More than 1,500 tonnes of seaweed were collected from along the Maltese Coast so far this year.

One of the main responsibilities of the Cleansing and Maintenance Division is the removal of seaweed and the cleaning of beaches along the Maltese coast. The Cleansing and Maintenance division commences its preparations to remove seaweed in March. The main beaches that require this intervention are: Armier, Little Armier, Paradise Bay, Riviera, Ġnejna, St George Bay in St Julian’s, Al Fresco Bay and Pretty Bay in Birżebbuġa, and St Thomas Bay in Marsaskala. 

Minister for Justice, Culture and Local Government Owen Bonnici lauded the hard work carried out by the Cleansing and Maintenance Division to ensure that our beaches and coast are well kept and safe for everyone to enjoy. Minister Bonnici said that there are around 50 employees who take care of this task, who work daily from Monday to Sunday. “Just last year, 5,000 tonnes of seaweed were collected. Through dedication and determination, we are further strengthening our strategy to create safer and well-kept places for the benefit of our community, and for everyone to enjoy”, continued Minister Bonnici. 

Parliamentary Secretary for Consumer Rights, Public Cleansing and Support for the Capital City Deo Debattista explained that unfortunately, a large amount of waste, especially plastic, was also collected when the seaweed collection took place. This can severely damage the marine environment and its species. “Last year 5,000 tonnes of seaweed were collected, of which a large part was distributed to farmers at their request”, added Parliamentary Secretary Debattista. He urged the public and lido owners to assist and cooperate with the Cleansing and Maintenance Division in order to keep our beaches clean and devoid of danger. 

The Director General responsible for the Cleansing and Maintenance Division Ramon Deguara explained how the storm of the 24th of February damaged numerous beaches, with a large amount of sand having been swept off beaches and blown on the streets. The sand deposited on the streets was collected and placed back on the beaches.

 The beach-cleaning workforce consists of about 50 workers who work every day from Monday to Sunday.