The Ghajnsielem Local Council said that this morning it registered an objection to the proposed permits for Noma Island – a floating entertainment barge – to operate within the vicinity of Comino and the local coastline.

In a statement, the Council said that its objection is based on a number of concerns:

1) Comino is a designated Natura 2000 site and Special Area of Conservation, forming part of a highly sensitive ecological environment of national and European importance. Any additional commercial activity within or around this protected zone risks causing irreversible damage to marine biodiversity, including habitats that have supported protected species and ecological processes.

2) The proposal goes against current national efforts to reduce over-commercialisation and mass tourism pressures on Comino. Recent concerns raised by environmental organisations highlight that further entertainment-based operations in the area would intensify human activity, noise, and disturbance, undermining ongoing sustainability and restoration efforts.

3) The introduction of such a floating entertainment concept is expected to significantly increase waste generation, particularly marine litter. Existing evidence already shows that excessive tourism and commercial activity in Comino have led to waste accumulation and environmental degradation, placing further strain on the island’s fragile ecosystem.

4) Noise pollution remains a critical concern. The introduction of music and large-scale gatherings at sea in close proximity to Comino would directly contradict the need to preserve quiet natural zones.

In light of the above, the G?ajnsielem Local Council said it ”strongly believes that any proposed permits or licenses are incompatible with the environmental protection status of Comino.”

It said it has therefore requested the relevant authorities to ”refrain from issuing any permits or retract existing related to Noma Island and instead prioritise the long-term protection, sustainability, and ecological integrity of Comino.”

Last month, ten eNGOs from Malta and Gozo strongly condemned the proposal to introduce the floating entertainment barge Noma, or indeed any similar entertainment platform, and supported the call of concern from various Mayors including the Ghajnsielem Mayor, whose remit includes Comino.

In a joint statement, they said that this barge, which was rejected by France, could now threaten our coastal zone with noise and light pollution. ”This will not only impact the quality of lives of people in the area, but will also severely affect the marine and coastal environment.”

They also warned that such an operation at sea ”will also increase littering, water pollution from sewage, air pollution from electricity generation, sea-bed damage caused by anchoring, and interfere with marine life migration of sea turtles, pelagic sea-birds and marine mammals.”

In the meantime, they said that a Parliamentary petition is being circulated and the public is being encouraged to send its objection.

Photo: Ghajnsielem Local Council

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