targeted because they are minorities :) and are not commercially viable.
I DO have a code of ethics regarding sea sustianibility...I am far from perfect but thrive to respect the sea and the enviroment.
I do believe there is a God and I am sure He does not support greed or wastage.
the government should send any new laws by post to all those who have a registered boat or have a registered harpoon. we pay annual fees so the least he can do is to inform us what are the new laws because not everyone has internet or knows where to search for such laws
skip that doesn't mean that spnotta is wrong in my opinion...... if someone does wrong that doesn't mean we should be following them(gov.)
you may as well know what they are primarily up first, money as nearly everyone. that doesn't mean-like the man jumping from had dingli myth, we should follow it.....
spnotta is right in my opinion some sarcasm and humor never harmed anyone..... better take it on the bright side in my opinion cause here in malta we have some real foolish people in high positions with no decent knowledge at all..... but ahh.... they have votes which mean power.... this is the real situation
having places where fish may breed is an excellent idea in my opinion and little fishing may be done..... just remember that fish do migrate, including sargi ect.... but the problem lies in no restrictions on ABUSIVE commercial fisherman's.. there are some real ones but some of them just do it illegally, and they should be ashamed of it.. the problem that the some in malta is a lot and i am pretty sure that these areas are being fished with nets, on of them is wied il ghajn reserve and i am sure as hell. and the persons do it do it just for fun, just for the fun of throwing a bicca parit.... i would never call it fun
even a diver hunting fish at the intent of selling them in my opinion is a commercial fisherman, who respects the law is often in disadvantage. it might be the case that one gets a fish which s too much for him, so he sells some and that can be ignored. but a diver fishing at the intent of getting as much fish as he wants harms too...
but i am pretty sure that many divers are nature sensitive, not anyone can do it decently so EVERYONE MUST respect divers, they are not a bunch of beered-belly people got up one day and say,....m let's go diving..... it needs a lot of practice and time and that is not simple......
i respect the sea.... i never got any profit from the sea, it was always a loss in monetary terms but in terms of pleasure i always gained..... and i go both spear fishing and fishing and respect a lot the sea.
i never take more than two sargi home with me, and they must at least be 600 grms..... i never shoot fish in holes, i find it very intrusive.... but not everyone does it and they could be forum members. it is a matter of opnion, i know that i leave fish and others f888 it up.
a hobby is by no means a way to earn money, it is a way to spend a nice time with good company.... i don't reveal much places for the reason that few respect the sea as i do...... but i assure you who knows me well i am always ready to help on fishing...
my father says i am mad when we troll for kubrit, i normally throw it away to live but i am sure nearly no one throws it away.. and i've seen people taking buckets of vopi sized tumbrell, and then say to give it to the cat.... there is cat food for cats..... if you love them better leave the fish alive they can be poisonous
spnotta it is nice that you are proficiently able in computer use, but not everyone is the same... like you i always find what i want but don't assume it.... not everyone is talented in the same manner. but it is nice to see a good fellow like you that respects the sea, who admits that he is not perfect, just like me but willing to do his part
THAT IS THE ATTITUDE GUYS-ETHICS NEVER HARMED ANYONE
Granitu you rot me to the core. ten out of ten!!!! How the heck did you scan my thoughts and feelings!!! Really I am shocked!!!
OK OK I was hard on Baghira, I sincerely apologise...honestly. My sense of humour is rather too punchy at times.
To be honest I never wrote in this forum because I was put off by some members wastage and greed and the fact they stood uncorrected!!! When I saw this thread I thought that some of you would rejoice in knowing that bubble-blower spearos and spearfishing at night with torches were banned... finally. The conservational areas proposals should be good news!!!. I am disappointed that nobody knew about this, I mean this was a year ago!!!!
What I am really concerned is that society always picks on the minority sport fishermen and backs off when commercial fishing is involved. I mean did you check the Maltese Law way back from the 30s!!!! Have you seen the catChable sizes...isn't that a joke...I just wish that Malta adopts regulation on sexual maturity sizes and number of catches. Heavy fines for those caught with fish under sexual maturity sizes.
This is not my opinion...this is ecology sustainability...it more than ethics...IT'S A MUST!!!
I want my offspring to enjoy the sea, if something is left of it.
right spnotta, it is not difficult to spot a person who talks with passion, not for money, for what he loves, that is the trick i guess.... ;D ;D
i guess it is nice to apologize but it is people expression of feelings, humor is part in our lives and criticism never huts guys....i never say i am correct but i stand to be corrected..... i fear much those who don't criticize rather than those who point out ideas...
in my opinion there is nothing to be put off spnotta, this a free forum and internet is a place where anyone can write what he wants....
that is the way spnotta, never give up as long as you do your part you will be rewarded for it..... rest assured..... just a hint that psychology is a lot in fishing and spear fishing especially, and i wouldn't be surprised that you have excellent result.
respecting nature is a way to gel with nature, when you gel with nature you become part of the food chain and it really gives a competitive edge....
Quote from: Granitu on June 19, 2008, 17:23:58 CET
skip that doesn't mean that spnotta is wrong in my opinion...... if someone does wrong that doesn't mean we should be following them(gov.)
Granitu, I think you have mis-understood what I have written. Read my post and tell me where I said Spnotta is wrong or right??? What I said was don't make sweeping statements about the whole forum and assume that everyone is like that, ie. lacks ethics and lacks a sense of humour. That's like someone saying that ALL commercial fisherman are a bunch of assholes and don't respect the law. Making a statement like that is a generalisation and this is what spnotta did, instead of addressing the person directly that he felt didn't have a sense of humour/ethics etc.
Skip, I am sorry...it is you got it all wrong. :) LOL
Granitu hit the nail on the head. Actually as I said...he stunned me...I am sure he scanned my thoughts in someway. :)
Can't you see I was being sarcastic and intentionally bombastic when I added that comment regarding lack of ethics and sense of humour in the forum. I am not that thick!!!! Come on....Of course...the lack of humour was directed to the individual and the lack of ethics to the majority of the forum. Do I have to spell it out?
IMHO the majority of commercial fishermen are a bunch of what-you-called-them and they don't respect the sea.
Mankind is a vicious greedy entity blinded by money...but sometimes you find a mutant here and there.
Correction: I never felt that the individual lacked ethics but a sense of humour surely.
I tend to share Skip's concern about making these kind of sweeping statements about the forum and its members and I'm afraid I also fail to see the humour or rhetoric in some of the comments made in earlier threads.
Spnotta, most members of the MFF actually visit the site in their free time to learn more about fishing in Malta and, when they feel like it, to contribute to the light exchange of views on an array of fishing-related topics, without fear or favour. Some newer members may be put off contributing to forum discussion if met with brash replies that verge on the offensive. There are other forums available on the internet where skirmishing between members is actively encouraged, but this is not the case for the MFF.
I read with interest comments made about EU law but fully concur with Baghira's view that it is not always as easy as it would seem. With all the inherent legal anomalies, permissible national derogations, temporary exemptions and case law judgements, the accurate transposition into national legislation can be faught with problems of interpretation, implementation and enforcement... just look at the Birds' Directive as a classic case. Simple downloading of the legal text very often doesn't give the full picture.
Although, i'm not familiar with these new spearfishing regulations and do not have the slightest inclination to read through all PQs of parliamentary sittings, it would seem clear that the competent authority responsible for introducing these new legal provisions has evidently failed to effectively disseminate information to all affected stakeholders. In this respect, MFF (I guess as an NGO) could ask to be registered as a stakeholder with the Ministry for Resources and Rural Affairs and the MMA when it comes to dissemination of information regarding any future changes in legislation relating to fishing in territorial waters. In this way, as a forum, we could keep ourselves better informed on the issues as and when they arise.
The issue of ecological sustainabability of our seas, the destruction of natural habitats through marine pollution and depletion of fishing stocks through deployment of different fishing methods are, however, very valid subjects raised by Spnotta. I guess there are many different opinions on the subject. How many of us rod fishermen for example practice what we preach through adopting a 'catch and release' approach for undersized fish? Maybe with further development of such discussions within the forum such an approach could stand more of a chance of catching on here (as with other countries) with the 300 odd members. In which case, we may also solve an inherent Malta cat obesity problem which i'm sure will be revealed some day or other in one of these EU barometer surveys!
Now that was well said and well written DJS :)
And whilst those who know me well can vouch that I can be extremely sarcastic, NO I did not find it funny, in fact I took it as an insult to what we have tried to create here. If you refer to this forum, then you are addressing me directly as it's creator, if you address members that's a different story and I'll leave it up to them to reply accordingly. This topic started by Baghira was a serious one trying highlight these developments and there was no need to start attaching labels, there's an off-topc board where you can say what you want.
Those who turned up at the BBQ will have heard me say that to date I have not had to moderate any threads so far, but may I also remind everyone that as the Administrator and global moderator of this forum, if I feel whether that something is getting out of hand, I will step in and take action to the extent that I feel is necessary.
Spnotta you have been a registered forum member since October 2007 yet basically this is the first thread you decided to post in, which surprises me as clearly you have a lot to contribute, your info was a very useful outline and good contribution to this thread. Perhaps you got upset by the way Baghira replied to the info you posted which I can understand as I'm sure it took you time to compile it, but what people were looking for was a definite answer from the authority concerned and a justification as to who authorised all these notices to be put up everywhere.
I know many of the spearos here are also active on Medfish but why should MFF members have to go looking for information over there, when the topic is being discussed here. May I also bring to everybody's attention the issue that for the benefit of foreigners, the majority of MFF members try and post in English even if their preferred native language is Maltese, and as a result sometimes phrases are mis-interpreted, humour and sarcasm are missed, resulting in the opposite occuring. Remember that face to face one can see a persons body language and expressions, but written down that is often lost.
I totally respect your comment 'love me or hate me', as I tend to be the same way, but sometimes one has to make adjustments and take things into account. As DJS said, I am sure we are all guilty of not adopting catch and release and definately that warrants further discussion and potentially action in the near future.
So rather than us all, myself included, ranting and raving on about this whole issue, or non-issue depending on how you choose to interpret it, let's get this topic back on track to address why it was started in the first place and avoid me having to split this topic.
And finally if any members, in any thread or topic feel that corrective action needs to be taken, then hit the Report to moderator link along with your thoughts and it will be evaluated.
Back to the subject...so none of you guys are happy that marine conservation sites are going to be implemented? If things are properly administered will have richer seas. Isn't this good? Regarding using flash lights at night and scuba....isn't it like cheating, unfair advantage?
Conservation...I'd like your opinion about the following;
Don't you think it is wastage to;
catch non-commercially viable fish, give them to the cats, leave them in the sun in a bucket and "recycle" them by throwing back in the sea, in large quantities that one doesn't know what to do with them...maybe one can give them to some Gozitan friends :)
30kg of parrot fish!!!! Why did you that??? May I ask??? I mean it's a known fact that parrot fish are an easy prey. Don't you think that was too much??? Today after 2 years of spearfishing do you still consider a 30kg parrotfish hunt OK?
When I was a newbie I made some mitakes (which I am ashamed of)...but I am proud that greed never took over.
I think Marine conservation areas are the biggest joke happening around all of the mediterrenean right now. They are driven exclusivley by commercial interests (diving and touristic areas) and political interests (satisfying EU regulations). Sustainabilty issues should be put forward and examined by real experts when proposing such areas. I'm really afraid that in a couple of years I won't be able to legally fish in my favourite places because some politician liked the sound of the word MCA without having ever heard the sound of the sea.
About the issue of not eating the fish you catch or cathing too much fish, spnotta I totally agree with you from an ethical point of view. However, Emic for example caught 30kgs of parrot fish, ate them all with friends and its a tragedy. Parit fisherman catch 5kgs of parrot fish minimum at every catch and some of them fish day in day out. Most of this fish ends up eaten by worms and snails during the night since these are caught early in the evening. And it's normal, traditional almost..
Claudio
I think that was very nice of you to the 40k AJ with this forum. I see you made some homework on me. :)
Emic it seems you dislike medfish...IMHO it's great.
I learnt so much from it. Ok it's not perfect. There are inconsistancies at times. We are all humans. But you know what? commercial bragging and excessive catches are pointed out at the risk of loosing members like you. That is something I truly respect in a forum.
I can understand and appreciate immensely the fact that you shared a 40k fish instead of turning it into money. As regards the "NEED" for catching 30K parrotfish I cannot agree to that.
Quote from: SPNOTTA on June 20, 2008, 10:10:20 CET
Back to the subject...so none of you guys are happy that marine conservation sites are going to be implemented? If things are properly administered will have richer seas. Isn't this good? Regarding using flash lights at night and scuba....isn't it like cheating, unfair advantage?
Conservation...I'd like your opinion about the following;
Don't you think it is wastage to;
catch non-commercially viable fish, give them to the cats, leave them in the sun in a bucket and "recycle" them by throwing back in the sea, in large quantities that one doesn't know what to do with them...maybe one can give them to some Gozitan friends :)
30kg of parrot fish!!!! Why did you that??? May I ask??? I mean it's a known fact that parrot fish are an easy prey. Don't you think that was too much??? Today after 2 years of spearfishing do you still consider a 30kg parrotfish hunt OK?
When I was a newbie I made some mitakes (which I am ashamed of)...but I am proud that greed never took over.
What do we want to conserve fish for? For people throwing nets everywhere?
Maybe you throw them too! We spearos choose size. But nets. If you want conservation go to Marsaxlokk for example!
Something has to be done for sure, but you need to start from nets and trawling!
And it's a good thing to make reserve areas but not for the sake of tourists to make money from diving! But for all of us Maltese! Because we try to conserve not for our sea but for money!
And what about pollution! And many plastic things thrown in the sea from fisherman!
And what about depth charges!
And the divers that catch sea urchins, what do you say? Go to Ramla Bay, the bottom near the shore is covered with cleaned sea urchins.
but thay are recognized as voters, arti!!! i know how you feel. having a good spot and losing it cause it is illegal................
emic, even if you catch 60kgs of fish, if you shared them with friends why not..... don't get fooled by respecting the sea-catching too little..... 30kgs of parrot fish he didn't caught them from 1 reef
the fish are there to be eaten it is the food cycle..... as long as one leaves some pairs in place for breeding and others............ he is saving something for future fishes......and there is no waste. if emic caught 30kgs of parrot fish and in that instant he threw them away..... that is a waste
well with regards to mca, unless a form of petition is organized the spear fisherman will be disrespected
I can support the genuine need for a conservation zone to help with the re-growth of marine life in that particular area, but it must apply across the board to all types of fishing, be it for sport or commercially and it must be enforced properly, which it definately isn't. It's relatively easier for the ALE to sit near the shore and fine anyone who comes up that was fishing in a conservation zone, but enforcing it at sea requires a dedicated and fairly expensive resource, police/afm on a boat.
I would even go as far as to say I reckon we should having moratoriums for a period of time for certain species or even certain types of fishing. As you rightly point out the idea behind these things is allow the fish population and certain species to regenerate. Let's face it the Mediterranean is considered as a 'dead' sea and certainly around our waters I think everyone will agree that fish stocks are on the decline as well as species that used to be commonplace in our waters.
Catching fish and wasting them is to me the same as hunters using magnum loaded cartridges and then shooting at stupid things like sparrows out of frustration. I don't go fishing for small fish so cannot comment in this respect, but the Alungi/Tuna and Lampuki that I catch all get eaten. If I don't manage to give it all away to my family/extended family, I go through the trouble of cutting it into steaks and then taking it to the various homes around the island for those who are less fortunate and cannot afford to buy fish.
What annoys me is that locally everything tends to be half-assed and authorities are very selective in what they do and then cite all sorts of reasons why it can't be done properly. In Malta we seem to excel at seeing how loop-holes can be found and laws/restrictions abused, and as everyone tends to know 'people', some are allowed to get away with it, whilst others are easy targets. Most of the time whenever it's something controversial it's not enforced properly at the risk of losing votes at the next election, and frankly that's just pathetic, albeit a reality.
If you report people to the authorities for breaking the law, especially fishermen you're likely to find your boat at the bottom of the sea, or worse still your car or house set on fire. I could be wrong here but to me the biggest group of offenders are our full time and part time fishermen and yet nothing is truly done to ensure they are not breaking the law, followed by people fishing from shore and in small boat close to land. It's a catch 22 scenario because rightly so they want to go out and enjoy their passion - Fishing, but as we've depleted local fish stocks and never give them a chance to grow, then only tend to hook-up very small fish!
From an evolution perspective, our hunter-killer instict is buried deep within us all, and perhaps this is why we don't see many people practising catch and release. KSFA are strong promoters of catch and release, and as I mentioned previously, this is certainly something that we should take here within the forum or at least catch and eat.
May I say just this,
Catch & Release is a vital conservation measure to protect the future of recreational fish stocks. There is a definite limit to the number of fish which can be caught before fish breeding stocks and future catches start to reduce.
I believe that as a forum we should promote catch and release.
I agree with you suffrun but those who use pariti release small fish???
They throw them away!
Personally, when I go fishing with my father from shore, we release small fish like breams, wrasses, parrotfish etc. But those who go with their small children don't do the same. Cause their children enjoy seeing the fish swimming in a bucket till out of air!
So my point is that educating young children is the first step that needs to be done.
You cannot educate older people who have a wrong mentality.
arti anyone can be educated, even the most stubborn of all..... when the hunters didn't want to know, the law was implemented, prohibiting hunting in spring.
if one is keeping a fish, it is just inhuman to let it die out of oxygen-just use a needle and puncture its head, at least the suffering is way less, and normally tend to taste better.
small juvenille fish are the future of fishing, just remember that and it should be easier to release fish. don't say cause the other's don't do it, i won't..... you do your part at least, for the skeptical person who keeps any fish, there will be the law to punish them in the future.
incl. pariti, i want to see what will happen when i will try to take photos of fishing in the mca areas. THEN THE MINISTER IN CONTENTION HAS TO ANSWER
(http://maltafishingforum.com/talk/gallery/299_19_06_08_7_37_34.jpg)
(http://maltafishingforum.com/talk/gallery/299_19_06_08_7_36_01.jpg)
Nice Baghira...you found the proposed plans...I am not being sarcastic. I appreciate people who do their homework. :)
Educating the younger generation is easier to implement, educating the elders...mmm...it's hard...but not impossible. The real barrier is when you find individuals who are so puffed up that they cannot except criticism and yes the usual phrase..."but....but...look at the others, pariti and all"
Others' wrong doing do not justify one's own.
When I was newbie I got critism, I took heed ...but not that much...(i'M A BIT STUBBORN)...but when I got closer to nature and after reading loads of literature I understood that my actions were harmful to the sea and changed my ways.
Come on ...my 2 year old son already knows that he has to return the fish back to the sea after cathing them with the fishing rod.
As i stated before I am infavour of anything that helps to restore the seas and for that matter our planet back on its feet (does it have any?).
I am against parit BUT my friend is a registered MFB (I am MFC as I didnt agree with the conditions of MFB but we had a GOOD (sic.) representative and thats what we got. All MFB registered boats have to bring in to Pixkerija a certain amount of Fish ( Approx Lm 650 correct me if I am wrong). Now he anchores in Bugibba area, and as everyone knows that is not a very safe harbour, so he fishes from May to October again those are not the best months for fishing. So the only way to make up the amount of fish is to lay parit otherewise he looses his right for MFB. Thats a very intelligent way for the authorities to preserve the seas eh.......they implement laws to make as much damage as humanly possible. Money.. money..money always money.........
WWWoooWWWWWWWWW Guys
I did not read this forum for the last few days. I just posted the photos, and when I was reading it today, I found all this stufff..... I am impressed and happy to veaw all this interest, and promise I did not give up with the authorities, but before I continue to tell you I first have to reply to some of the posts, without any offence to anyone. I raised this issue, and I need to be clear with everyone.
For those who got to know me, one thing I really do not lack is sense of humor..... On this hell of a PC, ONE CANNOT PROPERLY ADRESS HIS EMOTIONS AND MAY SOMETIMES BE TAKEN wrongly. I am most of the times found as the clown, and the one who makes others laugh during any occasion. I reacted as I did, because I found that some words were offensivem, and meant to ironically hurt. I do not post is this forum to be clapped by other members, or to raise any anger against anyone. I am not to be associated with anyone else, but myself. In this post I simply tried to make others aware of something that does exist, but many do not know. But I also wanted nobody (authority or company) to abuse . I am a scubadiver, and my weapon underwater is my underwater camera or my eyes to enjoy the beauties of nature. I could have easily opted to do hunting illegally ( as many others), but I do not agree with. For this reason i practice freediving/spearfishing. I did this for years, and it is really hard to succeed ,and many times I go back home without any prey, but still happy to have practiced my loved sport. (I do not practice it for commercial reasons for sure ;D, Ony us sportfisherman know how much does this sport cost us) I selectively choose my target, and I promise that it has to be a mature size for that species being. Many times I went back home full of anger, whilst watching another spearo passing by with a buoy full of finger like creatures.
Skip you're more than fabulously right. Sportsfisherman are in minority and have no count for the gov.
I did not want to search for any regulations. The photos of the Ras ir raheb, I received them at home a year ago from an extremely professional lady at MEPA (namely Carmen Mifsud), I also have information regarding filfla, turtles, and was also sent a DVD (Natural treasures a marine protected area. I simply wanted to know, how informed were the department in question (that came up with these signs). I wanted them to give me the information (like carmen did). And I also wanted to test and see if there really exists this awareness amongs the departments involved, as regards conservation areas. As you will all read, until now the only interest was, pressure that authorities received from private entities. I sincerely beleive that a conservation area is of a benefit to all of us (even if this is done in an area where I went weekly to practice my hobby), but there are many other issues to be taken more seriously beforehand, as other members in this forum mentioned. I am sure that this is just something black on paper, for showing to other countries that Malta has protected areas, and nothing serious will be done.
DJS, You hit the nail right in the head. Amen my friend
I personally spoke to skip, and I truly beleive that my intentions for this post were absolutely intended for good purposes. I also beleive that my objectives in this post are being reached. I wanted to create awarenes, and guys let's help each other so that at least we have some manpower, not to let other commercial activities override us. Guys, it is the authorities you should ask for any clarification, and not your friends!!! If only one person opens his mouth,,,,,,,,,,,,,,useless stuff................
I may also agree or disagree with other comments made by other members, but if they feel they had to reply, they have all right to do so, without being vulgar in anyway
I work in an enforcement authority, and because of this I can abuse to write some statements, knowing of how sometimes turn out to be in reality.
Voters do count beleive me....
I have to end: (MARINE CONSERVATION AREAS!!!!!!IS THERE A HIDDEN ISSUE!!!!!!!OR IS IT THE FIRST ISSUE TO TACKLE)
In my job there exist pre-requisites, I think these should be addressed to first.
Work hand in hand to reach a goal/objective
(Ps sorry for any spelling mistakes) ;)
Now lets face reality
I have taken skip advice and spoke to MTA, where I have spoken to Pauline Dingli. Not knowing anything about the issue she directed me to George Abdilla, where he seemed to know about the fixing of these poles. He said to me that there was continuous pressure on his dept. to affix some sort of signs. He told me that he does not know what exactly was written onto these, and did not know of any sl 425, or any other artificial reefs, he asked me that they were only the authority whom affixed and sponsored them, so I asked for who did thes signs. He referred me to PDSA (Professional Diving School Association) and gave me their number and contact persons.
I phoned, and there someone of Maltaqua answered the phone !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Simon and agnes seemed to know much more than the authority did,,,,,but how,,,,,,,,,, is maltaqua government owned!!!!!!!!!!????????? These persons are the leading guys for the PDSA. Personal interest see!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! At least they gave me some valid information, telling me that not even them knew of SL 425, and about any artifcial reefs present that are restricted. They stated that in the near future there can be the possibility that they will be put on paper but not until to date. She also mentioned DR Stephen muscat, and Dr Gruppetta, but I do not know what was their involvement.
I then phoned again to Mr abdilla at MTA and he requested me to write a complaint and gave me his e mail. He assured me that if there are any false statements written, or any other irregularities, these signs will be removed. I emphasised on the issue that these were put in places that are not protected areas, and thus could be misunderstood.
These signs are creating the wrong awareness to the general public, they are creating an eroneous impression of us spearos, and are giving us a bad image. Anyone knows that some other kind of fishing activities are illegal, but no signs have ever been put.
Writing in large print WARNING SPEARFISHING IS ILLEGAL IN MALTESE WATERS, and also a spearfisher cut in half, surely does not put a good image of this practice. I am also conscius that it is somehow illegal to create an eroneous impression.
Guys I will not give up and let you informed. If anyone is mature, and has good ethics ;)
let's protect both nature, and our beloved sport, and yes why not, they need voices, yes them, the authorities.
They said it themselves, they need pressure to act....At least let us try
Quote from: Arti2 on June 20, 2008, 13:16:46 CET
Quote from: SPNOTTA on June 20, 2008, 10:10:20 CET
Back to the subject...so none of you guys are happy that marine conservation sites are going to be implemented? If things are properly administered will have richer seas. Isn't this good? Regarding using flash lights at night and scuba....isn't it like cheating, unfair advantage?
Conservation...I'd like your opinion about the following;
Don't you think it is wastage to;
catch non-commercially viable fish, give them to the cats, leave them in the sun in a bucket and "recycle" them by throwing back in the sea, in large quantities that one doesn't know what to do with them...maybe one can give them to some Gozitan friends :)
30kg of parrot fish!!!! Why did you that??? May I ask??? I mean it's a known fact that parrot fish are an easy prey. Don't you think that was too much??? Today after 2 years of spearfishing do you still consider a 30kg parrotfish hunt OK?
When I was a newbie I made some mitakes (which I am ashamed of)...but I am proud that greed never took over.
What do we want to conserve fish for? For people throwing nets everywhere?
Maybe you throw them too! We spearos choose size. But nets. If you want conservation go to Marsaxlokk for example!
Something has to be done for sure, but you need to start from nets and trawling!
And it's a good thing to make reserve areas but not for the sake of tourists to make money from diving! But for all of us Maltese! Because we try to conserve not for our sea but for money!
And what about pollution! And many plastic things thrown in the sea from fisherman!
And what about depth charges!
And the divers that catch sea urchins, what do you say? Go to Ramla Bay, the bottom near the shore is covered with cleaned sea urchins.
I definatly agree with ARTI2.
What are the conservation areas for?
I think I have the answer, the conservation areas will be there so the SCUBA SHOPS can make more money, and those who don`t give a F**K about laws will go catching bigger fish from these CONSERVATION zones, while the law abiding spearfishers will have to go in some dead zones to practice their sports.
What I want to say is this, as we live in Malta, no conservation zone will serve for its real purpose, but only for other facts that only some top people can know, so I don`t agree with conservation zones, especially by the coast.
Quote from: baghira on June 21, 2008, 20:23:27 CET
These signs are creating the wrong awareness to the general public, they are creating an eroneous impression of us spearos, and are giving us a bad image. Anyone knows that some other kind of fishing activities are illegal, but no signs have ever been put.
Writing in large print WARNING SPEARFISHING IS ILLEGAL IN MALTESE WATERS, and also a spearfisher cut in half, surely does not put a good image of this practice. I am also conscius that it is somehow illegal to create an eroneous impression.
Guys I will not give up and let you informed. If anyone is mature, and has good ethics ;)
let's protect both nature, and our beloved sport, and yes why not, they need voices, yes them, the authorities.
They said it themselves, they need pressure to act....At least let us try
I think that this is going becoming like the hunting issue...
Instead of addressing the real problems about the maltese environment, the hunters were always selected from all others who can harm the environment and now it seems that it is going to be done to the sport fisherman.
Instead of contolling pollution, pariti and the other REAL activities that harm the sea, they will just point at the sport fisherman just to be seen doing something!
Like it or not that is where we are heading. Malta will issue some marine conservation areas and of course some parties will benefit from this.. like scuba divers (why not :) ) and non-law abiding citizens (catch fish from rich niches) :( . Actually the goverment might give some consations to some "friends".
In some EU countries spearfishing had been totally banned whilst trawling and other harmful fishing methods were left untouched. The governments had to do something "ecological" so it turned to a minority.
Apart from that Malta also needs/requires to adopt/amend the current fishery laws for the allowed fish sizes and size of catches. Which is a very good thing, if it applies to all, that is. Maybe fishing seasons will be adopted also.
Now take into consideration that many individuals read these threads and some information might be used it as an excuse to enforce the law. So even if you don't care about the ecological impact of your catches, the least you can do is not to brag your unethical ways. That is if you want to continue with your hunts in the future.
The real activities that harm the sea are very to hard to stop, for the simple reason that they are money rendering.
What we catch here is nuts compared to that caught by the Italians, Greek, Spanish and other european spearos!
Here what we have to do is may a strict law on those F****N nets (pariti) thrown near shore. Or else some kind of control that is supposed to be done!
We don't have to conserve our seas for others to make money as I already said in one of my posts, and lose our beloved hobby!
Everyone knows what sacrifices and how much money a spearo spends!
So we don't have to keep letting foreign people take more from us!
They already introduced laws in hunting, that we maltese together could have taken our own decision on them!
Let us not leave space for more of this stuff guys!
So there must be a balance like with everything.
There are already many shipwrecks near our shore where fish can breed, some of them sunk for that purpose. So there is already some kind of conservation!
Unfortunately there is still illegal fishing on some of them.Sometimes nets are left stuck on these wrecks. So laws must be strict on people fishing in these areas.
On the other hand we have to leave part of sea to practice our hobbies and not conserve everywhere!
I think there are enough shipwrecks or artificaial reefs for tourists and if not so something can be done to increase their numbers.
Quote from: SPNOTTA on June 23, 2008, 18:08:08 CET
The real activities that harm the sea are very to hard to stop, for the simple reason that they are money rendering.
Then, if that`s the authorities` way of looking forward, its useless to have these zones, and then I don't agree that we should have any conservation zones at all.
I hate the two ways, two measures decisions that are always taken in the benefit of ones that actually harm the environment/seas while the people who have a real passion for the sea will be deprived from their sport.
regards to these mca, especially the one at marsascala area i was diving at the limits of zonqor point today but on my way back i could notice a prit from one side to another OF THE MCA. SHAME I HAD NO CAMERA. TO ANY BOATS DRIVING THERE PAY ATTENTION TO THE YELLOW BUOYS... THEY INDICATE SWIMMERS ZONE
I just got a mail from george abdilla, same as emic posted.
This guy was totally unaware of these regulations when I phoned him.
Spnotta, you are making me curious...........
You knew issues much better than some people in the authorities....... I did some research today and i will eventually post it...... The majority is exactly what you posted in the beginning.
I could not match, point 5 on the sign ......Can you please help!
I read the regulations and they said many other things about irregular fishing activities. These were the only related to spearfishing.
Another question directed to spnotta. As I quoted...Don't you think that these signs make a ''bad image'' on spearfishing...and why putting them in non-protected areas??
I would appreciate if you answer me...
Quote from: baghira on June 26, 2008, 18:47:17 CET
Spnotta, you are making me curious...........
You knew issues much better than some people in the authorities....... I did some research today and i will eventually post it...... The majority is exactly what you posted in the beginning.
I am blushing...do I get full marks? :)
Baghira...yes I think these signs make a bad image on spearos, and misinformative when placing them in non-protected areas.
Regarding Point 5.. that came from Pullicino's answer to a parliamentary question in 2007 if you require the source I will find it for you.
You mean the authotities did not know about all this!!!! Oh my God!!! Malta really is a in a terrible mess!!! Malta really needs to brush up and wake up!!!
I am sending you a personal message.
The following is being discussed on medfish: Ban of SF in atlantic.
European Union current Technical Conservation Regulations article 12, hunting with any kind of projectile will be taken into "Destructive Fishing Practice" category and is proposed to be banned totally.
This is rather ambigous and does not necessary it entails SF. When I have time I will get some clarifications.
For those who cannot stand medfish :) here is the direct link:
http://ec.europa.eu/fisheries/publicati ... 324_en.pdf
HOla finally we agree on some issues.... 8)
Regarding point 5 - I would like to get the source if you can please..spnotta
I will obviously use this information to make others aware of it. (But I would indeed use original sources, so that I can cut and paste)
as regards article 12...... 12) To ensure the protection of marine biological resources and the balanced exploitation
of fishery resources in the interests of both fishermen and consumers, technical
conservation measures should be laid down, specifying the inter alia the mesh sizes
and combinations thereof appropriate for the capture of certain species and other
characteristics of fishing gear, and the minimum sizes of marine organisms, as well as
limitations of fishing within certain areas and with certain gear and equipment.
Is it this one??
Bann spearfishing??????!!!! What ????????
Jien li ma nistax ghaliha, hi illi mal-hazin dejjem jehel it-tajjeb. Jekk hawn ligijiet irridu nimxu maghhom, naqblu u ma naqblux. Jekk le, inkunu qed nitfghu gebla fuq saqajna, u forsi nispiccaw bhall-kaccaturi ehhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Mela ejja, daqt nghidilkom ezatt x'jghidu il-ligijiet.
Pero din li jwahhlu tabella bl-addocc, habba ragunijiet personali, f'post li mhux riserva......din narawha ehh
also the club is trying to open discussions whith the authorities to get clarifification on certion issues will keep you posted
Quote from: EmicMalta on June 27, 2008, 16:32:05 CET
:o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o
here we are on Malta Fishing Forum and not on a Turkish Forum. So we does not forward the issue to another forum
Correction: I posted a link from medfish concerning the issue of proposal of laws and regulations which I thought is relevant to this thread and not vice versa. :) Sit down before you hurt yourself. ::)
The following should concern all of you spearos.The following statement could entail spearfishing in the word "projectiles".
Current regulation is proposed for the Atlantic niches but if we open the door to this and regulations entail the activity of spearfishing this might mean that tomorrow it might be adopted to the mediterranean.
Ok the statement is ambigous but it is still dangerous to us.
Proposal for a COUNCIL REGULATION concerning the conservation of fisheries resources through technical measures Brussels, 4.6.2008 COM(2008) 324 final 2008/0112 (CNS)
Where article 12 states:
Article 12
Destructive fishing practices
The catching, retention on board, the transhipment, storage, landing, sale, display or offer for
sale of marine organisms caught using methods incorporating the use of explosives, poisonous
or stupefying substances, electric current or any kind of projectile shall be prohibited. I have contacted the board for the EU commisioner to clarify the situation. Hopefully I get an answer.
I think what is meant by projectile is some kind of spearguns like those used for whales! Not small spearguns like we use which are not at all distructive!
Some fellow member from this forum, (which I don't think it's fair to name) sent me the following:
"spnotta tqazziz l alla ta. missek tisthi bdan il paroli fil vojt u xeba teoriji. Andek xorti kien awn min holoq dan il forum bil maltin u mhux b xeba zbub u paroli fil vojt. Int tparla hekk ax dejjew bilqeda forsi tara huta f aquarium. Flok tamel il gid tiprova tipresjona. Nerga najdlek tqazziz lalla"
-What I wrote in this thread are not theories, they are fact...I also provided the citations for one to follow. I read literature off books, published papers, laws and regulations, ducuments and threads from forums like this one, deeperblu, medfish etc. I don't think there is anything wrong with this. I like to keep myself informed.
-Yes it is true that I am sarcastic and my humour is a bit on the dark side. That is my way of sending a message home. I don't tolerate and make use of bad language. I think it deteriorates the quality of this forum. Which IMHO is a shame.
-I am very happy that we have a local forum, this is very good. To be frank and honest, there are some issues which I do not digest well. But this is my opinion and you find these things in all fourums in respective different propotions.
-Guess what...I am truly sitting down watching the flora and fauna in my aquarium. Are you spying on me??? :) LOL.
- I wish to contribute positively to this forum from the very little I can share.
Let's be educated and responsible for our posts and actions.
Quote from: Arti2 on June 29, 2008, 11:55:36 CET
I think what is meant by projectile is some kind of spearguns like those used for whales! Not small spearguns like we use which are not at all distructive!
I also presume the same but...
that is why we need a clarification because it may be misinterpreted and abused by some EU authorities
Hi guys
I am a spearo, and I posted this information, so that everyone of us knows what current legistaion in Malta states. I will for sure write all relevant information when at hand.
I may not necessarily agree with it, but that is law, and abusing of it may backfire on us... Everyone is aware of what happened with hunting uhhhh!!!
We might not agree between us, and we can argue, but not be offensive towards each other please. Our main objective is all the same one.....enjoy this sport.......
Spnotta has his own way to express himself, but he is very well informed, and can be of help to all of us. We need clarifications, so let him ask for.....Better if we know in advance, instead of being engulfed by a storm.......
We must be unite
to unite is a very nice thing to do. to be aware of rules and regulations is also good. to be proactive is an excellent thing to do to be pessimistic (as i am being in this post) is not good BUT no matter what any of us say protest or unite the rules are going to be set by some A_ _ hole/s and all we can do is grumble, swear but obey the rules set by others........ Welcome to reality
Guys as has been written here, everyone is expressing their opinion and view-points on things but let us all be mindful of each other even in personal messages. It is not the scope of the forum to antogonise each other but obviously certain threads may upset different people.
As I mentioned before, if anyone feels a post or thread is 'breaking the rules' or someone feels unduly targetted please report the thread to a moderator, and that includes personal messages although ideally it's up to each member to address issues sent via pm's as they are not 'public'. If the report is justified, that member will receive a warning and if things continue appropriate action will be taken, but let us not get to this stage with each other.
Thanks :)
Just to add to the discussion, as I mentioned in an earlier email EU law is far from being straightforward....
A cursory glance at the EU pre-lex website regulatory impact assessments indicate that the proposed legislation COM(2008) 324 final is basically aimed at recasting (simplifying and consolidating) existing dozen or so EU legal instruments regarding fishing in EU territorial waters in the North Sea and Atlantic.
This proposed regulation aims to repeal and replace Council Regulation (EC) No 850/98 of 30 March 1998 for the conservation of fishery resources through technical measures for the protection of juveniles of marine organisms
http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:31998R0850:EN:HTML
Article 31 of the existing EU law (Council Regulation 850/98) states the following:
Article 31 Unconventional fishing methods
1. The catching of marine organisms using methods incorporating the use of explosives, poisonous or stupefying substances or electric current shall be prohibited.
2. The sale, display or offer for sale of marine organisms caught using methods incorporating the use of any kind of projectile shall be prohibited
From this it seems that the use of 'projectiles' for catching marine organisms was in fact banned in the North Sea and Atlantic back in 1998 when the legislation entered into force!
I think what we are doing here guys is promoting new laws! And giving chance of new ideas for these laws! So lets stop all this. And when the laws are enforced we discuss it. And for the signs, in some way or another they can be removed, or their material used somewhere!!
for the signs arti, you can drop them to me i need some cicular bars at the moment, and i might as well keep the sign for my room decoration.....
emmm that is i think reuse reduce recyle i guess....... :P :P
this is always the maltese gemgem..... there is probably sme sort of person WHO HAS A DIVING SCHOOL, which distributes padi licenses just like buying chesse cakes and wants malta as a diving site..... not for the fish nor for the fauna but for MONEY...
if they want to really regulate, they regulate everyone.. i said this too to the fisheries dept... they yelled at me...... and they call it CUSTOMER SERVICE.... if the situation will be deteriorating, and we will be in danger, diving near pariti and knuz, i presumed with him it is only fair that they fully compensate our equipment and passion-which is PRICELESS and ban spearfishing
I GUESS THEY CAN create areas for spearfisherman only.....
BUT THE TRUE REALITY......GUESS THEY ARE CHICKENS!!!
In marsascala there was a sign that was intended to show that you cannot spearfish with cylinders, and you can't use artificial light. I saw it down the sea.
And I think the one in Zonqor was put there by the nearby diving school.
So I think you are right BAGHIRA they are trying to 'claim' all the sea for their use.
And to be nice with tourists they produced these signs. They want to preserve thier daily bread sort of.
Even near Exiles in Sliema, they are going to place a wreck for Dive-systems to earn more money!
The thing is they are placing these f****n signs everywhere without any permission.
What can we do? Place other signs such as :
NO SCUBA DIVING HERE! POLLUTED SEA!
OR NET HAZARD!
i don't bother any signs.... i go at zonqor diving.... parit everywhere and i talked with the diving school in concern, they used to GIVE CYLINDERS TO SCUBA SPEAR-FISHERMAN.... I SAW MANY OF THEM- this just a year ago.
amusing, to say the least.... i haven't seen the sign yet but a week ago i was there
Yes GRANITU one of my friends fills his cylinders from that diving school. Then he goes spearfishing and they know he goes spearfishing with cylinders! If he does not find fish he catches every single octopus, even small ones in front of him. And if there is no luck with octopus he cleans the sea bed from sea urchins!!!
And once he told me there are few sea urchins! Maybe the thing is going to repeat itself!
This is where laws should be a enforced not on us who take it as a sport and hobby!
i recall that day i saw him get out from water, he made a genocide out of tiny groupers, had around 8 the biggest not more than 700 grms.... along with a nice gallina(the only decent fish he had), some qarnit
the funny part is that he told me that at those sizes it is the best size of groupers to eat for aljotta! ??? ???
i think commercial restaurants just do the aljotta with it's head
today zonqor point is not even worth a heck for fishing.... i just go do some apnea training there
Quote from: Granitu on July 01, 2008, 23:50:05 CET
i recall that day i saw him get out from water, he made a genocide out of tiny groupers, had around 8 the biggest not more than 700 grms.... along with a nice gallina(the only decent fish he had), some qarnit
the funny part is that he told me that at those sizes it is the best size of groupers to eat for aljotta! ??? ???
i think commercial restaurants just do the aljotta with it's head
today zonqor point is not even worth a heck for fishing.... i just go do some apnea training there
Last year when I was in Gozo there were a lot of restaurants exibithing these tiny groupers in there refrigitarors amongst the other spnott, awrat and cimpulazz.
Shanook...wake up man...you throw in the towel too easily.
Arti...don't you think that it is much easier to prevent laws, directives and regulation at the proposal stage rather than discussing after the issue.
Regarding the signs...I know they are thowing bad light on us BUT PLEASE DO NOT ACT IRRESPONSIBLY AND PERFORM ANY ACT OF VANDALISM!!! We don't want the public to consider us savage beasts!!! Remember the bird hunters??? they dug their own grave with vandalist acts...their reputation went further deeper down the drain. Let us not provide hay for the fire to start off. ACT RESPONSIBTY...THINK WITH YOUR BRAINS AND HEART.
Regarding the bubble blower spearos...they still exist and perform their macabre acts in spite it is illegal. Unfortunately they throw bad light on us.
Small groupers <700g...small octa and harvesting of sea urchins...my stomach is upset everytime I hear about these things.
I believe the future is in the hands of our kids...Yesterday my 2 year old son went up to a person collecting sea urchins and innocently asked the individual why the sea urchins are not going to be returned to the sea.
I think we have to learn alot from kids.
Yes SPNOTTA we can prevent laws but what are doing here is promoting new ones!
As for the signs we can use their material not vandalize them.
And for the sea urchins if some guy catches some to eat himself I think its O.k. But to catch them for business, its another thing!
I know people who are marine vacuum cleaners!!!
Once I saw one with his a boat full of sea urchins. These kind of people need to be stopped and the ones with nets, especially those who have neverending ones!
If law enforcement starts from there, maybe our seas will be better. But one has to start from the main threat.
arti and others...don't fall into their traps...leave the signs alone...if you wish to remove them...do it the right way...legally...this is not something to joke about...there's our (spearos) reputation at stake. Vandalizing those signs is the worst thing we can do...media will use it against us.
If you do some homework you will realize that we are not promoting new laws but clarifying a situation which already is present in other EU countries. Some member EU politicians are already interpreting article 12 as a ban for spearfishing!!!! It easier to stop this at the proposal stage rather after the avalanche has begun... which is very likely to engulf the med in the future.
I have nothing againt collecting a limited amount of sea urchins to use with spaghetti maraina .mmmmm :) I thought it was obvious that I am talking about marine vacuum cleaners.
kenneth your cousin kenneth was the first to vandalize them !!!!!
SPNOTTA the way you are talking does not show you are a spearo you are like one inside some organisation! And one who is pleased to let someone else introduce laws in a supposed indipendent country! You seem like you are inside EU!
As for the signs, if they were placed illegally by diving schools some way or another they have to be removed!
Eh and you need to change your user name GREEN PEACE MAN!!!
If my cousin vandalized the signs THAN HE ACTED FOOLISHLY (sorry cous)...you fell into their game... :(
I love that we are in the EU for one simple reason...the EU has control on our local politicians.
Like, finally it is mandatory to reduce 10% of noxious emissions, scuba spearfishing and at night with torches were banned. These are all good things. Ok not all is good...far from it...actually it does not make sense for small to medium business enterprises but let's not get into politics.
I am 100% spearo.
I do not form part of any organization.
There's nothing illegal about the signs all the information is correct...the only thing is that they could be very well misinterpreted. So the best we can do is ask the authorities concerned to list the protected areas so that there is no room for misinterpretation.
I am not a green peace man...you don't know me...I like to act in an eduacted resonsible manner but if need be...I can be someone's worst nightmare. :)
"There's nothing illegal about the signs all the information is correct...the only thing is that they could be very well misinterpreted. So the best we can do is ask the authorities concerned to list the protected areas so that there is no room for misinterpretation."
Quote
eee? it is misinterpreting spnotta.... it cant be like that. either you clarify and elimate all the b****** about law codes..... and they were done only for provoking doubt.....
it is true, we can't vandalize them but i was only being ironical.....besides i hate all this bureucracy.... no one from the autorities knows a sh**
It is obvious that they were intended to provoke doubt.
that is no reason to act like savages...all we have to ask is for them to be amended.
Why are you addressing me in conjunction with law codes...I am not the one that issued them...I am not involved in anything of this. I am one of you.
I just don't want it to turn out like the bird hunters' nightmare.
I know alot of you have alot of heart but please consider before you act. Each one of us has the reputation of all on his shoulders
i have an idea why dont we pose with these signs and then show a fisherman with a parit in a protected zone with police just looking on and doing nothing.
In my opinion we should contact the authourities and place a contact no if anyone wants to report some illegal fishing i think that might make a bit more sense and help curb some illegal activities at sea.
Hi guys
I was a couple of days off this forum, and am pleased to see interest in this subject. I can clearly see that we all have the same interest, but some of us look at the actions that can be taken differently from others.
I can say that at the beginning of this thread, spnotta sounded funny to me, but on the longrun we spoke, and i think that he is right not to vandalise. We must excert pressure in someway on the authorities, and I think that spnotta can be a valuable tool. I also tried, and below is a response from the person whom actually did the signs himself (under someone's advice). I hardly think that we can do something to actually stop, and redesign those signs................The authorities are the only persons that can legally abuse of laws.... ??? ???
Here is what I got as a reply::::
Sent: 26 June 2008 19:11
To: Abdilla George at MTA
Subject: RE: Marine conservation areas
Dear Mr. Abdilla
I did a whole research and found a lot of useful information as regards the mentioned 5 points. What I wanted to add is that the regulations that yourself pointed out, specify a large number of illegal fishing activities, and only in one instance they mention spearfishing.
But you answered to half my mail. What about what about this writing below!
(''These signs are creating the wrong awareness to the general public. They are promoting an erroneous impression of us spear fisherman, and are giving us a bad image. Anyone knows about other kinds of illegal fishing activities, but yet, no signs have ever been put.
Writing in large print WARNING SPEARFISHING IS ILLEGAL IN MALTESE WATERS, and also a picture of a spear fisherman cut in half, surely does not put a good image of this practice. I am also afraid that it is somehow illegal to create an erroneous impression.
I am also emphasising on the issue that these were put in places that are not protected areas (like Ghar Lapsi), and thus could be misunderstood'')
Don't you think that I am right!! I think that the highlighted parts in the signs create wrong awareness!!
And why affixing them at Ghar Lapsi, which is not a protected area?
Answer from Mr abdilla:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::Subject: RE: Marine conservation areas
Dear Mr baghira
These signs are valid to all Maltese waters, and not as you say to protected areas only.
George Abdilla
MY RESPONSE
To: Abdilla George at MTA
Subject: RE: Marine conservation areas
Dear Mr. Abdilla
Thanks for your misinformative reply.
I would like to add that besides the fact that you were not accurately informed as regards the subject in the beginning, nor you gave me the exact information in your previous mail, and you are also evading my question now.
I am also conscious regarding the fact that tourism is an important factor in our islands, and also regarding the importance of marine protection, but this is not a reason for being biased in decision making.
This shows lack of professionalism, because you cannot create a bad image of me, a person who specially cares for the environment, who does selective type of fishing, and who always preaches (or at least try to) other fisherman to return juvenile fish to the sea.
HE ENDED THIS WAY.......................Profesionalism taz-zikkkkkkkkkkk
Dear Mr
Thank you very much for calling me unprofessional.. may this is why I decided to answer your question rather than decide to bin it.
Regards
George Abdilla
well done baghira, another example of a person worth for s*** only. Why don't we complie a list of them, it would be endless....... ;D
yesterday, i was near the bbugia in port pens.... you won't believe me guys, the same person(of arti photos) was throwing the parit. i couldn't resist and called his attention for a quick cheese and click-a photo
you could just imagine the end.......... he swearing at me, well actually i also fired back :-\
Wow! Seems like you guys have a lot of different ideas on this subject.
Nice to see how concerned you all are .
Thought of the day.
When fighting a battle never let your enemy put unease among your ranks.
Stay united and calm , it is the only way to win.
baghira very good initiative but it would have been better not be harsh...one gets more when using diplomatic language...In my opinion if one had used reverse cycology...First praise the guy for the conservative act and then slip your opinion and amendments to be made.
It is better to coax a donkey to the carrot then push him towards it. If you understand what I mean.
If the guy does not listen I would not be harsh on him but make him aware of EU regulations concerning misinformation acts. You see the EU directives are a double edged sword.
Futhermore in my opinion when an authority is to be contacted a spokesman for all should speak for all of us and ideally the spokesman should have the attributes of a spokesman.
I do not mean to offend you in any way Baghira in fact I think you are very proactive and I second your objectives. What I mean to say is to do it smoothly otherswise we'll face closed door.
To be honest I have been a rebel all my life and one thing I learnt is that one gets much more with "diplomacy". Unfortunately that's life. I just wish I learnt it sooner.
Quote from: Granitu on July 04, 2008, 07:55:20 CET
well done baghira, another example of a person worth for s*** only. Why don't we complie a list of them, it would be endless....... ;D
yesterday, i was near the bbugia in port pens.... you won't believe me guys, the same person(of arti photos) was throwing the parit. i couldn't resist and called his attention for a quick cheese and click-a photo
you could just imagine the end.......... he swearing at me, well actually i also fired back :-\
If the authorities go there from 18:00 onwards they will see a lot of them throwing nets. What are police for? A week ago one of them was going to hit me with his boat even though I had a diver's signal buoy!
All registered boats! But take photos for what?
SPNOTTA your philosophy doesn't work with those guys! Most of them are savages, so sometimes you can't even talk to them.
Try yourself to be a their worst NIGHTMARE! :}
Or tell us what to do with these guys? Cause you seem to know much.
Probably if you try to tell them something they take out a gun and shoot at you, because some of them carry arms too, in case they see something flying!
exactly arti, they are always armed ghax " xi russett, kuccarda tinzerta"
well i couldn't resist to take him a photo- and i was very ironical when i told him "cheese". fortunately there was my father with me, or else he would have beaten the shit out of me.... you know with a big man no one messes :P
You might be right spnotta.
But that was not all the content of my mails.
I really tried to persuade him, but all he could say is, short phrases to cut the story short.
At the end I could not resist. I also told him that it is illegal to misinform, but he did not give a sh**
His intention from the beginning was, not to answer my questions, to make me swear, and to leave thigs as they are.
I can give you his mail address. Someone has to start. Since nobody did.
He is the one responsible, he told me quite clearly. I also have his mobile phone.
You sound quite right for a spokesman...................
Why don't you continue what I have started....Are we gonna give up!
The following post will feature all the regulations as regards spearfishing in Malta.
So whatever signs are affixed anywhere you go, just keep in mind these regulations, and if you are not in breach of any of them, go on and have fun.
P.S. The pole of these signs may serve us to rest after a nice fishing day, of whilst changing your wetsuit etc ;D The only possibility being, that someone will take you a photo (illustrating only the highlighted part of the sign)and put you on, only in malta. ::) ::) :o
P.S. Information was derived from actual regulations, and was collected by spnotta, and a fine touch from myself.
There are quite a few reg. already in place, so better all of you spearos have a look.
Spearfishing license:
Before the actual purchase of the gun, one obtains license number from Police General Headquarters weapons Offices after a short interview with an officer. One is asked to fill in a form with personal details and speargun specifications.
- For the purchase of any arm which requires a licence and to keep such an arm during the year of its purchase. (reg.1_Police Licences Regulations, CAP. 128) EUR 16.31.
- To keep a speargun during any year following the year of purchase there of, per annum. (reg.6_Police Licences Regulations, CAP. 128) EUR 6.99
- To carry a speargun per annum (reg.7_Police Licences Regulations, CAP. 128) EUR 3.49
Restrictions: Regulation (EC No 1967/2006 reg 4, Art8) which is administered by the Veterinary Affairs and Fisheries Division:
- Spear-guns shall be prohibited if used in conjunction with underwater breathing apparatus (aqualung) or at night from sunset to dawn.
Restricted areas: S.L.425.01
- Fishing is strictly prohibited in the proximity of the sewage outfall at Wied Ghammieq within the area demarcated on the land side by two stone pillars painted red situated on the sides of the drainage outlet, one on Xghajra shore in the vicinity of Ras il-gebel and the other under the Ricasoli Bastion and on the sea side by two range buoys. It is also prohibited to collect by any means from the same area any edible marine products. (reg.11_S.L.10.12 Fishery Regulations).
- No fishing is permitted in the Dockyard Creek or in the French Creek, that is in those parts of the Grand Harbour to the south east of a line drawn from St.Angelo Point to Isola Point and hence to the northern end of Parlatorio Wharf and Corradino Hill without a special licence issued by the Director with the approval of the Prime Minister. (reg.12_S.L.10.12 Fishery Regulations).
Conservation Areas:
- No spearfishing shall be c/o around Filfla.
- No spearfishing is permitted in zones which are designated to be conservation zones by MEPA* and wherever artificial reefs are built for the purpose of scientific studies or as an attraction to tourist divers.
*Designated Marine Protected Areas: A marine site that has recently been selected and designated as a marine protected area and a Special Area of Conservation of International Importance is the marine area between Rdum Majjiesa and Ras ir-Raheb on the northwest coast of Malta. MEPA.ORG
(A picture of this area has been illustrated in a previous post. Note that: red area = no entry - no take, yellow area = entry - no take (guided access), green area = entry no take (free access), blue area = entry ? take.)
- The Veterinary Regulation and Fisheries Conservation and Control within the Veterinary and Fisheries Affairs Division (VAFD) has set a number of conservation areas around wrecks.
Spearfishing is prohibited in the following areas. Only surface fishing is allowed including trolling lines (rixa) and angling for pelagic fish.
Location: Wied iz-Zurrieq; Wreck: Um el Faroud
Location: Off Xatt l-Ahmar; Wreck: MV Xlendi, Cominoland, Karwela
Location: Marsascala; Wreck: Tug St.Michael, Tug 10
Location: Off Qawra point; Wreck: Imperial Eagle
Location: Off Cirkewwa; Wreck: Rozi, P29
Location: Off Xrobb l-Ghagin; Wreck: Blenheim bomber
Location: Off Exiles Point; Wreck: Bristol Beaufighter
(These areas have also been illustrated in the photo gallery.)
Fishing implements carried on boats:
Persons carrying in their boats any fishing implement shall
be deemed, for the purposes of these Regulations, to have used
such implements. (reg. 13. S.L.425.01 Fishery Regulations)
Meaning that: if you carry both aqualungs, and a harpoon, on a boat, you are guilty of an offense.
Minimum size limits:
It shall not be lawful to sell or buy or be on land in
possession of any fishes or cephalopods of a size less than is
prescribed in regulation 38, with the exception of transparent goby
(makku) and of whitebait (srajdna and nemusa), for which no size
limit is prescribed. (reg. 37. S.L. 425.01 Fishery Regulations)
The minimum sizes of fishes, measured overall, shall be according to the following schedule:
Name Min Size
Voparella and Vopa (Box boops) 90mm
Arznella and Munqara (Smaris vulgaris) 90mm
Trilja or Red Mullets (Mullus barbatus and Mullus sarmuletus) including Triljet 100mm
All other fishes except transparent goby (makku) & whitebait (srajdna & nemusa)115mm
Cuttlefish (sicca)* 75mm
Squid (klamari)* 100mm
*Cephalopods, measured from the anterior side of the eye to the posterior end of the body
EC 1967/2006 SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME Minimum size
1. Fishes
Dicentrarchus labrax Sea-bass 25 cm
Diplodus annularis Annular sea-bream 12 cm
Diplodus puntazzo Sharpsnout sea-bream 18 cm
Diplodus sargus White sea-bream 23 cm
Diplodus vulgaris Two-banded sea-bream 18 cm
Engraulis encrasicolus * European anchovy 9 cm
Epinephelus spp. Groupers 45 cm
Lithognathus mormyrus Stripped sea-bream 20 cm
Merluccius merluccius *** Hake 20 cm
Mullus spp. Red mullets 11 cm
Pagellus acarne Spanish sea-bream 17 cm
Pagellus bogaraveo Red sea-bream 33 cm
Pagellus erythrinus Common pandora 15 cm
Pagrus pagrus Common sea-bream 18 cm
Polyprion americanus Wreckfish 45 cm
Sardina pilchardus** European sardine 11 cm
Scomber spp. Mackerel 18 cm
Solea vulgaris Common sole 20 cm
Sparus aurata Gilt-head sea-bream 20 cm
Trachurus spp. Horse mackerel, Scad 15 cm
2. Crustaceans
Homarus gammarus Lobster 300 mm TL
105 mm CL
Nephrops norvegicus Norway lobster 20 mm CL
70 mm TL
Palinuridae Crawfish 90 mm CL
Parapenaeus longirostris Deep water rose shrimp 20 mm CL
Note also that it is illegal to sell fish that have been caught by means of spearfishing.
Hi guys, I have one question. Does it mean, for example, that it`s prohibited on Um el Faroud only, or in the whole Wied iz-Zurrieq area, incl Blue grotto area. Thanks.
Note also that it is illegal to sell fish that have been caught by means of spearfishing.
This is not true if you have a fishing licence that can cover this and believe me it exists,but a bit hard to get you can sell the fish and give a recipt.
Handjiev
You may have a look at the gallery and find the pictures that emic posted, they illustrate exactly the boundaries of this area.
Way to go Baghira....very good...you are the man.
Prosit xbin
Can you provide the respective citations for the following please:
"No spearfishing shall be c/o around Filfla."
"Note also that it is illegal to sell fish that have been caught by means of spearfishing."
With your permission I would like to amend my article with the add-ons performed by yourself.
Regarding your previous post, I agree with you 100%. We all know the regulations and directives (thanks to you for providing a more complete picture )so yes these signs should not be hindering you guys from having fun spearfishing.
Also, look at it from another perspective...those signs may serve to deter those egoistic idiots who are spearfishing in conjunction with scuba and torches at night. Most of our (spearo) bad reputation is attributed to the aforementioned individuals.
Yesterday my father-in-law told me that a person came up to him and was bragging on the amount of fish he catches making use of his boat to transport him to offshore reefs in conjunction with the use of scuba and torch at night. In my opinion there is nothing to brag about...for a little more the guy could have used explosives. :(
baghira also note that the EC regulation regarding
Mullus spp. Red mullets 11 cm
superceeds the local law...thanks for your time and sharing.
Alot of people just talk and talk but only a few take the burden in checking how things really are.
Guys...respect for Silvio...for I am sure he dedicated alot of his time in providing you all this data...and believe me it takes time. This person is a valuable asset to this forum and almost the only reason why I am writing here. Thanks again Silvio for your time and work.
Wow, as a new member I was just going through the posts, & noticed the MLS of your species, they are very small, for example the MLS for Dicentrarchus labrax in our part of the UK is 40cm, bream species are 30cm, we dont see most of the others, although a Golden Striped Bream (suape), weighing just under 2kg was caught on calimari strip in Swansea Bay last week, a first for the area, must be global warming.
blueskip
Actually the MLS were taken from COUNCIL REGULATION (EC) No 1967/2006 our local laws dating from the 30's were much worse.
Thanks spnotta.
Well done also to yourself because as i said, you did a lot of it. As regards any updates, you may go ahead.
As regards: No spearfishing around filfla. This is a marine protected area by mepa, and as such no spear fihing is to be c/o. I also have a leaflet which will try to scan and post, but for sure it is also illegal to anchor, to dive or stop by filfla without prior permission.
As regards: the fact that fish caught by spearo's cannot be sold.......I read it into one of those same regulations, but I cannot trace it back. I will indeed insert it if I happen to find it. Unfortunately I am a bit busy at the moment.
I would also like to insert a list of protected fish species in malta. I myself was not aware that 'ckalu' is a protected species, unitl Simon G informed me. Does anyone know where can these be found?
Baghira I have the red list book if you want for the protected species.
Spnotta, can you send me over that red list book as well, would be good to feature as a downloadable on the forum portal.
Actually what I have is a hard copy and I was to scan parts of it if anyone is interested...but it wouldn't look very nice on the forum. :(
Skip have you considered to put what baghira has compiled into a direct link on the forum front page titled something like "local spearfishing regulations" or something of the sort?
Still in my opinion one is infringing copyright laws if the content of the respective book is juiced out onto the forum. Citated extracts should OK.
In my humble opinion, baghira could provide the few missing citations and it would be a very valuable asset to this forum.
(http://maltafishingforum.com/talk/gallery/299_09_07_08_12_59_13.jpg)
(http://maltafishingforum.com/talk/gallery/299_09_07_08_1_00_13.jpg)
I beleive that scans of this redlist book are a must, and have to be added somehow.
Hi baghira....you have a slight typo in your post regarding..Fishing implements carried on boats: (reg. 13. S.L.425.01 Fishery Regulations) should read (reg. 13. S.L.10.12 Fishery Regulations) :)
I am afraid it's pretty ambigous but yes IMO it means what you stated...by the way speargun sounds better than harpoon :)
CHAPTER 323 FILFLA NATURE RESERVE ACT To provide for the establishment of the Filfla Natural Reserve only states and enforces the protection of the land flora and fauna.
Originally the 1988 reserve act prohibited vessel navigation, berthing, swimming or diving one nautical mile radius of filfla but in 1990 the goverment uplifted the regulation and permitted fishing within the nautical mile radius. Government notce 173 (1990) :(
Interesting, so we can fish within 1nm of Filfla? Charts still show it as restricted navigation?
I exactly do not know how things work out in this island, but for sure the area of ras ir raheb, and filfla are considered as marine protected areas by Mepa. I was told this from Mepa, and also received these leaflets.
So do they have to go throu any process to become resticted, or just Mepa declares as such and that is it.??
And spnott, do any corrections you deem necessary, I told you, your english is much better than mine sweety.. :-*
reg. 13. S.L.425.01 Fishery Regulations) should read (reg. 13. S.L.10.12 Fishery Regulations)
both reg are the same. at least that is what I found. I had two copies exactly the same, and that is why I beleive that MTA is writing that sl 425
MEPA is undertaking a public attitude survey for the 2008 State of the Environment Report.
but are MEPA ready for the public???
Has anyone seen a short article on sunday times last sunday? Something about spearfishing.
this morning i found that the sign at Lapsi is bent up. I didn t liked that thing
oqqqqqqoooo