S.L. 425.9 Art. 2008in year the from fully this

In 2009, 27 individuals were found to be 1 year old, while 4 individuals were 2 years old. Finally, in 2010, 5 individuals were found to be 1 old, and 8 individuals were found to be 2 years old

Although effort data is only available for a short time series, six decades of landings data fluctuating around a stable mean seems to indicate that even if fishery is not harvesting the lampuki stock at a maximum yield, the yield the Maltese fishery by itself is sustainable even in the long term. The recent rise in overall landings of the species in the Mediterranean, and in particular the dramatic rise in Italian landings may not be sustainable and potentially may be the cause for the decrease in size of lampuki caught by Maltese fishermen in recent years.

Nevertheless there are considerable knowledge gaps to be filled in order to understand the biology and population dynamics of lampuki, without which scientifically sound conclusions on stock status cannot be derived. For reason Malta is involved in a number of ongoing research initiatives, described in more detail below.