The Malta Rangers Unit has reported St Julian's council minority leader Mario Amaira to the Local Governance Board after the PL councillor told the environmental NGO to "Fkkkk Offff" in a comment beneath a post about alleged illegal fishing.

Amaira described the incident as a "storm in a teacup", saying he had apologised for the language used and that his comment had been made in a personal capacity.

The incident happened on Wednesday evening after the MRU's sea section published a Facebook post about alleged illegal fishing inside the Ċirkewwa Marine Park.

The organisation said its rangers had filmed a small boat fishing within the marine conservation area at Ċirkewwa.

Amaira commented underneath the post: "Fkkkk Offff."

An argument subsequently developed between the councillor and the administrator of the MRU Facebook page.

On Thursday, the Malta Rangers Unit said it had reported Amaira to the Local Governance Board over what it described as an alleged ethical breach.

The MRU referred to the code of ethics governing local councillors, arguing that elected representatives have a duty to use appropriate language and treat members of the public with respect.

The incident comes amid a wider dispute over the future monitoring of the Ċirkewwa Marine Park.

The Malta Rangers Unit recently said it would stop monitoring the park after it was not included in new management arrangements.

Nature Trust Malta has meanwhile said it would continue monitoring the area until a new management contract is awarded.

The MRU's report to the Local Governance Board will now determine whether Amaira's comment warrants any further action under the rules governing the conduct of local councillors.