I am instructed by AJD Tuna Limited to refer to the article in caption which appeared in The Malta Independent on Sunday of 4 February.

The facts reported in the said article are completely false and clearly intended to discredit my clients. The number of cages on site is exactly as permitted by law and there is no abuse whatsoever. Contrary to the information that was given, there are six cages with carry over fish and six cages empty without nets. There are also nine collar rings without any nets within the perimeter indicated in our permits. As per previous years, the Operators are carrying out the necessary maintenance work on the collar rings used during the fishing season to tow live fish from fishing grounds to our facility. Following the report in the newspaper, the farm was inspected by officials from Transport Malta and the Fisheries Department who will be able to confirm this.

I would also add that the operator has been granted an environmental operational permit which is being adhered to. There are periodical inspections by Transport Malta and the Department of Aquaculture. Various measures (such as booms) have been put in place to mitigate any environmental issues. One also needs to remember that the relocation was effected in good faith as per the understanding reached with the Government and this despite the fact that there are appeals currently pending.

AJD Tuna regrets that declarations of the sort continue to be made without the facts being ascertained correctly. It also condemns the vilification of the aquaculture industry as a means of obtaining political mileage. AJD Tuna has nothing to hide and will always collaborate with those interested in learning the facts in good faith.

Dr John Refalo

Obo ADJ Tuna