Fisheries Services Directorate
The Fisheries Services Directorate, within the Ministry for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Supply, provides practical services and support that help Malta’s fishing community operate safely, efficiently and sustainably. Its work brings together the management of essential fisheries infrastructure, specialised facilities for vessel maintenance, assistance through targeted aid schemes, and public initiatives that promote the value of fishing and responsible use of marine resources. By maintaining facilities, coordinating services and engaging directly with fishers, the Directorate helps create the conditions needed for a resilient fishing industry and for the continued contribution of fisheries to Malta’s coastal communities, food supply and maritime heritage.
Supporting Fishing Ports and Essential Infrastructure
Fishing ports are working environments where dependable infrastructure is essential to daily operations. The Directorate is responsible for ensuring that key facilities—including utility service pillars, winch rooms and hoists—are available across fishing ports and maintained in good working order. These assets support the routine needs of fishers, from preparing vessels and handling equipment to carrying out operational tasks safely and effectively. Their availability helps reduce disruption, improves working conditions and allows port users to access practical services close to where their vessels are berthed.
Maintaining this infrastructure requires ongoing coordination, monitoring and timely intervention when faults arise. The Directorate works to keep facilities serviceable and accessible, recognising that even relatively small items of infrastructure can have a significant effect on a fisher’s working day. Through the effective management of these shared resources, it supports safer port operations, better use of public facilities and continuity of service for the fishing community. This practical, port-based role is central to the Directorate’s commitment to delivering reliable services wherever they are most needed.
Hard Standing Facility and Vessel Maintenance
The Directorate also manages the Hard Standing Facility, a dedicated service that enables fishers to bring their boats ashore for inspection, maintenance and repairs. Regular maintenance is essential for vessel safety, reliability and longevity, yet access to suitable lifting and working areas can be costly or difficult to arrange. The Facility responds to this need by providing an organised environment in which boat owners can undertake necessary work while their vessels are safely positioned on land.
Hoisting services are offered at reduced prices, helping to make essential maintenance more affordable for fishers. The Facility also provides access equipment that boat owners may use free of charge while carrying out maintenance and repairs. This combination of reduced-price lifting services and free access equipment lowers practical barriers to upkeep and encourages vessel owners to address maintenance needs in a timely manner. In turn, well-maintained vessels contribute to safer working conditions at sea, more dependable operations and a more sustainable use of equipment and resources over the vessel’s working life.
Promoting Fisheries and Sustainable Fishing
Beyond infrastructure and operational support, the Fisheries Services Directorate has an important role in promoting fisheries, sustainable fishing practices and greater public understanding of the sector. It organises and participates in events that bring fishers, families, consumers, public authorities and other stakeholders together. These initiatives provide opportunities to celebrate local fishing traditions, explain the contribution of the industry, and encourage informed discussion about the responsible management of marine resources.
Annual events organised by the Directorate include Festa Ħut and Festa Tonn, which place fisheries and local seafood at the centre of engaging public activities. The Directorate also participates in major national events, including the Agrifair and the Public Service Expo. Through these platforms, it can showcase its services, explain the support available to fishers and highlight the importance of sustainable fishing. Public engagement also helps strengthen appreciation of the skills, knowledge and commitment required within the sector, while creating space for dialogue between the fishing community and the wider public.
Aid Schemes for Fishers
A dedicated unit within the Directorate administers aid schemes designed to support fishers and promote the long-term sustainability of the industry. These schemes are launched periodically and respond to different operational, investment and development needs. They provide a structured means through which eligible fishers can seek assistance, invest in their activities, improve their knowledge and strengthen their capacity to meet the changing demands of the sector.
Examples include the Fuel Aid Scheme, Investment on Board initiatives and training opportunities for fishers. Fuel assistance can help address the operating costs associated with fishing activity. Investment on Board schemes can support improvements to vessels, equipment and working practices, while training initiatives help fishers develop relevant skills and keep pace with industry requirements. Each measure contributes in a different way, but all share the aim of supporting viable fishing operations and encouraging responsible, forward-looking development.
Working with the Fishing Community
The Directorate’s work is grounded in service to fishers. Whether it is maintaining a hoist, providing access to a hard-standing facility, administering an aid scheme or representing fisheries at a public event, the focus remains on practical outcomes. Effective communication with port users and stakeholders helps the Directorate understand operational needs, identify priorities and shape services that are useful and accessible. This relationship is especially important in a sector whose activities are influenced by weather, vessel requirements, seasonal patterns and changing economic conditions.
By combining infrastructure management, maintenance support, financial assistance, training and public outreach, the Fisheries Services Directorate delivers a broad and connected service. Reliable facilities enable fishers to work; affordable maintenance services help protect vessels and livelihoods; aid schemes encourage investment and skills; and public events build awareness of fisheries and sustainability. Together, these functions support both the day-to-day needs of fishers and the wider objective of maintaining a strong, responsible and future-focused industry.
As part of the Ministry for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Supply, the Directorate contributes to a public service that values safety, accessibility, sustainability and cooperation. Its responsibilities extend from the physical facilities found in fishing ports to the programs that help fishers plan, invest and adapt. Through this work, the Fisheries Services Directorate remains a key point of support for the fishing community and an active promoter of Malta’s fisheries sector, its traditions and its sustainable future.