Almost 100,000 litres of oil collected, then sold, from fish farm feeding process
Three fisheries operators collected almost 100,000 litres of oil produced from the feeding process which was collected then sold to be processed, the CEO of the Maltese Federation of Aquaculture Producers (FMAP), Charlon Gouder, said yesterday.
The representative body held a press conference on a Marsaxlokk pier where they presented recent statistics on the fishing industry, and also had Marine Biologist, Professor Joseph A. Borg, present to clear the air on the issue of sea slime which has been blamed on the numerous fishing operators in Malta.
Speaking at the press conference, Gouder was happy that the self-regulating agreement for the industry was held, and he explained that for the industry to grow sustainably then they would need to take care of the environment around us.
The Federation President said that according to their projections, the value of the industry to the economy is expected to exceed €200 million, which Gouder said addresses the trade deficit of the country with regards to exports.
In fact, €85 million of products were exported to Japan, with 65% of all such exports from the 90% that is exported going to the country.
Certain measures were also implemented to allow FMAP to have a better idea of what is going on in the industry in Malta with each operator.
These measures included the obligation of its members to have two 13-metre vessels manned by at least three operators, dedicated to collecting oil slicks on each farm. Each vessel must also be equipped with a number of intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) for the collection of oil, skimmers, at least 100 metres of additional oil boom, and oil-absorbing pads.
The farms also have a number of rhibs and skiffs that are to be used if and when needed.
The feeding of fish commenced around mid-July (10 to 12 July), for a total of 54 days of feeding and oil collection.
It took 972 days of work with six ships from the three operators to collect the aforementioned 100,000 litres of oil produced from the feeding process.
“This is an indication that when we sit together and do things seriously, then we can live with those around us with the least possible impact.”
White foam has various culprits
The FMAP CEO pointed out that the most common ciriticism that they received was connected to the white foam that pops up on the Maltese shoreline periodically.
Explaining this phenomenon was Professor Borg, who, Gouder said, studied this independently from the Federation.
Borg explained that this is a phenomenon that is found around the world and is a substance consisting of small bubbles. Substances are introduced by marine organisms, land substances that enter the sea during bad weather (for example), and human-created material from activities done from the maritime sector (for example).
“It is very difficult to impossible for one to say who or what is at fault, but it definitely has nothing to do with sea slime.”
To put his point across, he pointed out a review paper that went over a number of studies done on marine foam, which apart from saying that the generation of this foam is inevitable, said that both natural and human sources impact the occurrence of this phenomenon.
Gouder added that apart from oil, they also pick up plastics and carcasses through a relationship with the Cleansing Department.
He also revealed that they were working on an important “gamechanging” investment which he did not give details on.
Speaking on the budget, he welcomed the incentive to bring people of experience and skills to the country to help support and grow the industry.
A number of members of Local Government from the surrounding Local Councils were present during the press conference and said a few words on the good communication and cooperation they have found when inquiring with FMAP.