Illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing is one of the greatest threats to the health of our oceans and to the communities dependent on legal fishing quotas.
In response to recent allegations that a top Maltese government official and the world’s largest bluefin tuna operation are involved in the illegal trade of an already endangered species, fish4tomorrow has called for immediate concrete action from Maltese authorities.
It is clear that a thorough, transparent investigation must be carried out into the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture as well as the Maltese branches of the Ricardo Fuentes e Hijos Group; Mare Blu Tuna Farm Ltd and RF Malta Holding Ltd.
To further underline our concern, fish4tomorrow has joined other environmental NGOs, including the WWF, Environmental Justice Foundation, Oceana Europe and ClientEarth in issuing a joint letter to the EU Commissioner for Fisheries, Karmenu Vella. In it, we outline six points of action to be addressed by the Commission.
An investigation, the public disclosure of its findings and the enforcement of regulation are vital to the responsible management of the fisheries industry, and the credibility of the EU as a leading proponent of sustainable fishing policies.
You can view the full letter here.
