Fish farm operators were not respecting permit conditions - ministry

A number of fish farm operators have failed to abide by their permit conditions, the environment ministry has confirmed. Over the past days, multiple images have been shared on social media by swimmers and environmentalists who have come across a mysterious sludge. Reports have been received of the slime being seen along various shorelines, ranging from Marsascala to Kalkara and further up in Sliema and Pembroke.

Environment Minister Jose Herrera recently confirmed that the sea slime appearing on vast stretches of Malta’s coast could be traced back to fish farms. He also said that steps would be taken if irregularities were committed by fish farm operators.

The minister said he had directed the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) and the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture to take the necessary steps and measures at law against operators failing to honour their obligations.

A statement yesterday confirmed that the majority of the sludge was attributable to the tuna farming industry. This was the conclusion of an investigation carried out by the fisheries department and the ERA.

According to the government statement, fish farm operators identified as not having taken the necessary measures to mitigate the release of oil and other waste have been ordered not to feed the fish until they have rectified the situation.

A federation representing a number of those operators has committed to ensuring that the measures are implemented, the statement continues.

Minister Herrera, while noting the agreement reached between the operators, said that all permit conditions had to be respected and that failure to do so was unacceptable.