Four applications have been submitted for the development of a marine hatchery following a call by the Fisheries Parliamentary Secretariat.

A board will now consider the proposals and a decision will eventually be taken.

In a statement, the secretariat said the Government welcomed the interest shown. It had decided to involve the private sector to increase interest in the aquaculture sector for the industry to expand and create more jobs and opportunities.

Through the project, Malta is expected to earn around €7 million a year.

The hatchery should include a research centre that would be bigger than the one at San Lucjan to promote sustainable aquaculture diversifying the fish species grown from eggs.

The centre is currently breeding tuna and amberjacks.

Research was also being carried out on new species including the meagre, bream, sea urchins and sea cucumbers as well as traditional species such as gilthead and sea bass.

There were also plans for perch and bream.