Is the luzzu on its last voyage?

Talks are under way with the EU to stop it from funding the destruction of traditional wooden Maltese boats to replace them with more modern and safer craft, the Malta Maritime Museum’s curator has said. The EU directive, while having “good intentions”, requests fishermen to surrender their licences in exchange for compensation in an effort to control fishing.  Its objective is to provide financial measures for the implementation of the common fisheries policy (CFP) and the sustainable development of fisheries and aquaculture areas, supporting fishermen in complying with new requirements. But as part of the Mediterranean Maritime Museums Association, efforts were being made to create awareness of how “bad” the funding of the traditional boats’ destruction was and to explain their importance, curator Liam Gauci said. He acknowledged there was consensus between the EU and the affected countries to stop this practice, as heavy local investment continues to be poured into these vessels, including through the engagement of two full-time boatbuilders to restore its own collection.  Countries like Greece, for example, are also working on salvaging and restoring traditional hulls...