Fishermen will be compensated during the closed season, PL Leader Joseph Muscat announced this afternoon whilst meeting with fishermen in Marsaxlokk.

Dr Muscat clarified that local fishermen would need to conform with EU regulations, however explained that more can be done in order to improve the fishermen’s lives. One such measure would introduce a consultative body which will discuss such issues with the Government. Lastly, the PL Leader proposed that a Minister would be solely responsible for agriculture and fisheries.

The meeting was then taken into Pompei Hall in Marsaxlokk. "If there are EU funds to spend we will use them to help you expand," the Labour Leader stated..

Spokesman for the Koperattiva Nazzjonali tas-Sajd Ray Bugeja added that fishermen were facing a storm created “by those who were supposed to have been managing this sector." He explained that Malta is at risk of losing its 25 mile fishery management zone.