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Should fish farms be concentrated at Marsaskala?
To be frank, I think this issue is being over-worked; it would appear that there are people with hidden agendas who would want it that way.
Having an Aquaculture Zone between 6 and 8 kilometres offshore, after all, makes perfect logical and economic sense. The crux of the matter is not having another bathing area spoiled by a Tuna Penning Site, because there is no protest about a permit or license being issued for a new farm. It is an undeniable fact that the licenses have already been issued.
We are talking about a re-location of existing farms. This site will eventually house the Tuna Farms that are operating in the South of Malta. Eventually, there will be another one off Gozo, to house the ones situated in the North of Malta.
Since these Tuna Penning Sites have been in operation, many citizens and even local councils have been up in arms protesting in the local media regarding the negative impact upon the environment and the pollution that these farms are supposedly leaving. Photographs have been published indicating dead fish being washed ashore, and comments bandied about concerning the odour emanating from them.
I would have thought that these protestors would be glad to be rid of the farms, once and for all.
On the other hand, should the farm operators protest, that would be a totally different matter. Their concerns would be mainly financial, since they would have added expenses that would run into many tens of thousands of liri.
In addition, they would probably need more, larger boats and they would have to employ more personnel. The conditions of the necessary license are much stricter and restrictive out at sea than they are at present for those farms closer to the shore.
But, all things considered, everyone ought to be happier that through this move we shall be taking better care of the environment. If the seas around the pens are cleaner, the fish will be of better quality and this would be reflected in better export prices and demand.
It’s high time for one and all to grow up and say a resounding ‘well done’ to the government, for moving ahead with the times. Let us acknowledge that progress has been made in this section.
Now we should all look forward to having another Aquaculture Zone for the north of Malta in the least possible time.
Ivan Portanier is a spokesperson for the acquaculture industry
Before embarking on a project of whatever nature and magnitude and even before carrying out impact assessments, one has to consider the final objective and whether this fits into a vision for Marsaskala.
I presume that were I to apply to build the most beautiful of houses in the middle of St James Square, Zabbar, my application would be turned down because we want to preserve the village core concept. This is the status quo and it makes sense.
I staunchly adhere to the pro-South lobby. I was born in the South, live in the South and my heart is for the South. I stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the people of the South, in spite of being classed by others as ignorant second-class citizens.
The South has been neglected and whatever projects have been carried out have been imposed upon us and only served to destroy the environment we live in. The most obvious examples are the Birzebbugia Freeport, gas storage depot, the Marsaskala recycling plant and the Dockyard. Building extensions scheduled for Marsaskala will further contribute to the ugly urbanisation of this picturesque village. The little that was, as is being done, to embellish and regenerate the area pays little mind to any overall plan for the South. If there is one, this has never been laid on the table.
The fish farm and the recycling plan projects have been imposed against the wishes of Marsaskala residents, who have been treated in the most arrogant manner imaginable. We have been treated like imbeciles and only consulted when decisions had been made, as has now become the norm.
But this is all beside the point. What we have to decide first is how we perceive Marsaskala’s future: as a beautifully developed tourist zone or a mere dumping place? But the problem doesn’t end here. Marsaskala is only one village in the beautiful South, complete with history, archaeology, architecture, beautiful sea and beautiful scenery. These features are clamouring for development, but all they are getting is the cold shoulder.
Yes, I opt for a blue flag development of our South and its shores. I do not belong to the club which wants the destruction of this beautiful part of Malta. To hell with the recycling plants and fish farms. The South is a place meant to be enjoyed by its people, with an ancient tradition. So once again Marsaskala must be seen as a worthwhile tourist zone and be treated as such.
Josie Muscat is an independent councillor for Marsaskala
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