During a meeting held in Marsascala between the Marsascala Shopowners Association, the Ghaqda Bahhara Sajjieda u Dilettanti Wied il-Ghajn and the Ghaqda Bajja ta’ San Tumas it was decided that the three associations will work together to address issues that are of interest to the three associations and for the benefit of Marsascala.

The associations referred to application PA87/04 regarding the setting up of an offshore aquaculture zone to which most fish farming activities would be located. They categorically objected to the development of such a project in the targeted area, saying that it will harm Tourism in this area in Malta.

The associations said that the Malta Tourism Authority considers Marsascala as a prime tourist area, and believed that the said project will ruin the unique diving sites that exist off the locality. Some of such sites are unique in the world as presented in foreign magazines and journals. The said project will attract larger fish that will make swimming and diving in the area dangerous.

Furthermore, farms generally produce a certain amount of material and “waste” that will end up in the bays. The area targeted is a fertile area for natural fish and is also an area from where many fishers earn their living while others enjoy the area during their free time, the associations said.

They asked the authorities to look into the damage that has already been caused by the existent fish farms in this part of Malta, adding that the project is to be refused at the earliest.

The associations will be working to ensure that no further damage is done to this part of Malta as this would affect residents, tourism, workers and businesses. They

will be inviting the local councils of Marsascala, Marsaxlokk, Birzebbuga and Xghajra to join them in a common call against this development.

They are also seeking the collaboration of Fishing Cooperative and the Federation of Associations of Amateur Fishermen.