The million-dollar tuna ranching and fattening industry has long been a prominent player in Malta, generating substantial revenue through the export of tuna to Japan.

However, public opinion regarding the operation of this indigenous industry in our open seas has linked it to contamination of local beaches and the seabed, leading to environmental harm and user conflicts in coastal zones. Naturally, the four main ranching companies strongly resist such accusations. It is an understatement to comment on the political patronage enjoyed by the sector.

A pressing matter that could be connected to the fish farming industry is the decline of the once-abundant population of sea urchins (rizzi), which are vital for maintaining a balanced marine ecosystem. No scientific studies have been released to determine the cause of their near extinction. The authorities woke up late to this marine disaster, and this month sea urchins have been protected by a two-year moratorium on their collection in Maltese waters. To replenish the population, a restocking programme has been launched involving the cultivation of sea urchins at San Luċjan and their subsequent release into the sea.

It could be that rizzi are endangered not only by demand from gourmets and the lucrative global trade but also by ecological imbalances allegedly caused by extensive fish farming. Due to insufficient clean-up beneath the cages, the benthic environment becomes disturbed by organic matter from decaying baitfish, causing stress and reducing the survival rates of epifauna, including sea urchins, in sediment enriched with organic material. Fortunately, tuna penning sites do not appear to have a negative impact on Posidonia oceanica meadows since the farms are located at depths of around 80 metres above sandy bottoms where Posidonia does not grow. Further research is needed to understand the impact of tuna penning operations on adjacent marine ecosystems.

At the centre of the controversy surrounding tuna penning operations is the slime that plagues Malta's coastal regions, disturbing the public in popular recreational areas. Beaches and bathing bays have become affected by an unsightly and unhealthy slime, deterring the public from enjoying the once-pristine waters. This sea slime derives from excess baitfish feed, fish mucus, and frozen blocks of baitfish left to thaw in sea cages, creating a slick of protein and fat. Although the slime is of natural origin and biodegradable, it causes poor surface water quality during feeding and unpleasant nuisances along Malta's coast for up to two weeks. This consequence of the tuna ranching industry poses a significant threat to tourism and the overall appeal of coastal regions. Although measures are in place to prevent leakage of slime, with trained employees collecting uncaptured residue, maintaining clean marine installations, and using high-quality baitfish, malpractice remains a recurring issue.

Despite the environmental havoc allegedly caused domestically, the tuna ranching industry continues to flourish due to its lucrative export market in Japan, and possibly also China. The high demand for premium Atlantic bluefin tuna, driven by cultural and culinary preferences, particularly in the sushi and sashimi market, has created a profitable opportunity for the industry. Maltese tuna enjoys a formidable reputation for quality. Malta was the top producer of bluefin tuna in the European Union, generating over €200 million in 2021 following an almost 15% increase in quotas. Aquaculture therefore makes a significant contribution to the Maltese economy. It is no wonder that the Planning and Management Committee (PMC) last year listed fisheries and aquaculture projects among economic activities within Malta's Exclusive Economic Zone.

One of the most clandestine aspects of the tuna ranching industry is its deep-rooted connection with ruling politicians. This close affiliation has raised eyebrows, prompting speculation about the role of political patronage in facilitating the industry's operations. With political backing, questions arise as to whether the welfare of the environment and local communities is genuinely prioritised. It would not be surprising if more aquaculture farms were to appear within Malta's EEZ. Earlier this year, the Qala Local Council expressed concerns over a proposed private tuna farm within the new North Aquaculture Zone off Malta's north coast. The Gozitan coast and the Blue Lagoon could be affected daily by oil slicks potentially measuring up to 10 cubic metres. According to the ERA Environmental Impact Assessment for the proposed aquaculture zone, up to nine tonnes of fish oil could be released daily from 34 planned cages. Although tuna operators have introduced methods to mitigate the release of fish oil, particularly during rough sea conditions, these measures are never entirely effective.

Recognising the urgent need to address the industry's environmental impact, efforts have been made to reduce sea contamination and improve sustainability. Malta's Tuna Federation has pledged to follow the highest standards and regards sustainability as integral to the industry's future. To make tuna penning less harmful to the environment, particularly with the introduction of European ESG rules, Malta Enterprise supported a factory to process fish offal and dead fish into fishmeal for animal feed and fertiliser. This reflects a move towards a more circular economy, replacing the previous practice whereby around 25% of the fish was wasted and dumped back into the sea. The waste is now processed into fishmeal for pet food and nutraceutical products at a relatively new and innovative facility in Ħal Far.

Following strong protests from nearby residents about odours generated by fish offal processing, ranchers have taken steps to reduce emissions during production. While this initiative represents progress, concerns remain regarding emissions and unpleasant odours. The effectiveness and long-term sustainability of these measures remain subjects of ongoing debate. It is crucial to continue addressing these issues while exploring sustainable alternatives that protect the environment without compromising economic viability.

In conclusion, while returns on investment are high for tuna ranchers, they pale in comparison with revenue generated by Malta's tourism sector, which last year exceeded €4 billion. Sadly, poor bathing conditions caused by sea slime may directly reduce Malta's attractiveness as a tourist destination. The challenge for the Malta Tourism Authority is therefore to balance the interests of the tourism industry, the maintenance of clean bathing waters, and the reputation of Malta as a destination to be enjoyed by present and future generations.

George M Mangion is a Senior Partner at PKF Malta