The Marsaskala Residents' Network (MRN) has expressed firm opposition to Infrastructure Malta's proposed fast ferry terminal in Marsaskala Bay, calling it a project marked by fragmentation, secrecy, and disregard for environmental and community impacts. The plan includes a ramp, waiting area, and dredging works - all being advanced without full environmental, social, or maritime impact assessments. Residents also claim that preparatory works have already begun.

In a protest activity on Saturday, the Network warned that dredging will devastate the bay's Posidonia oceanica meadows - a protected and vital marine habitat - and threaten underwater archaeological remains. They argue that the project would increase noise, traffic, and pollution while destroying one of the few natural coastal spaces left in Marsaskala.

Environmental health expert John Paul Cauchi, originally from Marsaskala, highlighted the serious ecological damage the project would cause. He questioned the project's benefits to locals, saying: "We feel this is a project of little or no use to residents but one that will cause great harm to the environment. We are spending millions to destroy a swimming spot, pollute the bay, and kill the surrounding Posidonia oceanica."

Marine biologist Prof. Alan Deidun supported these concerns, stressing that dredging "removes the very habitat on which marine communities depend" and creates sediment plumes that smother marine vegetation. He warned that the remaining pockets of Posidonia oceanica in Marsaskala could be wiped out, as happened in Marsaxlokk following the Freeport development. Deidun insisted that "a comprehensive baseline ecological survey and Appropriate Assessment" must precede any works, in full compliance with EU and national environmental law.

Resident Sandra Formosa raised doubts about the credibility of the public survey conducted for the project, questioning whether respondents were genuine commuters or simply occasional visitors. "The coastline is our village square," she said. "That's why we must do everything we can to protect it."

Jacqueline Rotin, lecturer and resident, questioned the project's utility, noting that it is estimated to reduce local traffic by only 30 cars per day. She asked what residents would think if they knew the ferry could bring "2,000 to 4,000 tourists a day" while offering minimal transport relief. Rotin also described meetings with Minister Bonett as mere information sessions, not genuine consultations.

Entrepreneur Alison Agius explained that she chose to live and invest in Marsaskala for its natural charm and community spirit. "We don't want tourists who come here, buy a bottle of water, use the toilet, and leave," she said. Addressing the government directly, she added: "If this is truly a government that listens, it should recognise that residents do not want this project - because it's unnecessary, alternatives already exist, and the environmental price is far too high."

Resident and activist Caroline Caruana criticised what she described as a government-led "public relations campaign of distraction." She accused authorities of dividing the project into smaller parts to avoid scrutiny and warned that it threatens to erase the identity of Marsaskala. "The promenade and bay are daily spaces for swimmers, fishermen, and families," she said. "We are demanding full transparency about the real intentions for Marsaskala. This place belongs to us, and if anyone wants to change it forever, they will find us standing in their way."

The Marsaskala Residents' Network is urging the Planning Authority to suspend all related applications until full studies and genuine consultations take place. It is also calling on Transport Malta to stop issuing emergency permits until a comprehensive, transparent plan is shared with residents.

The statement ends with the backing of several major NGOs and resident groups, including Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar, Din L-Art Ħelwa, BirdLife Malta, Ramblers' Association of Malta, Nature Trust - FEE Malta, Friends of the Earth Malta, Moviment Graffitti, Momentum, Il-Kollettiv, Azzjoni Tuna Artna Lura (ATAL), Sliema Residents Association, Residenti Beltin, and Għaqda Storja Kultura Birżebbuġa.