On World Oceans Day Nature Trust (Malta), Friends of the Earth Malta and the Gaia Foundation have said that they call upon the authorities to be more proactive and formalise the Marine Protected Areas which are still just on paper such as at Dwejra and at Fomm ir-Rih-Majjiesa and others which have long been in the pipeline such as Cirkewwa and Filfla. The Fisheries Department should also be at the forefront in ensuring protection of coastal and marine habitats whereas the public should also take it upon itself to be more aware on what is chosen as food and products consumed.

“The oceans make up 71% of the Earth’s surface. An increasing proportion of the world’s population is coming to depend on its resources. Yet globally less than 1% of this essential habitat is protected. In Malta this figure goes down to zero”.

“The world’s oceans have been under siege for too long – increasing pollution and acidification are taking their toll coupled with the global phenomenon of overfishing and unsustainable use of the sea’s resources. Some scientists are predicting a global collapse in fisheries within this century. Malta’s recent disappointing stand on the imminent extinction of the bluefin tuna highlights the lack of political will to protect biodiversity and the future of our resources.”

The NGOs would like to invite the public to a free screening of the world’s first major documentary about the devastating effect of overfishing. This event will be held on World Oceans Day, Tuesday, the 8th of June at 7.30pm at the Gaia Foundation (Ghajn Tuffieha). Info: cetfree@gmail.com

Permalink: NGOs team up to raise awareness on World Oceans Day