Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1506906
increase drastically. Marine Biologist Alan Dei- dun believes the surge in tuna populations could be down to a number of factors including fishing restrictions and climate change. He also said that the farming of tuna, which sees shoals of young wild tuna be- ing penned by ranchers, could be attracting other fish from out at sea. "It could also be that popu- lation numbers have not been restored at all, as the numbers mainly come from fishing reg- ulators," he said. "They work on what fishermen tell them." A tale of waste on the high seas Swordfish fishing in Malta varies moderately throughout the year. High season is March to November. Low season is January to February and De- cember. There is no closed season. Commercial fishers who fish for swordfish use a method called longlining (konz). These longlines usually have between 600 and 700 hooks, with the size of the hooks depending on the species being targeted. Pieces of chub mackerel are then used to bait the hooks. Fishers who spoke to this newspaper said tuna is a reg- ular bycatch when fishing for swordfish, but due to the large fines and possible suspension of fishing licences, they have to throw out the fish. "In a week, we sometimes have 35 to 40 tuna caught on the longlines, and we have to unfortunately cut them off," a fisherman who spoke to this newspaper said. "My heart sinks. You see a fully grown tu- na just sink to the bottom, it's such a waste." Another fisher said most of the fish, especially during the latter months of summer, are much weaker after the breed- ing season, and end up dying. "Almost none of them are still alive, and the ones that are, are normally tired out and will end up dying." He did concede that legisla- tion which would be too open would eventually lead to wide- spread illegalities. "If some- thing is changed, it has to be limited, and gradual, or else it will lead to a free-for-all." Legislation changes not up to government – Fisheries Ministry Replying to questions by this newspaper, the fisheries minis- try said changes to tuna fishing legislation is not up to govern- ment. "Blue Fin Tuna is highly reg- ulated by ICCAT and EU laws and Malta does not have the power to change legislations that do not fall under the ju- risdiction of national compe- tence, by-catch is also regu- lated through conditions as agreed from season to season with the sector such as author- ised vessels and fishermen, as well as other elements with the aim of ensuring that such by-catch of Tuna is legal and authorised target of Blue Fin Tuna fishing," Alicia Bugeja Said said. The parliamentary secre- tary also said authorities have recorded an increase in tu- na population. "Stock in the Mediterranean Sea is now very healthy and tuna is reported to be in abundance, both from fishermen and from the scien- tific perspective through as- sessments." Deidun said that any legisla- tive changes, if they are intro- duced, need to be carried out slowly and carefully. "We have to make sure the purpose of any changes is that of not wasting fish, it should not be an excuse to start the mass capture of these animals," he said. "We also need to make sure that we base any informa- tion on credible and multiple sources." 11 NEWS maltatoday | SUNDAY • 3 SEPTEMBER 2023 CAREER OPPORTUNITIES Submit your application Candidates must also be proficient in the Maltese and English Languages. Further information and a comprehensive Job Description may be obtained by contacting the Court Services Agency on recruitment.courts@courtservices.mt. Candidates are to submit their letter of application, their qualifications and experience in a Europass Curriculum Vitae Format, a copy of their relevant scanned certificates and a valid Police Conduct Certificate by e-mail on recruitment.courts@courtservices.mt. COURT CLERKS - (Malta Courts) JobsPlus Permit No. 337/2021 Eligibility: Prospective candidates must have an 'O' Level standard of education and must be in possession of ECDL/ICDL passes in modules 2, 3 and 4. The salary for the post of Court Clerk is pegged to the Court Services Agency Grade 7. At 2023 rates, this is equivalent to €14,802 per annum, rising by annual increments of €350 up to a maximum of €17,952. Newly engaged Court Clerks start from Step 3 of this Grade, i.e. €15,502 per annum. This full-time post is on an indefinite basis and is subject to a probationary period of six months. Applications will be received till Friday 15th September 2023 at 13:00 hrs. Aġenzija għas-Servizzi tal-Qrati as populations rise in the Mediterranean Alicia Bugeja Said Alan Deidun