Future-proofing fishing; safeguarding animal

In this year’s Budget, we presented our aim to modernise and strengthen our operations in the fishing and animal welfare sectors. Through timely and necessary initiatives in both areas, this Government will be bringing heritage practices into the modern age, while underlying the importance of technological, administrative, and financial innovation.

ALICIA BUGEJA SAID, PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY FOR FISHERIES, AQUACULTURE AND ANIMAL RIGHTS

During the past few months, we have worked hard to lay the groundwork for what is to come. Budget 2023 builds on ongoing efforts in both sectors, while recognising the importance of working towards a more sustainable economy, and a higher quality of life for us all. In this sense, it is imperative that we promote the fishing and animal welfare sectors as viable opportunities for employment and personal growth.

A new initiative included in this year’s budget homes in on this and aims to attract persons interested in working in fishing, but who may still have doubts on its sustainability as a career. We aim to cultivate the transfer of knowledge from one generation to the next, while strengthening the educational programs already in place.

We are also intent on digitising the industry. Budget 2023 is allocating considerable resources to ensure a digital ecosystem for our fishers, which will leave a beneficial impact on how this industry, and the relative Government agencies, interact and sustain each other’s efforts. This is complemented by our efforts to modernise our infrastructure on the ground, with fishers across the islands already making full use of the newly installed water and electricity pillars in key ports.

This Government also recognises the importance of engaging continuously with the Maltese consumer. I am convinced that there should be greater awareness of the sustainability and nutritional value which are to be gained from eating local, which is why we will be introducing a new information campaign on the wide variety of foods and products which originate from our seas.

Meanwhile, we have also concluded the preliminary plans for a new Animal Rehoming Centre, which addresses a need long felt by our community. In parallel, the imminent publication of a new National Animal Welfare Strategy will be guiding our work in the sector in a comprehensive, mainstreamed manner.

Through the Animal Welfare Fund, Budget 2023 continues to sustain different infrastructural projects related to our animal sanctuaries, as well as the day-to-day running of several voluntary organisations. We recognise that such financial aid is essential for this sector to thrive, and hence we reiterated our commitment by extending said fund for another year.

We are also pushing further the microchipping of the local cat population, an incentive which will allow the Department of Animal Welfare to take note of the general numbers of our feline friends. Additionally, it will be an invaluable tool in re-uniting cat owners with their beloved partners, should they be lost.

While the present global context presents a number of economic, environmental, and political challenges, our Budget radiated a welcome aura of financial sustainability. I remain convinced more than ever that the financial programme presented for the coming year will ensure a stronger fishing industry, and an animal welfare regime which reaches the local community’s aspirations. n