Malta explores public perceptions of aquaculture – The Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture of the Government of the Republic of Malta recently launched a survey targeting the resident population, with the aim of collecting key data on the knowledge, awareness and perception of the aquaculture sector in the country. This initiative comes amidst the growing importance of the aquaculture industry, which represents a key component of the Maltese economy.
Aquaculture in Malta has seen significant development in recent years, with domestic production reaching 19,829 tonnes in 2020, with a total value of €215.447 million. Most of this production is represented by bluefin tuna, followed by sea bass, sea bream and other species. Despite these numbers, public perception of the sector plays a crucial role in its future development.
The Department’s survey aims to explore various aspects of the sector by asking residents questions on several key topics. One of the main objectives is to understand the population’s level of knowledge about aquaculture and their general impression of it. It also asks what is the best way to obtain information about the sector, and which aspects – environmental, economic, governance, social and ethical – should be prioritised in the future development of Maltese aquaculture.
Another crucial issue is the identification of factors that should be taken into consideration when selecting new locations for aquaculture facilities. The choice of these areas is indeed a delicate one and requires a careful balance between production needs and the protection of the marine environment.
The survey also explores the level of residents’ awareness of sustainable initiatives already in place in the sector. These initiatives, which aim to reduce the environmental impact of aquaculture and promote more ethical practices, are key to improving the industry’s reputation in the eyes of the public.
Finally, the survey addresses consumer preferences when buying fish, distinguishing between products from traditional fisheries and those from aquaculture. Decisive factors in the choice of seafood products – such as freshness, price, sustainability and the origin of the fish – are key to understanding market dynamics and guiding production and marketing strategies.
This effort to engage the population not only aims to collect useful data for the government and industry operators, but also serves to make residents aware of the importance of a sector that contributes significantly to the national economy. Aquaculture in Malta, with its potential for sustainable growth, could become a role model in the Mediterranean, provided it is managed with attention to feedback from the population and environmental imperatives.
Malta explores public perception of aquaculture
