The Gozo Tourism Association has said that it is greatly concerned about the “slimy residue” that has recently been affecting the Hondoq ir-Rummien Bay.

The GTA urged all the competent authorities “to take the necessary measures, in order to reinstate the popular beach of Hondoq ir- Rummien, freely accessible and available to all, without posing any danger or inconveniences to visitors and bathers.”

Moreover, it insisted that “all actions are to be taken to safeguard the blue flagged beach status of Hondoq ir-Rummien, especially at the peak of the summer season.”

The GTA highlighted in a statement on Monday, that this popular beach is one of the three blue flagged beaches on Gozo. Furthermore, it is one of the sought after summer spots both by tourists and local alike.

“According to reports filed with the Environment and Resources Authority, this slime is suspected to originate from a fish farm. If these reports are confirmed, we have another instance of conflicting industries, that of tourism and aquaculture,” the GTA said.

The Gozo Tourism Association concluded by saying that it “advocates prompt and effective interventions in order to protect the few, small Gozitan beaches, that form part of the touristic offer of our beautiful island.”

Photos: Screenshots from video taken by Qala Mayor Paul Buttigieg at Hondoq beach when checking the slime residue left in the sand and water, which he called “disgusting” and could not be removed even after rinsing in seawater

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