Din l-Art Ħelwa Għawdex said Tuesday it fully supported the Għajnsielem Local Council in calling for the immediate removal of Noma Island from off Comino.

The NGO passed on a photograph (above), taken last night (with a 30 second exposure), showing a wholly unacceptable level of light pollution falling upon Comino, even though no parties were taking place on board at the time. That alone is deeply disturbing. One can only imagine the far greater glare, noise and disturbance that will be generated once parties are being held and music is played on board, the NGO said.

This is especially serious given that Comino forms part of a Natura 2000 site and includes a Special Area of Conservation. Such intrusion is entirely incompatible with the protection owed to one of the most sensitive natural areas in the Maltese Islands.

Din l-Art Ħelwa Għawdex also notes the concerns raised by BirdLife Malta regarding the impact of artificial light, noise and disturbance on seabirds and the surrounding marine environment.

The situation is unacceptable, the NGO said. "The authorities must act at once and ensure that Noma Island is removed without further delay."

Government must come clean on Noma Island raft off Comino - Momentum

Momentum also called on the government to immediately clarify its position regarding the reported presence of the "Noma Island" boat raft currently setting up off the coast of Comino, within or adjacent to a protected natural area. Momentum had warned weeks ago about plans to set up this floating entertainment centre off Comino. 

Comino is one of Malta's most ecologically sensitive and overburdened sites. Any development, temporary installation, or commercial activity in its surrounding waters raises serious environmental, legal, and ethical concerns. The apparent establishment of a large floating structure in such a zone demands urgent scrutiny.

Carmel Asciak, Momentum candidate for Gozo, stated: "Government cannot remain silent while public and protected spaces are potentially compromised. Selective enforcement and regulatory ambiguity only erode public trust.

Momentum insists that all activities in and around Comino must strictly adhere to environmental protections and planning regulations. If no permits have been granted, immediate enforcement action must be taken. If permits do exist, they must be published without delay.

Malta's natural heritage is not a free-for-all, Momentum said. The government must act transparently and decisively to safeguard it.

Momentum stands in solidarity with all the Local Councils that have stood up for the rights of the residents of their localities and opposed the setting up of this mobile light, sound and environmental pollutant in their localities".