MEPs are calling for bluefin tuna sanctuaries in the Med to further protect this dwindling and lucrative species.

The European Parliament called for more studies on the endangered fish and for certain areas in the Mediterranean to be out of bounds to fishermen. MEPs have approved regulations aimed at introducing tighter controls on bluefin tuna catches.

All Maltese MEPs, with the exception of Labour’s John Attard Montalto, who was not present for the session, voted in favour of tougher rules.

Under these, controls on bluefin tuna catches will be reinforced including those connected with tuna farming, a flourishing industry in Malta.

Each caging operation – the transfer of fish from nets to cages, which normally takes place on the high seas – will have to be video-recorded.

If inspectors find the number or weight of bluefin tuna in the cage to be more than 10 per cent more than that declared by the farm operator responsible for fattening the fish, the excess fish will have to be released.

The plan also reduces the international total allowable catches of bluefin tuna, set at 160 tonnes a year for Maltese fishermen.

The tuna season is considered to be one of the most profitable for Maltese fishermen because much of their catches are either sold to fattening fish farms or exported directly to Japan and sold at high prices.

It is estimated Malta exports some €80 million worth of tuna every year to Japan.