Maltese fishermen sympathise with Sicilian counterparts who broke the law

Maltese fishermen sympathise with Sicilian colleagues who were fined for fishing illegally, saying first-time offenders should be let off with a warning. Salvatore Saporito, 29, and Salvatore Penna, 52, were fined €20,000 each after admitting to catching less than €700 worth of prawns and hake in Maltese waters at the beginning of this month. “Nobody is above the law but, as a fishing community, we agree that it would be more sensible to give a warning to first-time offenders,” said National Fisheries Cooperative general secretary, Raymond Bugeja. “It is very hard for a fisherman to pay €20,000. This is his income for three years,” Mr Bugeja said. Full story in Times of Malta or timesofmalta.com premium.