Purse-seine net confiscated

A purse-seine net, used for tuna fishing, which was unloaded at Marsaxlokk quay yesterday, was confiscated by the Fishing Conservation and Control Section of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, after the unloading had been reported to it.

A ministry statement said that the net is now under the section's control and is being kept under the surveillance by security personnel until logistical arrangements are made for the net to be taken elsewhere and put under the section's direct supervision.

This measure was taken because Maltese fishermen are not yet allowed to use purse-seine nets to fish for tuna. However, these nets are being used for tuna fishing in the Mediterranean by foreign fishermen from countries in the region.

The section is investigating the case, the statement added.