Update: Statement from ERA below – Partit Demokratiku, in a statement this morning, has joined the chorus of disapproval over the way that the fish farm permit was recently issued by the Planning Authority and its proposed relocation to within a Natura 2000 site.

PD questioned whether the relevant studies had been carried out in order for the permit to be issued, even though it is temporary. “And if we are setting a dangerous precedent – of issue the permit now, and prepare the relevant studies later.”

The Party went on to say that it urged the relevant authorities “to continue monitoring the fish farms’ activity and to make sure that our marine environment remains protected through stringent laws rather than a laisse faire attitude and action taken only following a public outcry.”

“It is imperative that we preserve the seas that surround our island and we find a balance which allows for both tourism and the fish industry to coexist without further negatively impacting our seas. Malta depends heavily on its seas when promoting the country as a tourist product,” concluded Partit Demokratiku.

Update from the ERA: The Environment and Resources Authority has said that it would like to clarify that the temporary relocation of the tuna fish farm cages to a site off Mellieha “was screened for both an Environment Impact Assessment and Appropriate Assessment.”

It added that the site chosen for the temporary relocation was “based on a selection exercise carried out by scientific experts.”

The ERA also said that “in relation to permit conditions, relevant conditions to safeguard the environment including monitoring will be included in the ERA authorisation.”

“In addition, a number of conditions are imposed by the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture on the operations of the fish farm and related tonnage,” the ERA stated.

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