How do aquaculture and fishing contribute to Malta’s economy?

In Malta, aquaculture and fishing play distinct roles in the national economy, with aquaculture now serving as the primary income generator between the two.1

Aquaculture

Introduced in the late 1980s, aquaculture has surpassed traditional fishing as a source of revenue. The industry utilizes floating sea cages to farm European sea bass and gilthead sea bream. Additionally, bluefin tuna caught from the sea are kept in farms for four to six months to be fattened before they are exported.1

Fishing

Fishing in Malta is largely seasonal and conducted on an artisanal basis. While smaller in scale compared to aquaculture, the sector remains economically relevant through the export of specific species, most notably the dolphin fish and bluefin tuna. Following Malta’s accession to the European Union, local fishermen have been supported by funding programs specifically designed to promote the export of tuna.1