Malta
Europe · Southern Europe
Recreational spearfishing is legal in Malta and does not require a dedicated licence, but it is tightly regulated by directly-applicable EU law. Under Regulation (EU) 2019/1241 (and previously Council Regulation (EC) No 1967/2006) spear guns may only be used in recreational fishing WITHOUT an aqualung (underwater breathing apparatus / scuba) and only by day, from dawn until dusk; night spearfishing and spearfishing on scuba are prohibited. Spearfishing is also banned inside marine conservation areas, voluntary marine reserves around wrecks (e.g. Cirkewwa), designated swimmers'/bathing zones and protected archaeological zones at sea, and inside the one-nautical-mile restricted-access ring around the islet of Filfla. EU minimum conservation reference sizes (Annex IX) apply to catch, recreational catch may not be sold, and bluefin tuna is effectively catch-and-release for recreational fishers. The national framework is the Fisheries Conservation and Management Act, Cap. 425.
Ultimo aggiornamento Agosto 20, 2026
Quadro normativo di riferimento
- §Fisheries Conservation and Management Act, Chapter 425 of the Laws of Malta (Act II of 2001, as amended) - esp. Art. 38(2)(b),(c),(e) regulation-making powers (numbered Art. 36 before Act XVII of 2022 repealed Arts. 34-35; Art. 36 is now the satellite-based vessel monitoring system)
- §Fishery Regulations, Subsidiary Legislation 425.01 (G.N. 206 of 1934, consolidated; same text also numbered S.L. 10.12) - Reg. 2 permits the fish spear without licence; Regs. 37-38 minimum sizes
- §Regulation (EU) 2019/1241 of 20 June 2019 on the conservation of fisheries resources and the protection of marine ecosystems through technical measures - Art. 2(2) extends Arts. 7/10/11/12 to recreational fishing; Art. 7(1)(g) spear-gun rule; Annex IX Mediterranean minimum sizes
- §Council Regulation (EC) No 1967/2006 of 21 December 2006 concerning management measures for the sustainable exploitation of fishery resources in the Mediterranean Sea (Art. 8(4); now superseded by Reg. (EU) 2019/1241)
- §Fishing Vessels Regulations, Subsidiary Legislation 425.07
- §Local Notice to Mariners No 025 of 2026 (Conservation Areas around Wrecks, updated February 2026; supersedes LNtM 113 of 2024, which superseded LNtM 215 of 2023) - the published statement of the 15 Conservation Areas, not itself a legal instrument; the enabling power is Cap. 425 art. 38(2)(b)-(c)
- §Notice to Mariners No 02 of 2024 (Archaeological Zones at Sea - Superintendence of Cultural Heritage, consolidated list January 2024, extended by NtM 16 of 2025), under the Cultural Heritage Act
- §Stony Sea Urchin Protection Regulations, Subsidiary Legislation 425.19 (L.N. 149 of 2023, as amended by L.N. 129 of 2025) - total take/possession ban in force since 7 July 2023, self-expiring around 7 July 2027 by reg. 1(4)
- §Government Notice 173 of 1990 under the Berthing Regulations (Legal Notice 117 of 1975) - 1 nautical mile restricted-access area around the islet of Filfla
- Licenza obbligatoria
- Non obbligatoria
- Fucile subacqueo
- Consentito
- Autorespiratore
- Vietato
- Stranieri
- Ammessi
La legge, integrale
Testi legali
Le esatte disposizioni di legge e regolamentari che disciplinano la pesca subacquea qui, citate come pubblicate, con un link a ogni fonte ufficiale.
Prohibited fishing gears and methods - projectiles and spear guns
Regulation (EU) 2019/1241
any type of projectile, with the exception of those used to kill caged or trapped tuna and of hand-held spears and spear guns used in recreational fishing without an aqualung, from dawn until dusk.
Restriction on spear-guns with breathing apparatus and at night (superseded predecessor rule)
Council Regulation (EC) No 1967/2006 (OJ L 409, 30.12.2006, p. 11; authentic English text republished by Corrigendum, OJ L 36, 8.2.2007, p. 6). Article 8 was DELETED by Art. 32(a) of Regulation (EU) 2019/1241 with effect from 14 August 2019; the successor provisions are Reg. (EU) 2019/1241 Art. 7(1)(g) and Annex IX (Mediterranean Sea) Part C point 7.
Spear-guns shall be prohibited if used in conjunction with underwater breathing apparatus (aqualung) or at night from sunset to dawn.
Fisheries Conservation and Management Act - short title and scope
Fisheries Conservation and Management Act, Chapter 425 (Act II of 2001, as amended)
To make provision for the regulation, conservation and management of the fisheries of Malta and matters incidental thereto. ... 1. The short title of this Act is Fisheries Conservation and Management Act.
Definition of commercial fishing (catching/taking fish for sale)
Fisheries Conservation and Management Act, Chapter 425 (Act II of 2001)
"commercial fishing" means the catching or taking of fish for sale;
Recreational fishing rules apply to spear guns (EU technical measures bind recreational fishers)
Regulation (EU) 2019/1241
Articles 7, 10, 11 and 12 shall also apply to recreational fishing.
Power to regulate amateur and recreational fishing (national regulation-making power)
Fisheries Conservation and Management Act, Chapter 425 (Act II of 2001, as amended)
In particular and without prejudice to the generality of subarticle (1), such regulations may provide for: [...] (e) the regulation of amateur and recreational fishing;
Power to set closed areas, closed seasons, sizes and to prohibit fishing methods
Fisheries Conservation and Management Act, Chapter 425 (Act II of 2001, as amended)
In particular and without prejudice to the generality of subarticle (1), such regulations may provide for: [...] (b) the conservation, management and protection of fish resources including the establishment of closed areas and closed seasons, the prescription of the limits on the amounts, sizes and weights of fish caught, retained or traded, the prescription of mesh sizes of nets, the control and use of types of fishing gear, the control and prohibition of methods of fishing and the protection of fish stocks and their habitats from the actual or potential effects of pollution or from the actual or potential effects of measures taken to eliminate or control pollution;
Fish spear permitted without any licence (no licence for hand-spear fishing)
Fishery Regulations, Subsidiary Legislation 425.01 (G.N. 206 of 1934, consolidated)
Subject to the provisions of regulations 10 and 11, the use of the following fishing implements and methods is permitted without any licence at all times and in all localities: (i) all methods of hook and line fishing ...; (ii) the fish spear or grains; ... [The 'fish spear or grains' is a traditional hand-thrown/hand-held spear (Maltese 'grains' = a multi-pronged gig); the legality of a modern powered speargun for recreational divers derives separately from Reg. (EU) 2019/1241 Art. 7(1)(g).]
Licence required for any fishing implement not listed in Regulation 2
Fishery Regulations, Subsidiary Legislation 425.01 (G.N. 206 of 1934, consolidated)
The use of any fishing implement which is not mentioned in regulation 2 is subject to a licence from the Director of Fisheries.
National minimum landing sizes (schedule)
Fishery Regulations, Subsidiary Legislation 425.01 (G.N. 206 of 1934, consolidated; schedule substituted by L.N. 58 of 1979)
37. It shall not be lawful to sell or buy or be on land in possession of any fishes or cephalopods of a size less than is prescribed in regulation 38 ... 38. The minimum sizes of fishes, measured overall, shall be according to the following schedule: Voparella and Vopa (Box boops) 90 millimetres; Ar[g]nella and Munqara (Smaris vulgaris) 90 millimetres; Trilja or Red Mullets (Mullus barbatus and Mullus surmuletus) including Triljetta 100 millimetres; All other fishes except those mentioned in regulation 37 - 115 millimetres; Cephalopods ...: Cuttlefish 75 millimetres; Squid 100 millimetres. [These national minima sit alongside the EU Mediterranean minimum conservation reference sizes in Annex IX of Reg. (EU) 2019/1241, which are directly applicable; the stricter rule applies.]
Power to establish and manage marine areas for the preservation of fish stocks
Fisheries Conservation and Management Act, Chapter 425 (Act II of 2001, as amended)
In particular and without prejudice to the generality of subarticle (1), such regulations may provide for: [...] (c) the establishment and management of marine areas for the preservation of fish stocks, including their means of sustenance
Stony sea urchin moratorium - total ban on taking, possessing or transporting specimens
Stony Sea Urchin Protection Regulations, Subsidiary Legislation 425.19 (Legal Notice 149 of 2023, as amended by Legal Notice 129 of 2025), in force 7 July 2023
No person shall disturb, destroy, have in his possession, transport, sell, exchange, offer for sale or for exchange, or export any specimen or attempt to do any these actions: Provided that this regulation shall not apply if: (a) the person is in possession of a valid permit for bona fide scientific research purposes issued by the competent authority; or (b) if the person importing, brings into Malta, transporting, storing, possessing, advertising, distributing or selling any specimen proves to the satisfaction of the relevant authorities that he has in his possession documentary evidence pertaining to its legitimate importation or transportation into Malta.
Stony sea urchin moratorium - four-year sunset
Stony Sea Urchin Protection Regulations, Subsidiary Legislation 425.19 (Legal Notice 149 of 2023, as amended by Legal Notice 129 of 2025), in force 7 July 2023
The provisions of these regulations shall cease to have effect within four (4) years from their coming into force.
Quando puoi immergerti
Stagioni e restrizioni temporali
Periodi di chiusura, apertura e restrizione nel corso dell'anno. Conferma sempre localmente le chiusure specifiche per specie.
- LimitataAll spearfishing (time-of-day restriction)sunset – dawn
Spearfishing with spear guns is prohibited at night, from sunset/dusk until dawn; spear guns may only be used in daylight (dawn until dusk). Basis: Reg. (EU) 2019/1241 Art. 7(1)(g); Council Reg. (EC) 1967/2006 Art. 8(4).
- LimitataDesignated bathing / swimmers' zones (seasonal, typically summer)unknown – unknown
Fishing, including spearfishing, is not allowed in designated swimming zones; these are set seasonally (mainly summer) and change year to year, so local notices must be checked.
Permesso di pescare
Licenza
Cosa ti serve per poter entrare in acqua, quanto costa e come ottenerla.
- Tipo
- No dedicated spearfishing licence; recreational shore/underwater fishing requires no permit
- Costo
- None for recreational spearfishing
- Validità
- n/a
- Come ottenerla
- No licence is required to spearfish recreationally in Malta: the fish spear is among the implements that Fishery Regulations S.L. 425.01 Reg. 2 permits 'without any licence at all times and in all localities'; only an implement NOT listed in Reg. 2 needs a licence from the Director of Fisheries (Reg. 3). A separate recreational permit from the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture is required for recreational bluefin tuna fishing (registration is free; catch limit 1 fish per boat per trip, may not be sold).
- Autorità
- Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture (DFA), Malta
Attrezzatura e tecnica
Regole sull'attrezzatura
Quale attrezzatura è consentita, come può essere usata e le condizioni associate.
Restrizioni
- Spear guns may NOT be used in conjunction with underwater breathing apparatus (aqualung/scuba); free-diving / breath-hold only
- Spear guns may only be used by day, from dawn until dusk; night spearfishing is prohibited
- Spear gun defined in EU law as a pneumatic or mechanically powered hand-held gun that shoots a spear for the purpose of underwater fishing
Restrictions derive from directly-applicable EU law (Reg. (EU) 2019/1241 Art. 7(1)(g), formerly Council Reg. (EC) 1967/2006 Art. 8(4)). No specific national cap on number of spears was identified.
Cosa puoi prelevare
Limiti di cattura e specie protette
Quote giornaliere, taglie minime e specie che non devono mai essere prelevate.
Limite giornaliero
No specific recreational daily bag limit identified for general species; recreational catch may NOT be sold. Bluefin tuna effectively catch-and-release (retain only if over 115 cm / 30 kg and may not be marketed).
Taglie minime
- European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax)min 25 cm
- Groupers (Epinephelus spp.)min 45 cm
- White sea-bream (Diplodus sargus)min 23 cm
- Gilt-head sea-bream (Sparus aurata)min 20 cm
- Common sea bream / red porgy (Pagrus pagrus)min 18 cm
- Red mullets (Mullus spp.)min 11 cm
- Bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus)min 115 cm
Specie protette — non prelevare
- ProtettaAtlantic bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) - recreational catch effectively catch-and-release, may not be marketed
- ProtettaDusky grouper / groupers (Epinephelus spp.) - minimum size and conservation concern
- ProtettaDentex and amberjack - minimum legal sizes apply
- ProtettaStony sea urchin (regulated as "any stony sea urchin"; identified in corroborating sources as Paracentrotus lividus, Maltese "Rizza") - taking, possession and transport totally banned nationwide by S.L. 425.19 since 7 July 2023, self-expiring around 7 July 2027
Minimum sizes are the EU Mediterranean minimum conservation reference sizes set in Annex IX of Regulation (EU) 2019/1241. Bluefin tuna minimum landing reference is 115 cm or 30 kg. Recreational anglers may not sell any part of their catch. A nationwide moratorium under the Stony Sea Urchin Protection Regulations (S.L. 425.19) bans taking, possessing and transporting any stony sea urchin - relevant to divers who collect rizzi, since possession alone is the offence. By contrast, dusky grouper (Epinephelus marginatus), brown meagre (Sciaena umbra) and shi drum (Umbrina cirrosa) are NOT banned: they sit in Schedule VIII of S.L. 549.44, a list of species whose taking and exploitation MAY be subject to management measures, and only the EU minimum sizes apply to them.
Chi può pescare
Visitatori e residenti
Come le regole differiscono per i visitatori stranieri e i residenti locali.
Visitatori stranieri
ConsentitoRestrizioni
- Same rules as residents: no scuba, daylight only, respect protected/swimmer/conservation zones, EU minimum sizes, no sale of catch
No spearfishing licence is required in Malta for residents or tourists, so foreigners may spearfish recreationally under the same EU and national rules. No nationality-specific restriction was identified.
Residenti
No recreational spearfishing licence required
Recreational spearfishing requires no permit for residents. Owning/operating a fishing vessel is separately regulated under the Fishing Vessels Regulations (S.L. 425.07).
Dove sulla costa
Zone consentite e vietate
Aree denominate aperte o chiuse alla pesca subacquea. Vedi il quadro completo sulla mappa interattiva.
Aree consentite
Recreational shore and boat spearfishing is generally permitted in Maltese coastal waters by daylight without scuba, subject to EU minimum sizes and no-sale rules, provided the area is not a marine conservation area, voluntary marine reserve, archaeological zone or designated bathing zone.
No scuba/aqualung; daylight only; EU Annex IX minimum sizes; catch may not be sold; bluefin tuna catch-and-release for recreational fishers.
Aree vietate
- Cirkewwa Voluntary Marine Reserve (P29 and Rozi wrecks area)voluntary marine reserve / conservation area around wrecks
Conservation Area around the wreck and dive sites off Cirkewwa (P29 and Rozi), covering roughly a 200 m stretch. Spear fishing is prohibited, together with set bottom lines, trammel nets, gill nets and entangling nets, encircling nets, and demersal pots and traps; Off Cirkewwa is one of the five Conservation Areas from which the trolling-line (rixa) concession is withheld, so trolling is banned here too. Only vessels engaged in recreational or technical diving operations may enter or moor, after pre-notification to Valletta VTS on VHF channel 12. Originally published as Notice to Mariners No. 5 of 2008 (Conservation Areas Around Wrecks); the current consolidated notice is Local Notice to Mariners No 025 of 2026. Coordinates are approximate (wreck/reserve location, not an official boundary).
- Marine conservation areas (general)marine conservation area
Spearfishing is prohibited in every one of the 15 Conservation Areas the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture has set around wrecks in Maltese territorial waters, together with set bottom lines, trammel nets, gill nets and entangling nets, encircling nets, and demersal pots and traps. Trolling lines (rixa) are also banned, but only in the five shore-accessible areas at Wied iż-Żurrieq, Off Xatt l-Aħmar, Marsascala, Off Cirkewwa and Off Il-Ponta ta' San Ġiljan; in the other ten, trolling is permitted provided no diving vessel is displaying the Alpha flag. Only vessels engaged in recreational or technical diving operations may enter or moor inside a Conservation Area, and then only after pre-notification to Valletta VTS on VHF channel 12; all other vessels must remain clear. Basis: Local Notice to Mariners No 025 of 2026 (Conservation Areas around Wrecks, updated February 2026), Ports and Yachting Directorate, Transport Malta, superseding LNtM 113 of 2024 and LNtM 215 of 2023. Note that a local notice to mariners is the published statement of the areas, not itself a legal instrument: LNtM 025 of 2026 publishes areas the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture has set and cites no legal notice; the enabling power is the Fisheries Conservation and Management Act, Cap. 425, art. 38(2)(b)-(c).
- Designated swimmers' / bathing zonesswimming / bathing zone
Any type of fishing gear/implements, including spearfishing equipment, is banned within designated bathing areas (seasonal swimmer zones).
- Protected archaeological zones at seaarchaeological protection zone
Inside the archaeological zones at sea declared by the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage under the Cultural Heritage Act, spear fishing is prohibited, along with set bottom lines, trammel nets, gill nets and entangling nets, encircling nets, and demersal pots and traps. Only surface fishing is allowed, including trolling lines (rixa). Diving on these sites is separately controlled and requires authorisation from Heritage Malta / the Underwater Cultural Heritage Unit. Basis: Notice to Mariners No 02 of 2024 (consolidated list, January 2024), extended by NtM 16 of 2025.
- Conservation Area around the Um El Faroud wreck (Wied iż-Żurrieq)marine conservation area around wreck / dive site
Conservation Area set by the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture around the Um El Faroud wreck off Wied iż-Żurrieq on Malta's south coast. Spear fishing is prohibited here, as are set bottom lines, trammel nets, gill nets and entangling nets, encircling nets, and demersal pots and traps. Wied iż-Żurrieq is also one of the five Conservation Areas in which trolling lines (rixa) are banned outright rather than merely conditioned on the Alpha flag. Vessel access is restricted too: only vessels engaged in recreational or technical diving operations may enter or moor inside the area, and then only after pre-notification to Valletta VTS on VHF channel 12. Listed in Local Notice to Mariners No 025 of 2026 (Conservation Areas around Wrecks).
- Conservation Area around the Xatt l-Aħmar wrecks (Gozo)marine conservation area around wrecks / dive site
Conservation Area off Xatt l-Aħmar (Red Bay) on the south-eastern coast of Gozo, covering the scuttled wrecks MV Karwela, MV Cominoland and MV Xlendi. Spear fishing is prohibited, together with set bottom lines, trammel nets, gill nets and entangling nets, encircling nets, and demersal pots and traps; Off Xatt l-Aħmar is one of the five Conservation Areas where trolling lines (rixa) are banned outright. Entry and mooring are confined to vessels engaged in recreational or technical diving operations, after pre-notification to Valletta VTS on VHF channel 12. Listed in Local Notice to Mariners No 025 of 2026 (Conservation Areas around Wrecks).
- Conservation Area at Marsascala / Żonqor Pointmarine conservation area around wrecks / dive site
Conservation Area off Marsascala (Żonqor Point) on Malta's south-east coast, covering the scuttled tugboat wrecks (St Michael / Tug 10). Spear fishing is prohibited, as are set bottom lines, trammel nets, gill nets and entangling nets, encircling nets, and demersal pots and traps. Marsascala is named among the five Conservation Areas excluded from the trolling-line (rixa) concession, so trolling is prohibited here whether or not a diving vessel is flying the Alpha flag. Only vessels engaged in recreational or technical diving operations may enter or moor, and only after pre-notification to Valletta VTS on VHF channel 12. Listed in Local Notice to Mariners No 025 of 2026 (Conservation Areas around Wrecks).
- Conservation Area at Il-Ponta ta' San Ġiljan (St Julian's)marine conservation area around wreck / dive site
Conservation Area off Il-Ponta ta' San Ġiljan (St Julian's Point) on Malta's east coast. Spear fishing is prohibited, together with set bottom lines, trammel nets, gill nets and entangling nets, encircling nets, and demersal pots and traps. Off Il-Ponta ta' San Ġiljan is one of the five Conservation Areas that the trolling-line (rixa) concession expressly excepts, so trolling lines are banned here as well - there is no Alpha-flag exception at this site. Entry and mooring are limited to vessels engaged in recreational or technical diving operations, after pre-notification to Valletta VTS on VHF channel 12. Listed in Local Notice to Mariners No 025 of 2026 (Conservation Areas around Wrecks).
- Conservation Area around the P31 wreck (Comino)marine conservation area around wreck / dive site
Conservation area around the scuttled patrol-boat wreck P31 off the west coast of Comino (between Lantern Point and Cominotto). A conservation area around a wreck where spearfishing and benthic fishing gears are prohibited per the Conservation Areas Around Wrecks Notice to Mariners (200 m buffer).
Statutory conservation area around the MV Imperial Eagle wreck off Qawra Point, north-east Malta. Set by the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture and published in Transport Malta Local Notice to Mariners No 025 of 2026 (27 Feb 2026, in force, supersedes LNtM 113 of 2024). The area is formed by joining points A-D. Spear fishing and set bottom lines, trammel/gill/entangling nets, encircling nets and demersal pots and traps are prohibited inside the area. This is NOT a blanket no-take area: trolling lines (rixa) remain permitted here whenever no diving vessel is displaying the Alpha flag. Only vessels engaged in recreational/technical diving operations may enter or moor, after pre-notification to Valletta VTS.
Statutory conservation area around the Bristol Blenheim bomber wreck off Xrobb l-Ghagin, south-east Malta. Set by the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture and published in Transport Malta Local Notice to Mariners No 025 of 2026 (27 Feb 2026, in force, supersedes LNtM 113 of 2024). The area is formed by joining points A-D. Spear fishing and set bottom lines, trammel/gill/entangling nets, encircling nets and demersal pots and traps are prohibited inside the area. This is NOT a blanket no-take area: trolling lines (rixa) remain permitted here whenever no diving vessel is displaying the Alpha flag. Only vessels engaged in recreational/technical diving operations may enter or moor, after pre-notification to Valletta VTS.
Statutory conservation area around the Bristol Beaufighter aircraft wreck off Exiles Point, Sliema. Set by the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture and published in Transport Malta Local Notice to Mariners No 025 of 2026 (27 Feb 2026, in force, supersedes LNtM 113 of 2024). The area is formed by joining points A-D. Spear fishing and set bottom lines, trammel/gill/entangling nets, encircling nets and demersal pots and traps are prohibited inside the area. This is NOT a blanket no-take area: trolling lines (rixa) remain permitted here whenever no diving vessel is displaying the Alpha flag. Only vessels engaged in recreational/technical diving operations may enter or moor, after pre-notification to Valletta VTS.
Statutory 100 m-radius conservation area centred on the Anadrian wreck off Saint George's Point. Set by the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture and published in Transport Malta Local Notice to Mariners No 025 of 2026 (27 Feb 2026, in force, supersedes LNtM 113 of 2024). The area is a 100 m radius circle around the published centre point. Spear fishing and set bottom lines, trammel/gill/entangling nets, encircling nets and demersal pots and traps are prohibited inside the area. This is NOT a blanket no-take area: trolling lines (rixa) remain permitted here whenever no diving vessel is displaying the Alpha flag. Only vessels engaged in recreational/technical diving operations may enter or moor, after pre-notification to Valletta VTS.
Statutory 100 m-radius conservation area centred on the Barge 1 wreck off Il-Ponta tal-Qawra. Set by the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture and published in Transport Malta Local Notice to Mariners No 025 of 2026 (27 Feb 2026, in force, supersedes LNtM 113 of 2024). The area is a 100 m radius circle around the published centre point. Spear fishing and set bottom lines, trammel/gill/entangling nets, encircling nets and demersal pots and traps are prohibited inside the area. This is NOT a blanket no-take area: trolling lines (rixa) remain permitted here whenever no diving vessel is displaying the Alpha flag. Only vessels engaged in recreational/technical diving operations may enter or moor, after pre-notification to Valletta VTS.
Statutory 100 m-radius conservation area centred on the Barge 2 wreck off Il-Ponta tal-Qawra. Set by the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture and published in Transport Malta Local Notice to Mariners No 025 of 2026 (27 Feb 2026, in force, supersedes LNtM 113 of 2024). The area is a 100 m radius circle around the published centre point. Spear fishing and set bottom lines, trammel/gill/entangling nets, encircling nets and demersal pots and traps are prohibited inside the area. This is NOT a blanket no-take area: trolling lines (rixa) remain permitted here whenever no diving vessel is displaying the Alpha flag. Only vessels engaged in recreational/technical diving operations may enter or moor, after pre-notification to Valletta VTS.
Statutory 100 m-radius conservation area centred on the submarine HMS Stubborn off Selmunett (St Paul's Islands). Set by the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture and published in Transport Malta Local Notice to Mariners No 025 of 2026 (27 Feb 2026, in force, supersedes LNtM 113 of 2024). The area is a 100 m radius circle around the published centre point. Spear fishing and set bottom lines, trammel/gill/entangling nets, encircling nets and demersal pots and traps are prohibited inside the area. This is NOT a blanket no-take area: trolling lines (rixa) remain permitted here whenever no diving vessel is displaying the Alpha flag. Only vessels engaged in recreational/technical diving operations may enter or moor, after pre-notification to Valletta VTS.
Statutory 100 m-radius conservation area centred on the Scotts Craig wreck off Ras il-Qammieh, north-west Malta. Set by the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture and published in Transport Malta Local Notice to Mariners No 025 of 2026 (27 Feb 2026, in force, supersedes LNtM 113 of 2024). The area is a 100 m radius circle around the published centre point. Spear fishing and set bottom lines, trammel/gill/entangling nets, encircling nets and demersal pots and traps are prohibited inside the area. This is NOT a blanket no-take area: trolling lines (rixa) remain permitted here whenever no diving vessel is displaying the Alpha flag. Only vessels engaged in recreational/technical diving operations may enter or moor, after pre-notification to Valletta VTS.
Statutory 100 m-radius conservation area centred on the MV Pippo wreck off Dahlet ix-Xilep (Marfa Ridge). Set by the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture and published in Transport Malta Local Notice to Mariners No 025 of 2026 (27 Feb 2026, in force, supersedes LNtM 113 of 2024). The area is a 100 m radius circle around the published centre point. Spear fishing and set bottom lines, trammel/gill/entangling nets, encircling nets and demersal pots and traps are prohibited inside the area. This is NOT a blanket no-take area: trolling lines (rixa) remain permitted here whenever no diving vessel is displaying the Alpha flag. Only vessels engaged in recreational/technical diving operations may enter or moor, after pre-notification to Valletta VTS.
- Xlendi Underwater Archaeological Park (Gozo)archaeological
Xlendi Underwater Archaeological Park off Xlendi, Gozo. Declared archaeological zone at sea under the Cultural Heritage Act (Cap. 445) (Government Gazette declarations of 31 May 2019 No. 615, 8 Oct 2019 No. 1261, 4 Mar 2022 No. 20799 and 27 Oct 2023 No. 21139), listed in Transport Malta Notice to Mariners No 02 of 2024 with a declared-area (points A-D) buffer area. The notice states that spear fishing and set bottom lines, trammel/gill/entangling nets, encircling nets and demersal pots and traps are prohibited in these areas; only surface fishing including trolling is allowed. The buffer is also a 'no stopping area' for vessels, and diving on the wreck needs a Heritage Malta (Underwater Cultural Heritage Unit) permit.
- Spitfire protected wreck site (off San Blas Bay, Gozo)archaeological
A Supermarine Spitfire aircraft wreck off San Blas Bay, Gozo. Declared archaeological zone at sea under the Cultural Heritage Act (Cap. 445) (Government Gazette declarations of 31 May 2019 No. 615, 8 Oct 2019 No. 1261, 4 Mar 2022 No. 20799 and 27 Oct 2023 No. 21139), listed in Transport Malta Notice to Mariners No 02 of 2024 with a 150 m buffer area. The notice states that spear fishing and set bottom lines, trammel/gill/entangling nets, encircling nets and demersal pots and traps are prohibited in these areas; only surface fishing including trolling is allowed. The buffer is also a 'no stopping area' for vessels, and diving on the wreck needs a Heritage Malta (Underwater Cultural Heritage Unit) permit.
A Junkers Ju 88 aircraft wreck off Il-Ponta tal-Qawra. Declared archaeological zone at sea under the Cultural Heritage Act (Cap. 445) (Government Gazette declarations of 31 May 2019 No. 615, 8 Oct 2019 No. 1261, 4 Mar 2022 No. 20799 and 27 Oct 2023 No. 21139), listed in Transport Malta Notice to Mariners No 02 of 2024 with a 250 m buffer area. The notice states that spear fishing and set bottom lines, trammel/gill/entangling nets, encircling nets and demersal pots and traps are prohibited in these areas; only surface fishing including trolling is allowed. The buffer is also a 'no stopping area' for vessels, and diving on the wreck needs a Heritage Malta (Underwater Cultural Heritage Unit) permit.
A Fairey Swordfish aircraft wreck off St Julian's Bay. Declared archaeological zone at sea under the Cultural Heritage Act (Cap. 445) (Government Gazette declarations of 31 May 2019 No. 615, 8 Oct 2019 No. 1261, 4 Mar 2022 No. 20799 and 27 Oct 2023 No. 21139), listed in Transport Malta Notice to Mariners No 02 of 2024 with a 250 m buffer area. The notice states that spear fishing and set bottom lines, trammel/gill/entangling nets, encircling nets and demersal pots and traps are prohibited in these areas; only surface fishing including trolling is allowed. The buffer is also a 'no stopping area' for vessels, and diving on the wreck needs a Heritage Malta (Underwater Cultural Heritage Unit) permit.
The submarine HMS Olympus off the Grand Harbour, Valletta. Declared archaeological zone at sea under the Cultural Heritage Act (Cap. 445) (Government Gazette declarations of 31 May 2019 No. 615, 8 Oct 2019 No. 1261, 4 Mar 2022 No. 20799 and 27 Oct 2023 No. 21139), listed in Transport Malta Notice to Mariners No 02 of 2024 with a 500 m buffer area. The notice states that spear fishing and set bottom lines, trammel/gill/entangling nets, encircling nets and demersal pots and traps are prohibited in these areas; only surface fishing including trolling is allowed. The buffer is also a 'no stopping area' for vessels, and diving on the wreck needs a Heritage Malta (Underwater Cultural Heritage Unit) permit.
A German Schnellboot (E-boat) wreck off the Grand Harbour, Valletta. Declared archaeological zone at sea under the Cultural Heritage Act (Cap. 445) (Government Gazette declarations of 31 May 2019 No. 615, 8 Oct 2019 No. 1261, 4 Mar 2022 No. 20799 and 27 Oct 2023 No. 21139), listed in Transport Malta Notice to Mariners No 02 of 2024 with a 500 m buffer area. The notice states that spear fishing and set bottom lines, trammel/gill/entangling nets, encircling nets and demersal pots and traps are prohibited in these areas; only surface fishing including trolling is allowed. The buffer is also a 'no stopping area' for vessels, and diving on the wreck needs a Heritage Malta (Underwater Cultural Heritage Unit) permit.
The wreck of HMS Trusty Star off the Grand Harbour, Valletta. Declared archaeological zone at sea under the Cultural Heritage Act (Cap. 445) (Government Gazette declarations of 31 May 2019 No. 615, 8 Oct 2019 No. 1261, 4 Mar 2022 No. 20799 and 27 Oct 2023 No. 21139), listed in Transport Malta Notice to Mariners No 02 of 2024 with a 500 m buffer area. The notice states that spear fishing and set bottom lines, trammel/gill/entangling nets, encircling nets and demersal pots and traps are prohibited in these areas; only surface fishing including trolling is allowed. The buffer is also a 'no stopping area' for vessels, and diving on the wreck needs a Heritage Malta (Underwater Cultural Heritage Unit) permit.
The submarine HMS Urge, a designated war grave, off the Grand Harbour, Valletta. Declared archaeological zone at sea under the Cultural Heritage Act (Cap. 445) (Government Gazette declarations of 31 May 2019 No. 615, 8 Oct 2019 No. 1261, 4 Mar 2022 No. 20799 and 27 Oct 2023 No. 21139), listed in Transport Malta Notice to Mariners No 02 of 2024 with a 100 m buffer area. The notice states that spear fishing and set bottom lines, trammel/gill/entangling nets, encircling nets and demersal pots and traps are prohibited in these areas; only surface fishing including trolling is allowed. The buffer is also a 'no stopping area' for vessels, and diving on the wreck needs a Heritage Malta (Underwater Cultural Heritage Unit) permit.
The Polish destroyer ORP Kujawiak off Marsaskala. Declared archaeological zone at sea under the Cultural Heritage Act (Cap. 445) (Government Gazette declarations of 31 May 2019 No. 615, 8 Oct 2019 No. 1261, 4 Mar 2022 No. 20799 and 27 Oct 2023 No. 21139), listed in Transport Malta Notice to Mariners No 02 of 2024 with a 500 m buffer area. The notice states that spear fishing and set bottom lines, trammel/gill/entangling nets, encircling nets and demersal pots and traps are prohibited in these areas; only surface fishing including trolling is allowed. The buffer is also a 'no stopping area' for vessels, and diving on the wreck needs a Heritage Malta (Underwater Cultural Heritage Unit) permit.
The two sections (bow and stern) of the destroyer HMS Southwold off Marsaskala. Declared archaeological zone at sea under the Cultural Heritage Act (Cap. 445) (Government Gazette declarations of 31 May 2019 No. 615, 8 Oct 2019 No. 1261, 4 Mar 2022 No. 20799 and 27 Oct 2023 No. 21139), listed in Transport Malta Notice to Mariners No 02 of 2024 with a 500 m each buffer area. The notice states that spear fishing and set bottom lines, trammel/gill/entangling nets, encircling nets and demersal pots and traps are prohibited in these areas; only surface fishing including trolling is allowed. The buffer is also a 'no stopping area' for vessels, and diving on the wreck needs a Heritage Malta (Underwater Cultural Heritage Unit) permit.
The two sections (bow and stern) of the liner SS Polynesian (French SS Polynesien, torpedoed 1918) off Marsaskala. Declared archaeological zone at sea under the Cultural Heritage Act (Cap. 445) (Government Gazette declarations of 31 May 2019 No. 615, 8 Oct 2019 No. 1261, 4 Mar 2022 No. 20799 and 27 Oct 2023 No. 21139), listed in Transport Malta Notice to Mariners No 02 of 2024 with a 500 m each buffer area. The notice states that spear fishing and set bottom lines, trammel/gill/entangling nets, encircling nets and demersal pots and traps are prohibited in these areas; only surface fishing including trolling is allowed. The buffer is also a 'no stopping area' for vessels, and diving on the wreck needs a Heritage Malta (Underwater Cultural Heritage Unit) permit.
- HMS Nasturtium protected wreck site (east of Malta)archaeological
The corvette HMS Nasturtium east of Malta. Declared archaeological zone at sea under the Cultural Heritage Act (Cap. 445) (Government Gazette declarations of 31 May 2019 No. 615, 8 Oct 2019 No. 1261, 4 Mar 2022 No. 20799 and 27 Oct 2023 No. 21139), listed in Transport Malta Notice to Mariners No 02 of 2024 with a 500 m buffer area. The notice states that spear fishing and set bottom lines, trammel/gill/entangling nets, encircling nets and demersal pots and traps are prohibited in these areas; only surface fishing including trolling is allowed. The buffer is also a 'no stopping area' for vessels, and diving on the wreck needs a Heritage Malta (Underwater Cultural Heritage Unit) permit.
- HMS Russell protected wreck site (off Marsaskala)archaeological
The battleship HMS Russell off Malta. Declared archaeological zone at sea under the Cultural Heritage Act (Cap. 445) (Government Gazette declarations of 31 May 2019 No. 615, 8 Oct 2019 No. 1261, 4 Mar 2022 No. 20799 and 27 Oct 2023 No. 21139), listed in Transport Malta Notice to Mariners No 02 of 2024 with a 500 m buffer area. The notice states that spear fishing and set bottom lines, trammel/gill/entangling nets, encircling nets and demersal pots and traps are prohibited in these areas; only surface fishing including trolling is allowed. The buffer is also a 'no stopping area' for vessels, and diving on the wreck needs a Heritage Malta (Underwater Cultural Heritage Unit) permit.
A Junkers Ju 88 aircraft wreck off Marsaskala. Declared archaeological zone at sea under the Cultural Heritage Act (Cap. 445) (Government Gazette declarations of 31 May 2019 No. 615, 8 Oct 2019 No. 1261, 4 Mar 2022 No. 20799 and 27 Oct 2023 No. 21139), listed in Transport Malta Notice to Mariners No 02 of 2024 with a 150 m buffer area. The notice states that spear fishing and set bottom lines, trammel/gill/entangling nets, encircling nets and demersal pots and traps are prohibited in these areas; only surface fishing including trolling is allowed. The buffer is also a 'no stopping area' for vessels, and diving on the wreck needs a Heritage Malta (Underwater Cultural Heritage Unit) permit.
- Maryland Bomber protected wreck site (off Marsaskala)archaeological
A Martin Maryland bomber wreck off Marsaskala. Declared archaeological zone at sea under the Cultural Heritage Act (Cap. 445) (Government Gazette declarations of 31 May 2019 No. 615, 8 Oct 2019 No. 1261, 4 Mar 2022 No. 20799 and 27 Oct 2023 No. 21139), listed in Transport Malta Notice to Mariners No 02 of 2024 with a 150 m buffer area. The notice states that spear fishing and set bottom lines, trammel/gill/entangling nets, encircling nets and demersal pots and traps are prohibited in these areas; only surface fishing including trolling is allowed. The buffer is also a 'no stopping area' for vessels, and diving on the wreck needs a Heritage Malta (Underwater Cultural Heritage Unit) permit.
The SS Luciston wreck off Marsaxlokk Bay. Declared archaeological zone at sea under the Cultural Heritage Act (Cap. 445) (Government Gazette declarations of 31 May 2019 No. 615, 8 Oct 2019 No. 1261, 4 Mar 2022 No. 20799 and 27 Oct 2023 No. 21139), listed in Transport Malta Notice to Mariners No 02 of 2024 with a 500 m buffer area. The notice states that spear fishing and set bottom lines, trammel/gill/entangling nets, encircling nets and demersal pots and traps are prohibited in these areas; only surface fishing including trolling is allowed. The buffer is also a 'no stopping area' for vessels, and diving on the wreck needs a Heritage Malta (Underwater Cultural Heritage Unit) permit.
A Consolidated B-24 Liberator bomber wreck off Benghajsa Point. Declared archaeological zone at sea under the Cultural Heritage Act (Cap. 445) (Government Gazette declarations of 31 May 2019 No. 615, 8 Oct 2019 No. 1261, 4 Mar 2022 No. 20799 and 27 Oct 2023 No. 21139), listed in Transport Malta Notice to Mariners No 02 of 2024 with a 200 m buffer area. The notice states that spear fishing and set bottom lines, trammel/gill/entangling nets, encircling nets and demersal pots and traps are prohibited in these areas; only surface fishing including trolling is allowed. The buffer is also a 'no stopping area' for vessels, and diving on the wreck needs a Heritage Malta (Underwater Cultural Heritage Unit) permit.
A Douglas A-1 Skyraider aircraft wreck off Benghajsa Point. Declared archaeological zone at sea under the Cultural Heritage Act (Cap. 445) (Government Gazette declarations of 31 May 2019 No. 615, 8 Oct 2019 No. 1261, 4 Mar 2022 No. 20799 and 27 Oct 2023 No. 21139), listed in Transport Malta Notice to Mariners No 02 of 2024 with a 150 m buffer area. The notice states that spear fishing and set bottom lines, trammel/gill/entangling nets, encircling nets and demersal pots and traps are prohibited in these areas; only surface fishing including trolling is allowed. The buffer is also a 'no stopping area' for vessels, and diving on the wreck needs a Heritage Malta (Underwater Cultural Heritage Unit) permit.
The Phoenician shipwreck (c. 7th century BC) south of Il-Pinnur tal-Wardija, Gozo. Declared archaeological zone at sea under the Cultural Heritage Act (Cap. 445) (Government Gazette declarations of 31 May 2019 No. 615, 8 Oct 2019 No. 1261, 4 Mar 2022 No. 20799 and 27 Oct 2023 No. 21139), listed in Transport Malta Notice to Mariners No 02 of 2024 with a 100 m buffer area. The notice states that spear fishing and set bottom lines, trammel/gill/entangling nets, encircling nets and demersal pots and traps are prohibited in these areas; only surface fishing including trolling is allowed. The buffer is also a 'no stopping area' for vessels, and diving on the wreck needs a Heritage Malta (Underwater Cultural Heritage Unit) permit.
A Hawker Hurricane aircraft wreck east of Il-Ponta tal-Munxar (Munxar Point), south-east Malta. Declared archaeological zone at sea under the Cultural Heritage Act (Cap. 445) per Government Gazette of 17 April 2025 No. 613, added to the consolidated list by Transport Malta Notice to Mariners No 16 of 2025 with a 150 m buffer area. The prohibitions of NtM 02 of 2024 apply: spear fishing and set bottom lines, trammel/gill/entangling nets, encircling nets and demersal pots and traps are prohibited; only surface fishing including trolling is allowed.
Statutory TOTAL fishing closure under regulation 11 of the Fishery Regulations, S.L. 425.01 (consolidated, as amended up to L.N. 296 of 2025): all fishing - spearfishing included - and the collection by any means of any edible marine products are strictly prohibited in the sea off the Wied Ghammieq sewage outfall. The area is demarcated on the land side by two red-painted stone pillars, one on the Xghajra shore near Ras il-Gebel and the other under the Ricasoli Bastion, and on the sea side by two range buoys. Regulation 7 bars even fishpond-restocking permits here. The regulation remains on the statute book although the outfall itself was decommissioned when the Ta' Barkat treatment plant came online.
Statutory closed area under regulation 12 of the Fishery Regulations, S.L. 425.01 (consolidated, as amended up to L.N. 296 of 2025): no fishing of any kind - spearfishing included - is permitted in Dockyard Creek or French Creek, that is, the parts of the Grand Harbour south-east of a line drawn from St Angelo Point to Isola Point and thence to the northern end of Parlatorio Wharf and Corradino Hill. This is not an absolute no-take area in form: a special licence issued by the Director of Fisheries with the approval of the Prime Minister can authorise fishing, but no such licence is available to recreational fishers as of right, and regulation 6 bars even scientific-purpose licences in this locality.
- Il-Baħar ta' Madwar Filfla — 1 nautical mile no-entry zone around Filflarestricted access area
The sea within one nautical mile of the islet of Filfla is a restricted-access area: unless authorised, no vessel, boat or other craft may be berthed, moored or anchored there, and no person may swim or carry out any kind of activity connected with underwater diving or sea sport. Spearfishing is caught twice over - a spearfisher is in the water, and breath-hold spearfishing is underwater diving - and the instrument's only carve-out is for “activities connected with fishing carried out directly from a vessel, boat or any other craft”. Line fishing from a boat is therefore exempt; taking fish while in the water is not. The restriction was made by Government Notice 173 of 1990 under the Berthing Regulations (Legal Notice 117 of 1975), superseding the total ban of Local Notice to Mariners 16 of 1987. This is an authorisation regime rather than an absolute closure, so access is possible only if authorised. The area is carried in the World Database on Protected Areas as “Il-Baħar ta' Madwar Filfla”, designation “No Berthing Zone/No Entry Zone except for Fisheries”, designated 1990, 12.97 km² - a one-nautical-mile buffer of the islet. That four-word register label is a database designation name, not the legal text: the exemption it gestures at is limited to fishing carried out directly from a vessel, so it does not open the area to spearfishing. Provenance, honestly stated: Government Notice 173 of 1990 is not published in Malta's online consolidated corpus - the Berthing Regulations were never carried into the current subsidiary-legislation series and Maltese government hosts block automated access - so the wording above is quoted from Furlani, Gauci, Devoto and Schembri (2019), “Filfla: A Case Study of the Effect of Target Practice on Coastal Landforms”, and corroborated by the protected-area register entry above and by the Environment and Resources Authority's own February 2023 conservation measure CM_R_3, which undertakes to review “existing regulations on the conservation status of reefs and associated species around the islet of Filfla” by 2025 and to update or enhance them by 2027. Filfla was a naval target range until 1971 and unexploded ordnance remains on and around the islet. The Filfla Nature Reserve Act (Cap. 323) is a separate instrument: it protects only the surface area of the island and restricts landing to ministerial permission, and does not regulate the water column.
Condizioni in acqua
Condizioni in tempo reale
Istantanea marina e meteo in tempo reale vicino a un punto di riferimento costiero in Malta, da Open-Meteo. Le condizioni variano lungo la costa — considerale indicative.
Condizioni marine e meteo in tempo reale vicino a Cirkewwa Voluntary Marine Reserve (P29 and Rozi wrecks area).
A chi rivolgersi
Autorità
Gli enti ufficiali responsabili della pesca e delle licenze.
Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture (DFA)
fisheries authority
dfa.gov.mtGhammieri Government Farm, Triq l-Ingiered, Marsa MRS 3303, Malta; email infofisheries.mafa@gov.mt; tel +356 2292 6990Ministry for Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights
environment / agriculture ministry
agric.gov.mtMaltaTransport Malta (Ports and Yachting / Notices to Mariners)
maritime authority
transport.gov.mtRescue Coordination Centre tel 21809279 / 22494202
Da dove provengono
Fonti
Ogni affermazione su questa pagina risale a uno di questi riferimenti.
- [01]
Laws related to diving and the marine environment in Malta - divinginfo.mt
Secondariadivinginfo.mtConsultato il Giu 15 - [02]
Spearfishing Malta - Regulations, Rules, Prohibited Zones
communityspearfishing.mtConsultato il Giu 15 - [03]
Regulation (EU) 2019/1241, Article 7 (Prohibited fishing gears and methods)
Ufficialelegislation.gov.ukConsultato il Giu 15 - [04]
Regulation (EU) 2019/1241, Annex IX (minimum conservation reference sizes, Mediterranean)
Ufficialelegislation.gov.ukConsultato il Giu 15 - [05]
Fisheries Conservation and Management Act, Chapter 425 of the Laws of Malta (UN DOALOS copy)
Ufficialeun.orgConsultato il Giu 15 - [06]
EUR-Lex (Official Journal of the European Union): Council Regulation (EC) No 1967/2006 - authentic English text as republished by Corrigendum, OJ L 36, 8.2.2007, p. 6; Article 8(4) spear-gun rule
Ufficialeeur-lex.europa.euConsultato il Ago 22 - [07]
Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture (DFA) - official website
Ufficialedfa.gov.mtConsultato il Giu 15 - [08]
Malta Fishing Forum - Local Fishing Regulations (cites S.L. 10.12, EC 1967/2006, EC 302/2009; recreational bluefin permit 1/boat/trip, no sale)
communitymaltafishingforum.comConsultato il Giu 23 - [09]
Fisheries Conservation and Management Act, Chapter 425 (FAOLEX official PDF, pre-2022 text) - verbatim Arts. 1, 2 and the regulation-making power then numbered Art. 36(2), renumbered Art. 38(2) by Act XVII of 2022
Ufficialefaolex.fao.orgConsultato il Giu 23 - [10]
Fishery Regulations, Subsidiary Legislation 425.01 (FAOLEX official PDF) - verbatim Regs. 2, 3, 37, 38 (fish spear without licence; minimum sizes)
Ufficialefaolex.fao.orgConsultato il Giu 23 - [11]
Fishery Regulations S.L. 10.12 (consolidated English text) - same provisions as S.L. 425.01
Ufficialemaltafishingforum.comConsultato il Giu 23 - [12]
Regulation (EU) 2019/1241 body (legislation.gov.uk retained-EU-law) - Art. 2(2): Arts. 7,10,11,12 also apply to recreational fishing
Ufficialelegislation.gov.ukConsultato il Giu 23 - [13]
MaltaToday - recreational lampuki bag limits (confirms recreational catch is personal use, not for sale)
Secondariamaltatoday.com.mtConsultato il Giu 23 - [14]
Local Notice to Mariners No 025 of 2026 - Conservation Areas around Wrecks (updated February 2026), Ports and Yachting Directorate, Transport Malta (ref TM/PYD/87/01); divinginfo.mt mirror, byte-identical over its first 5 MiB to the Internet Archive capture of the transport.gov.mt original
Ufficialedivinginfo.mtConsultato il Ago 20 - [15]
Notice to Mariners No 02 of 2024 - Archaeological Zones at Sea, Superintendence of Cultural Heritage (consolidated list January 2024); divinginfo.mt mirror of the transport.gov.mt original
Ufficialedivinginfo.mtConsultato il Ago 20 - [16]
Fisheries Conservation and Management Act, Chapter 425 - current consolidation on legislation.mt (as amended to Act XIII of 2025): Arts. 36, 38(2)(b),(c),(e); Arts. 34-35 repealed by Act XVII of 2022
Ufficialelegislation.mtConsultato il Ago 20 - [17]
Stony Sea Urchin Protection Regulations, Subsidiary Legislation 425.19 (L.N. 149 of 2023 as amended by L.N. 129 of 2025) - legislation.mt consolidation: regs. 1(4), 2, 3, 6
Ufficialelegislation.mtConsultato il Ago 20 - [18]
Environment and Resources Authority, 'Conservation Objectives and Measures for Malta's Marine Natura 2000 sites' (February 2023) - fishing recorded as a pressure, no prohibition; measures CM_NM5b (pilot Fish Revival Areas), CM_NM5c (sea urchins), CM_R_3 (Filfla regulations review)
Ufficialeera.org.mtConsultato il Ago 20 - [19]
Furlani S., Gauci R., Devoto S., Schembri J.A. (2019), 'Filfla: A Case Study of the Effect of Target Practice on Coastal Landforms', ch. 21 in Landscapes and Landforms of the Maltese Islands, Springer - quotes Government Notice 173 of 1990 (1 nm restricted-access area around Filfla)
Secondariamoodle2.units.itConsultato il Ago 20 - [20]
World Database on Protected Areas / Protected Planet record 174737 - "Il-Bahar ta' Madwar Filfla", designation 'No Berthing Zone/No Entry Zone except for Fisheries', designated 1990, 12.97 km2 (a 1 nautical mile buffer of the islet)
Ufficialeprotectedplanet.netConsultato il Ago 20
Note dei ricercatori
Malta has no standalone spearfishing statute; recreational spearfishing legality is governed by (a) directly-applicable EU technical-measures law - Regulation (EU) 2019/1241 (replacing Council Reg. (EC) 1967/2006): Art. 2(2) makes Arts. 7, 10, 11 and 12 apply to recreational fishing, and Art. 7(1)(g) permits hand-held spears and spear guns in recreational fishing only WITHOUT an aqualung and only from dawn until dusk; and (b) the national Fisheries Conservation and Management Act, Cap. 425 (Art. 38(2) empowers regulations on closed areas/seasons, sizes, gear, marine areas for the preservation of fish stocks, and amateur/recreational fishing - the power was numbered Art. 36 until Act XVII of 2022 art. 27 repealed Arts. 34-35; Art. 36 is now the satellite-based vessel monitoring system, so older sources (including the FAOLEX copy) cite the wrong article), implemented chiefly by the Fishery Regulations S.L. 425.01 (= S.L. 10.12). Net effect: spearfishing is allowed but restricted (no scuba, daylight only, no protected/swimmer/conservation/archaeological zones, EU + national minimum sizes, no sale of catch). NO recreational spearfishing licence is required - confirmed verbatim by S.L. 425.01 Reg. 2, which lists 'the fish spear or grains' among implements usable 'without any licence at all times and in all localities'; only implements not listed in Reg. 2 need a Director-of-Fisheries licence (Reg. 3). A separate recreational permit applies to bluefin tuna (free registration; 1 fish/boat/trip; not for sale). Confidence upgraded medium -> high: the no-licence finding, the recreational-applicability clause (Reg. (EU) 2019/1241 Art. 2(2)), Art. 7(1)(g), the Cap. 425 regulation-making powers (Arts. 38(2)(b),(c),(e)) and the national minimum-size schedule (S.L. 425.01 Regs. 37-38) were all re-fetched verbatim from official primary PDFs (FAOLEX consolidated Cap. 425 and S.L. 425.01) or the legislation.gov.uk retained-EU-law mirror. The 'fish spear or grains' wording is a traditional hand spear; the modern powered speargun's recreational legality rests on EU Art. 7(1)(g), so the two are cited together. Caveats: EUR-Lex pages (and the Maltese government agricultureservices.gov.mt fisheries page) would not render via the fetch tool, so EU texts are cited from the legislation.gov.uk official mirror; the superseded EC 1967/2006 Art. 8(4) verbatim remains sourced only to a community page (kept as historical context, clearly labelled superseded). Cirkewwa coordinates are approximate (wreck/reserve location, not an official boundary). The full named list of seasonal swimmer zones changes yearly and is set by local notices, not captured here. Inland/freshwater spearfishing: Malta has no permanent rivers or natural lakes; it is a small island that relies on desalination, and its only inland water features are seasonal valley streams (widien) and a few small artificial reservoirs/pools - there are effectively no inland water bodies where freshwater spearfishing is practiced or regulated, making the question moot in practice. Conservation Areas and archaeological zones - what the notices actually say: both sets of areas are published as notices to mariners (Local Notice to Mariners 025 of 2026, superseding LNtM 113 of 2024 and LNtM 215 of 2023; Notice to Mariners 02 of 2024, extended by NtM 16 of 2025). These are the best available official statement of the areas but are not themselves legal instruments - LNtM 025/2026 publishes areas 'the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture has set' and cites no legal notice, regulation or article; the enabling power is Cap. 425 art. 38(2)(b)-(c) and the underlying legal notice has not been located. Within LNtM 025/2026 the spear-fishing ban applies to ALL 15 Conservation Areas without exception; it is only the trolling-line (rixa) ban that is limited to the five shore-accessible areas (Wied iz-Zurrieq, Off Xatt l-Ahmar, Marsascala, Off Cirkewwa, Off Il-Ponta ta' San Giljan), trolling being permitted in the other ten provided no diving vessel displays the Alpha flag. The notice draws no 'Category A' / 'Category B' classification - that wording, previously carried in four of our per-site descriptions, appears nowhere in it - and it does not ban shore rod-and-line; besides the gear list, what it restricts is vessel access (only vessels engaged in recreational/technical diving operations may enter or moor, after pre-notification to Valletta VTS on VHF channel 12). Marine Natura 2000 sites do NOT by themselves restrict spearfishing in Malta. The transposing instrument, the Flora, Fauna and Natural Habitats Protection Regulations (S.L. 549.44), contains no site list at all, and touches fishing exactly once - in the enabling reg. 16(2)(d), 'application, when specimen are taken, of hunting and fishing rules which take account of the conservation of such populations', inside a list of measures that 'may also include'. The only mechanism that could impose a site-specific ban is a conservation order under reg. 17. The Environment and Resources Authority's 'Conservation Objectives and Measures for Malta's Marine Natura 2000 sites' (February 2023, 78 pp.) records professional and leisure fishing as PRESSURES on the marine sites, contains no prohibition and no occurrence of any spear-fishing term, and its only spatial fisheries closure - measure CM_NM5b, pilot Fish Revival Areas - is prospective and to be agreed with fishers; no such area has been established. Two zones previously carried here as prohibited on the hedge 'subject to conservation measures' have therefore been removed for want of an in-force instrument: MT0000101 (Zona fil-Bahar bejn Rdum Majjiesa u Ras ir-Raheb, Malta's first marine protected area, protecting Posidonia oceanica, reefs and sea caves) and MT0000105 (Zona fil-Bahar bejn Il-Ponta ta' San Dimitri (Ghawdex) u Il-Qaliet, north-west and northern Gozo). They have deliberately NOT been added as allowed zones: the record's country-wide allowed zone already gives the correct answer, and an affirmative 'permitted' pin over sites for which the regulator is preparing spatial closures would trade a mild over-restriction for a possible under-restriction. Honest caveat: reg. 17 conservation orders are published in the Government Gazette and on era.org.mt, both of which block automated access from here (403 to a real browser as well as to scripted fetches), so the ABSENCE of a gazetted order over a marine SAC cannot be positively exhibited; nothing found in four independent channels suggests one exists. Re-check in 2027, when the ERA measures fall due. Related data note: wdpa_id 330745, previously attached to the MT0000101 zone, is named 'Zona fil-Bahar bejn Rdum Majjiesa u Ghar Lapsi' in the register - a different eastern endpoint from the zone it was pinned to. Stony sea urchins (rizzi): a nationwide moratorium has been in force since 7 July 2023 under the Stony Sea Urchin Protection Regulations, S.L. 425.19 (L.N. 149 of 2023, as amended by L.N. 129 of 2025). Reg. 3 bans not only taking but disturbing, destroying, possessing, transporting, selling, exchanging, offering and exporting any specimen, subject only to a bona fide scientific-research permit or documentary proof of legitimate importation - so a diver who picks up rizzi commits the offence by mere possession on the swim back. Reg. 6 sets fines of EUR 500-5,000 for a first offence and EUR 1,000-10,000 for a second or subsequent one. The regulations self-expire: reg. 1(4) provides that they 'shall cease to have effect within four (4) years from their coming into force', i.e. around 7 July 2027. Important attribution point: the instrument itself never names a species - it regulates 'any stony sea urchin' and contains no scientific name anywhere. The identification with Paracentrotus lividus is an inference from S.L. 549.44 Schedule VIII (which lists 'Paracentrotus lividus' with the Maltese vernacular 'Rizza') and from ERA's February 2023 measure CM_NM5c on protecting sea urchins (Paracentrotus lividus) from unsustainable fishing practices, not something L.N. 149 of 2023 says. Honest zero on species bans: dusky grouper (Epinephelus marginatus / Epinephelus guaza), brown meagre (Sciaena umbra) and shi drum (Umbrina cirrosa) are not prohibited species in Malta. All three appear in Schedule VIII of S.L. 549.44, headed 'ANIMAL AND PLANT SPECIES OF NATIONAL INTEREST WHOSE TAKING IN THE WILD AND EXPLOITATION MAY BE SUBJECT TO MANAGEMENT MEASURES' - a watch-list, not a prohibition - and are absent from the strict-protection schedules (V to VII). Only the EU minimum conservation reference sizes apply to them.
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