Malta’s Lampuki Wars: Government Proposes July Start to Season in Bid to End Illegal Fishing Crisis

**Malta Proposes Lampuki Season Should Start in July to Combat Illegal Fishing**

The Maltese government has proposed moving the official lampuki season start date from August to July in a bid to combat illegal fishing and protect one of the Mediterranean’s most prized catches. The proposal, which has sparked heated debate among fishermen, restaurateurs, and conservationists, could reshape a tradition that has defined Maltese coastal life for generations.

Lampuki, the Maltese name for dorado or mahi-mahi, aren’t just another fish in these waters—they’re woven into the fabric of island identity. Every autumn, the sight of traditional luzzu boats dotting the horizon, their colourful prows pointing toward schools of silver-green fish, signals more than just a change in season. It marks the beginning of culinary celebrations, family gatherings, and economic activity that ripples through coastal communities from Marsaxlokk to Mellieħa.

“The current system isn’t working,” Fisheries Parliamentary Secretary Alicia Bugeja Said told reporters at a recent press conference in Valletta. “We’ve seen increasing instances of illegal fishing before the official season opens, with some vessels catching tons of lampuki in July and selling them on the black market. By legalising the July start, we can bring these operators into the regulated system.”

The proposal comes after years of frustration among licensed fishermen who watch helplessly as unscrupulous operators flout regulations. Under current rules, the season runs from August through December, but enforcement becomes nearly impossible when fish are abundant in late July waters. The Fisheries Department has documented a 40% increase in illegal catches over the past five years, with some estimates suggesting the black market trade exceeds €2 million annually.

Local fisherman Carmenu Vella, who’s been casting nets for lampuki for over four decades, welcomes the change. “It’s about fairness,” he says, mending his nets at the Marsaxlokk fishing village. “We follow the rules, we wait for August, but then we see others making money while we’re tied to the dock. This levels the playing field.”

However, not everyone is convinced. Environmental groups worry that extending the season could put additional pressure on lampuki populations, which have shown signs of stress in recent years. “These fish need time to reproduce and grow,” warns Marthese Briffa from the local marine conservation group BICREF. “We’re concerned that starting earlier might intercept spawning aggregations, potentially devastating future stocks.”

The proposal also raises questions about Malta’s commitments to EU fishing regulations and sustainable practices. Brussels has already expressed concern about Mediterranean overfishing, and any changes to national quotas could face scrutiny from European regulators.

For Malta’s restaurant scene, the change could be significant. Lampuki is a autumn staple, appearing in everything from traditional aljotta (fish soup) to innovative fusion dishes at upscale Valletta eateries. Chef Michael Diacono, who runs a popular seafood restaurant in St. Julian’s, sees both opportunities and challenges. “Earlier availability means we can extend our lampuki specials, but we also need to ensure quality and sustainability. Our customers expect the best.”

The cultural implications run deep. The lampuki season coincides with village festas, family Sunday lunches, and autumn traditions that mark the Maltese calendar. Moving the season earlier could shift these rhythms, potentially disconnecting the catch from its traditional cultural context.

Public consultation on the proposal runs through next month, with the government promising to consider all perspectives before making a final decision. Whatever the outcome, the debate itself highlights the complex balance between tradition and modernity, conservation and commerce, that characterises contemporary Maltese life.

As the Mediterranean sun beats down on traditional fishing boats bobbing in Maltese harbours, the future of lampuki fishing hangs in the balance—much like the nets cast by generations of fishermen before them.