Eight voluntary organisations and associations have voiced their opposition to a government tender for a master plan for land reclamation off Bengħajsa, warning that the project would threaten small-scale fishers, damage protected marine habitats and further burden communities in the south of Malta.
The tender, MIEA/02/2026, calls for a master plan for land reclamation on the Bengħajsa shoal, with the aim of expanding maritime industrial space in Marsaxlokk Harbour.
In a joint statement, the organisations said the shoal was an important fishing area for generations of local fishers and described it as the daily bread of many small-scale artisanal fishers.
They warned that industrial development in the harbour had already made it almost impossible for fishers to operate there, leaving Bengħajsa and its surrounding waters among the few remaining areas where those with small boats could earn a living.
Turning the shoal into industrial land would deal a "death blow" to the community of small-scale artisanal fishers, they said.
The organisations also highlighted the historical, cultural and environmental importance of Marsaxlokk Harbour, arguing that reclamation outside the harbour would cause irreversible damage to its landscape and views from Delimara, Bengħajsa and Għar Ħasan.
They warned that the project could lead to increased sedimentation and pollution, the permanent loss of seabed, greater artificial lighting and damage to surrounding ecosystems.
Particular concern was expressed over the impact on Posidonia oceanica seagrass meadows on the shoal, which are protected under the EU Habitats Directive, as well as the integrity of nearby Natura 2000 protected areas.
Changes to sea currents could also affect the circulation of water in the harbour, potentially compromising its cleanliness and suitability for swimming.
The groups further warned that Wied ix-Xaqqa could be lost, undermining plans recently proposed by Ambjent Malta, Project Green and the Environment and Resources Authority for the regeneration of the valley.
They questioned why the quality of life of residents in the south-east of Malta continued to be sacrificed in the name of industrial development, pointing to the existing impact of the Freeport, the power station and the Ħal Far industrial zone on communities in Birżebbuġa and Marsaxlokk.
The statement also criticised the timing of the tender, noting that Bengħajsa public park and Fort Bengħajsa had been presented as spaces for public enjoyment, only for the latest proposal to appear a few months later.
The organisations also questioned the lack of consultation before the tender was issued, saying they were unaware of any engagement with local fishers, residents, local councils or associations.
"Genuine consultation takes place before decisions are taken, not after," they said.
They argued that development in and around Marsaxlokk Harbour had already reached its limit and that no further expansion should take place either within or outside the harbour.
The statement was endorsed by BirdLife Malta, EcoMarine Malta, Federazzjoni tal-Għaqdiet tas-Sajjieda Dilettanti Malta, Għaqda Sajjieda Attivi, Għaqda Sajjieda Dilettanti B'Buġa, Għaqda Storja u Kultura Birżebbuġa, Moviment Graffitti and Nature Trust - FEE Malta.