Illegal fishing activities in Malta's maritime jurisdiction and surrounding waters : criminal activity and its effect on the environment

Abstract

The primary aim of this study is to give a clear picture of this particular crime, the people behind the scenes, their objectives and to show that this profitable crime is doing a lot of harm to our environment. Using reference studies which were carried out by professional researchers in many areas of the oceans including the Mediterranean Sea I would also like to make people (especially Maltese people) aware of the illegal, irregular and unreported fishing (IUU) because a lot of people are still unaware of the enforced struggle that some marine life experiences due to these activities. My findings are focused specifically on the Maltese surrounding water that is the Mediterranean Sea and the Maltese fishing industry. Other issues regarding illegal fishing will be brought out during the study as every situation and act is linked with each other but the main aims are the following. • Give a clear picture of this criminal activity (inc. financial gains, illegal technique and motives) • The impacts on the environment • The impacts on the fishermen (livelihood, leisure) • Find out how this criminal activity is being tackled When this study is finished one should have a clear picture of what is going on in the Maltese waters as regards to illegal fishing including the illegal techniques that are being used, the fishing vessels which are being used and effects on the fish stocks. The study will also show how and what the governments and the Non Government Organizations (NGO) are doing to reduce these criminal activities including laws, agreements, regulations and the monitoring.