Planning Authority to take a number of measures to control the structure and operation of tuna fish farms.

Following the publication of a series of press statements highlighting fish farm operations and structures across Maltese waters, the Planning Authority said that, in the coming days it will be taking a number of measures to assure adherence to existing planning permits.

This was announced during a press conference addressed by the Minister for Environment, Dr Jose Herrera, Parliamentary secretary, Dr Deborah Schembri and Parliamentary Secretary Mr Roderick Galdes.

Dr Schembri announced that she was informed that in the coming days the Planning Authority will continue issuing enforcement orders on all tuna fish farms having illegalities.

The authority is also considering issuing emergency enforcement orders if ERA certifies the current situation is causing imminent damage to the environment as prescribed by law.

The emergency enforcement order consists of a stipulated timeframe whereby the operator must regularise its operations. If the stipulated time frame is not adhered to, the Planning Authority said that it reserves the right to physically enforce measures on fish farms by removing the illegal structures, placing them within a legally prescribed zone or releasing the tuna altogether, as the need arises.

The Planning Authority added that it will also proceed with the revocation of planning permits of tuna fish farms which presently do not adhere to given planning permits and prescribed conditions.

This in accordance to the very same permits which give the Planning Authority the right to revoke the permits where illegalities subsist.

Dr Schembri also announced that in the coming weeks the Government will start the process to revise the legal notice regarding daily penalty fines. This revision is intended for any illegal operation in the aquaculture sector.

The minimum daily fine will go up from the present maximum amount of €50 to €2000 daily and from €50,000 in total to €200,000 per operator. She also mentioned that there could be a further revision in the law to further increase the total amount in the near future.

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