The Malta Environment and Planning Authority board gave the go-ahead yesterday for the development of an aquaculture zone six kilometres off Zonqor Point, Marsascala.
The fish farm will measure three kilometres by three kilometres and will be used to grow tuna. The operators intend to improve operational standards, improve the production levels of this type of farming and congregate all the existing tuna farms in the south of the island.
Although there were many against the proposal, including Marsascala local council, Marsascala residents and the Marsascala business community, the Mepa board approved the project with 10 votes for and three against.
The board was told that local tuna farm operations have been successful for two main reasons: Malta is ideally located close to tuna migration paths, thereby reducing the stress that the fish endure when they are captured and transferred to the farm. In addition, Malta has pioneered the development of technology in this industry. Local farms were also the first in the Mediterranean to relocate operations to a depth of 50 metres. The aquaculture zone approved yesterday will have a depth of 100 metres.
The site lies six kilometres off Zonqor Point in Marsascala. The aquaculture zone will be officially designated and charted as a fish farming zone on official nautical charts. It will be managed by the Fisheries Conservation and Control Division of the Rural Affairs and Environment Ministry.
During the discussion, and before a vote was taken, members of the public voiced their concerns while others – mainly fishermen – said they agreed with the development of the zone.
Marsascala mayor Charlot Mifsud complained that following the approval to re-develop the Sant’ Antnin Waste Recycling Plant, the area was now being presented with another proposal that was not in the interests of Marsascala residents.
He said the council did not want the present fish farms to remain where they are, let alone have a greater number established further out. The Mepa board was given a petition signed by 4,600 people who are against the proposed development. A total of 110 establishments in Marsascala, which all depend on tourism, are also opposing the proposal which they say will have a negative impact on tourism in Marsascala.
Ray Bugeja, from the National Fish Cooperative, said the proposed project would be of benefit to fishermen. He went on to say that, if approved, it would be “the best Christmas present for fishermen”.
He said a number were prepared to invest to improve their business, and the fish farm would be the right incentive for them.
At the end of the discussion, 10 of the Mepa board members voted in favour of the development and three voted against. MLP representative on the board Joe Brincat, who voted against the application, said the proposed development “was not only premature but immature” because it did not take into consideration the overall impact that the fish farm would have on the environment.