On the occasion of World Environment day Nature Trust appeals to the general public and the authorities so together we may actively reduce the amount of litter much of which ends up in our seas, and to take actions to mitigate climate change impacts and to control exotics being released in our countryside.

Every year  a number of marine animals such as turtles, dolphins, seabirds and other animals end up dead or injured due to plastic debris, floating and sunken ghost nets, microplastics etc.  The increase of such debris is evident all around the Mediterranean basin as NGOs from the Mediterranean region report incidents from evey coast, Nature Trust said.  

Malta being an Island in the centre of the Med not only gets its share of debris coming from land but we also encounter debris coming from other surrounding  regions as well as that disposed of illegally from  sea traffic. Thousands of kilograms of marine litter are for example cleared from the Ballut at Marsaxlokk Natura 2000  site each year.  Over 60% comes from the open sea and is carried to shore by currents.

The number of turtles found entangled or dead due to this problem is increasing every year.  NTM has since 2002 been  educating the public and raising awareness with the authorities so as all can work in hand to reduce this marine pollution.  Turtles have lost flippers or their lives, Dolphins have been found entangled and fish are ingesting plastic too which ultimately  ends on our plates.

NTM thanks all those citizens that we hear about each day doing their own mini clean ups.  WE also thank the authorities who take action when dumping is reported in our countryside. Apart from marine pollution our natural heritage is also being impacted by Climate Change as ambient temperature is on the rise and will hit a 1.5C higher than normal in the coming years.  WE all need to give our share and every bit counts.  Let's do this for future generations and our natural heritage that is so fragile.

Finally NTM appeals to the authorities to set tighter controls on the importation of exotics.  Dumping of terrapins and crayfish and other exotics in our countryside is becoming a frequent event.  Every week NTM wildlife rescue lines get  calls of dumped terrapins, reptiles and other animals.  Apart from these not being indigenous, some  are a danger to both our local fauna and humans themselves. 

Together we can make our Islands an example of better practice  so let us all do our bit.  Every single little action counts, the NGO said.