The Professional Diving Schools Association (PDSA) has expressed concern over the immediate withdrawal of monitoring at the Ċirkewwa Marine Park, warning that any lapse in enforcement could threaten both the marine environment and one of Malta's most important tourism sectors.
The association said in a statement that it was "disappointed and surprised" to learn that the Malta Ranger Unit had ceased monitoring activities at the protected marine site with immediate effect. It also said it had not been consulted or informed by the authorities about any changes to the future management of the park.
Ċirkewwa is widely regarded as Malta's premier shore diving location and attracts thousands of local and international divers each year. According to the PDSA, the presence of rangers has played a key role in reducing illegal activity and has contributed to a noticeable recovery in marine life.
"The recovery we have seen at Ċirkewwa is real, and it did not happen by accident - it is the direct result of the Rangers' hard work," said PDSA spokesperson Simone Brinch Iversen. "Our concern is simple: this site must not be left unprotected during a change of management. We stand ready to work constructively with the authorities to ensure Ċirkewwa continues to be safeguarded, for the marine environment and for the diving industry that depends on it."
The association stressed that legal protection alone is insufficient without consistent, on-the-ground enforcement. It called for a seamless transition should responsibility for monitoring be transferred, arguing that any interruption in oversight could quickly undermine years of conservation progress.
Beyond environmental concerns, the PDSA highlighted the site's economic importance. Malta's diving industry comprises more than 60 licensed dive centres and attracts an estimated 150,000 to 200,000 diving tourists each year. The sector accounts for between 5% and 6.5% of inbound tourism and generates around 1.5 million bed nights annually, according to the Malta Tourism Authority.
The association warned that the ecological improvements seen at Ċirkewwa are closely linked to the success of the diving industry, with the site's popularity making it a cornerstone of Malta's reputation as a world-class diving destination.
As of Tuesday, the PDSA said it had not been informed how the marine park would be monitored going forward and called on the Government and the relevant authorities to clarify who would assume responsibility for safeguarding the area.
Founded in 1982, the Professional Diving Schools Association represents the majority of licensed diving schools in Malta, Gozo and Comino. The organisation works with the Government and the Malta Tourism Authority on diving-related matters and has played a significant role in developing Malta's diving infrastructure, including the scuttling of more than ten wrecks to create artificial reefs and dive attractions.