━━━━ Who are we?
Who are we?
Aquatic Resources Malta, established under Subsidiary Legislation 595.47 on 7 December 2023, through Legal Notice 283 of 2023, is dedicated to pioneering advancements in aquaculture and fisheries research, development, and commercialisation. Our Agency is committed to promoting sustainable practices and enhancing the economic viability of these sectors.
At the Aquatic Resources Malta (ARM) within the Research and Development Section within the Research, Sustainable Development and Education Department (RSDE) we collect and analyse multi-faceted data sets on the Maltese fisheries sector, from which we infer the state of fisheries resources within GSA 15, including the 25 nm Fisheries Management Zone around the Maltese Islands. ARM constantly proposes effective measures to manage the fisheries resources from the ecological and socio-economic perspectives.
ARM also takes part in international meetings, where data is analysed and from which scientific advice towards the regional management of fisheries emanate. In addition, ARM officers also participate in various projects which deal with different aspects of data collection, analysis for the provision of scientific advice, and marine spatial planning.
Moreover, the aquaculture unit within the RSDE Department carries out research on aquaculture techniques adopted to specific marine species.
━━━━ Mission Statement
Our mission statement.
Aquatic Resources Malta is focused on advancing aquaculture and fisheries through practical research, sustainable practices, and effective partnerships.
Our mission targets are to:
Conduct Quality Research: Lead scientific efforts in aquaculture and fisheries to address challenges at national, European, and global levels.
Promote Sustainability: Support and implement practices that ensure the long-term health of our aquatic resources.
Facilitate Knowledge Exchange: Share our expertise, work with stakeholders, and educate the public to build support for sustainable aquaculture and fisheries.
Drive Economic Growth: Develop new technologies, encourage entrepreneurship, and take advantage of commercial opportunities to boost the aquaculture and fisheries industries.
Cultivate Talent: Attract, develop, and retain skilled individuals, fostering a culture of excellence, diversity, and inclusivity within our Agency.
Ensure Financial Responsibility: Use resources efficiently, maintain fiscal accountability, and invest in projects that align with our mission and strategic goals.
Lead by Example: Set high standards in research, sustainability, and business practices, serving as a model for the global aquaculture and fisheries community.
Aquatic Resources Malta is dedicated to shaping a sustainable future for aquaculture and fisheries. The Agency is available for collaborations in research and business developments to further advance these fields.
━━━━ Our Objectives
The objectives of Aquatic Resources Malta are:
1. Collecting sound transversal (such as fishing activity, capacity, and effort landings), biological and economic data from the fisheries sector, in accordance with international requirements.
2. Analysing the collected data in order to study trends and assess sustainability of the fishing practices and trends.
3. Provide scientific advice on the way forward and the best possible way to manage the available stocks.
4. Carrying out research on sustainable aquaculture.
━━━━ Departments
Key departments in Aquatic Resources Malta.
Research, Sustainable Development & Education Department.
The Research, Sustainable Development & Education Department leads scientific research in aquaculture and fisheries, addressing national, European, and international commitments. It acts as a consulting body within the Agency, providing expert advice on policy matters related to aquaculture and fisheries. The department informs policy development, addresses industry needs, and collaborates with national, European, and international authorities. It also develops business plans and financial forecasts for research projects, working closely with the Finance and Facility Management Department.
Human Resources & Finance Department.
The Human Resources and Finance Department plays a vital role in the operational success of the Aquatic Resources Malta Agency. It is responsible for recruiting, training, and developing staff while promoting employee well-being and fostering organizational growth. Beyond its HR functions, the department manages budgeting, financial planning, and resource allocation, ensuring alignment between financial priorities and the agency’s strategic objectives. It also oversees the procurement of resources, collaborating with other units to support infrastructure and operational needs. By effectively managing both human and financial resources, the department drives the agency’s performance and sustainability.
Facility Management, Business Development & Commercialisation Department.
The Facility Management, Business Development & Commercialisation department is one of the three key units within the Aquatic Resources Malta Agency, playing a pivotal role in ensuring the operational efficiency and strategic development of the agency’s infrastructure. This unit is tasked with maintaining, optimizing, and upgrading facilities and is also responsible for the health and safety of employees to support the agency’s mission. Working closely with the agency’s other departments, it aligns infrastructure requirements with operational goals and identifies innovative business development opportunities, generating value creation and supporting the agency’s long-term growth objectives.
