EU to raise issue of illegal fishing in Maltese waters in upcoming mission to Tunisia

The European Commission has promised to raise the issue of Tunisian boats fighting illegally in Maltese waters in an upcoming mission to the North African country later this month.

Gozitan MEP Thomas Bajada drew attention to the difficulties faced by Maltese and Gozitan fisherman due to the encroachment of Tunisia-registered fishing boats encroaching in Maltese waters.

There have been several such reported incidents in recent years.

Speaking during a meeting of the Fisheries Committee, Mr Bajada called for bilateral action with Tunisia, and pointed out that there have been direct confrontations between Tunisian and Maltese fishermen that could pose a danger at sea.

He added that the matter has been flagged to the European Fisheries Control Agency and the Commission itself.

In response Deputry Director-General Gert Jan Koopman acknowledged the situation and promised to address it during an upcoming EU mission to Tunisia.

Thanking Mr Bajada for his intervention, he said the Commission would bring u the matter in a mission scheduled for later in October.