Fish farms production increases by 49 per cent
Fish reared in farms rose by 49.1 per cent in 2007 when compared to the previous year, according to latest figures by the National Statistics Office.
The value of aquaculture produce in 2007 amounted to €128.8 million while that of 2006 totalled €86.4 million. The NSO said this was mainly due to an increase in the value of fish sold, which rose by 41.2 per cent to €103.2 million in 2007.
It said the increase in the value of fresh fish purchased resulted from an increase in the volume of fresh fish purchased, complemented by a rise in the price per kilogram of 45.5 per cent over 2006.
There were significant increases in costs in 2007, mainly fuel costs, which rose by 114.3 per cent over 2006, and variable production costs, which rose by 45.5 per cent, mainly due to an increase in the purchase of fish feed.
The factor income of the aquaculture industry, which takes into account the difference between the gross output and intermediate consumption, declined slightly by 0.5 per cent to €27.1 million in 2007.
The compensation of employees in 2007, which made up 15.3 per cent of the industry's factor income, increased by 22.7 per cent compared to 2006. On the other hand, entrepreneurial income, which was up 8.1 per cent in 2006, declined by 5.3 per cent to €22.5 million in 2007.
The NSO plans to release the latest figures for 2008 in November, saying it is still awaiting data from one fish farm. The statistics for 2007 are the most updated in hand.
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J. Borg
Jan 16th 2009, 19:58
More than a decade ago Minister Pullicino had declared that all fish farms will be located MILES off south-east Malta.
To date fish farms are still WITHIN our bays, some a stone-throw away from shore (even next to supposedly natural reserves such as Comino)
MEPA is supposed to control & monitor fish farms' operations - but we all know that MEPA has failed us miserably with regards to effective control over abuses conducted above the water - so I hate to imagine MEPA's controls underwater!
And as we continue to dismiss the income generated from the tourism, with the island shabbiness and the ruining of the islands' once clear sea water.........we are letting fish farm operators fatten their pockets and enjoying tax holidays and tax rebates - and then politicians preach about social justice and environmental concerns!
Maybe minister Pullicino, whilst enjoying a relaxing trip on yachts - with obviously good company - might think about his responsibilities and duties, both to us and future generations, and might belatedly decide to do something sensible before we reach a point of no return.
Don't hold your breath - unless obviously you're passing by a fish farm....
Charles Micallef
Jan 16th 2009, 11:19
Please move them away from St Paul's Islands, they are such an eyesore as well as the ecological damage they are doing to the area
lgalea
Jan 16th 2009, 10:30
Can we have the figure of how much was pollution of our bays increased and how many people had to spend to cure their infections?
How about putting them 12 miles out at sea?