Research by Kent Masters' students in Malta played a part in encouraging local fishermen to better promote sustainable traditional fishing.
A number of fishermen from Marsaxlokk formed a non-governmental organisation (NGO), Marsaxlokk Artisanal Fishers, to protect their livelihood, community and heritage following the Kent students’ annual field trip to Malta.
Research and field work by the students, from the University’s School of Conservation and Anthropology, encouraged local fishermen to practice low impact traditional fishing methods that care for the environment and marine resources.
The students, who are all studying for their MSc in Conservation and Rural Development, spend around 10 days in Malta each year. They carrying out surveys of fishermen, tourist and other marine resource users and interviewed key decision makers.
Professor Douglas MacMillan, organiser of the MSc, explained that working in Malta has given students the opportunity to contribute to solving one of the great challenges faced in Europe: the development of more sustainable and equitable approaches to fishing in the sea.