Today, the 5th of June, is World Environment Day and this year’s theme is – Only One Earth.

To mark the occasion of World Environment Day, Nature Trust is appealing to the general public and the authorities, that “together we may actively reduce the amount of litter much of which ends up in our seas, and to take actions to mitigate climate change impacts and to control exotics being released in our countryside.”

NTM pointed out that every year a number of marine animals such as turtles, dolphins, seabirds and other animals end up dead or injured due to plastic debris, floating and sunken ghost nets, microplastics etc.

It stressed that the increase of such debris is evident all around the Mediterranean basin as NGOs from the Mediterranean region report incidents from every coast.

“Malta being an island in the centre of the Med not only gets its share of debris coming from land but we also encounter debris coming from other surrounding regions as well as that disposed of illegally from sea traffic,” NTM said.

The NGO added that, thousands of kilogrammes of marine litter, are for example, cleared from the Ballut at Marsaxlokk Natura 2000 site each year. Over 60% comes from the open sea and is carried to shore by currents.

It also stressed that “the number of turtles found entangled or dead due to this problem is increasing every year. NTM has since 2002 been educating the public and raising awareness with the authorities so as all can work in hand to reduce this marine pollution.”

Turtles have lost flippers or their lives, Dolphins have been found entangled and fish are ingesting plastic too which ultimately ends on our plates. NTM said.

NTM thanked all those citizens that do their own mini clean ups, which are heard about on a daily basis. “We also thank the authorities who take action when dumping is reported in our countryside.”

NTM said that, “apart from marine pollution our natural heritage is also being impacted by Climate Change as ambient temperature is on the rise and will hit a 1.5C higher than normal in the coming years. We all need to give our share and every bit counts. Let’s do this for future generations and our natural heritage that is so fragile.”

NTM also appealed to the authorities to set tighter controls on the importation of exotics. “The dumping of terrapins and crayfish and other exotics in our countryside is becoming a frequent event,” it said.

It pointed out that “every week NTM wildlife rescue lines get calls of dumped terrapins, reptiles and other animals. Apart from these not being indigenous, some are a danger to both our local fauna and humans themselves.”

NTM concluded by saying, “together we can make our Islands an example of better practice so let us all do our bit. Every single little action counts.”

Photo by Nature Trust Wildlife Rescue of rescued turtle found entangled in the Maltese Islands

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