Balancing Sustainable Livelihoods and Conservation …
25
Who is responsible for enforcement at sea. There are no guidelines and rules on existing
MPAs, only some rules on certain wrecks. Unless we create a green water wardens – we
need a gang of these to control Malta and Gozo – following rules which are set and clear. We
are not against fishing but they have to understand that there are no fish and that something
has to be done. They cannot continue to fish everywhere.
(Diving Club 1)
If there are any rules in the current MPAs we would have heard about them and if they are
enforced, someone gets fined, we would get to know.
(Professional Fishermen Association 2)
There has to be enforcement – as the areas will not work. Currently enforcement is not
enough.
(NGO 2)
The Police department appear to be hindered in carrying out proper enforcement
because of a lack of both human and physical resources.
We have a maximum patrolling capacity of one dinghy in the south and one in the north and
usually do not venture out more than 5miles. Gozo and Comino are not within our remit.
Most illegalities are mooring boats in swim zone, non registration Recreational fishing and
commercial fishing not really within our remit. Report comes in from fisheries department.
If there will be so many protected areas, enforcement will be too difficult. We have four
dinghies but not enough personnel to use them all at same time. I need at least double the
number of people
(Government Entity 1)
The Civil Protection Department state that they try to assist the police and AFM
through reporting, as they cannot enforce the rules.
We assist both the police and AFM. We can report but do not need to enforce – we usually
help out ERA as needed in research but we do not need any increase in people.
(Government Entity 2)
4.1.4 Visions of Sustainability
When asked to state their main concerns in various open ended questions the majority
of stakeholders mentioned ideals of sustainability in a way in which they can continue
with their activities—but also mentioned the importance of conservation in order to
keep alive what we have.
Following numerous meetings and seminars held during the past years, which we attended,
Birds, caves, sand banks and reefs have always been the main issues discussed. However
despite our repeated questions about what are the parameters involved to protect these
environmental issues, we never received an adequate answer. Our main activity is fishing.
We wish to know what is allowed and what is not allowed. For this reason one cannot answer
what impact these and other MPAs have on fishing activities, whether as a livelihood or as
recreational. On the other hand we wish protection of the marine flora especially fish and
allied creatures from the destructive and non selective fishing gear. Unfortunately this issue
is never upheld by the Environment Authorities and they refer this issue to other entities.
(Recreational Fishermen Association 1)
25
Who is responsible for enforcement at sea. There are no guidelines and rules on existing
MPAs, only some rules on certain wrecks. Unless we create a green water wardens – we
need a gang of these to control Malta and Gozo – following rules which are set and clear. We
are not against fishing but they have to understand that there are no fish and that something
has to be done. They cannot continue to fish everywhere.
(Diving Club 1)
If there are any rules in the current MPAs we would have heard about them and if they are
enforced, someone gets fined, we would get to know.
(Professional Fishermen Association 2)
There has to be enforcement – as the areas will not work. Currently enforcement is not
enough.
(NGO 2)
The Police department appear to be hindered in carrying out proper enforcement
because of a lack of both human and physical resources.
We have a maximum patrolling capacity of one dinghy in the south and one in the north and
usually do not venture out more than 5miles. Gozo and Comino are not within our remit.
Most illegalities are mooring boats in swim zone, non registration Recreational fishing and
commercial fishing not really within our remit. Report comes in from fisheries department.
If there will be so many protected areas, enforcement will be too difficult. We have four
dinghies but not enough personnel to use them all at same time. I need at least double the
number of people
(Government Entity 1)
The Civil Protection Department state that they try to assist the police and AFM
through reporting, as they cannot enforce the rules.
We assist both the police and AFM. We can report but do not need to enforce – we usually
help out ERA as needed in research but we do not need any increase in people.
(Government Entity 2)
4.1.4 Visions of Sustainability
When asked to state their main concerns in various open ended questions the majority
of stakeholders mentioned ideals of sustainability in a way in which they can continue
with their activities—but also mentioned the importance of conservation in order to
keep alive what we have.
Following numerous meetings and seminars held during the past years, which we attended,
Birds, caves, sand banks and reefs have always been the main issues discussed. However
despite our repeated questions about what are the parameters involved to protect these
environmental issues, we never received an adequate answer. Our main activity is fishing.
We wish to know what is allowed and what is not allowed. For this reason one cannot answer
what impact these and other MPAs have on fishing activities, whether as a livelihood or as
recreational. On the other hand we wish protection of the marine flora especially fish and
allied creatures from the destructive and non selective fishing gear. Unfortunately this issue
is never upheld by the Environment Authorities and they refer this issue to other entities.
(Recreational Fishermen Association 1)