MHRA pushes for fish farm slime solution

Following a number of reports over the past weeks of patches of slime along various portions of the coast, the Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association (MHRA) yesterday held a meeting with the Federation of Maltese Aquaculture Producers (FMAP) in order to discuss the matter.

The MHRA said that the association felt that it would be more appropriate to discuss such a matter directly with those involved with a view to resolving the matter as soon as possible.

MHRA President Tony Zahra stated that the aquaculture industry is “an important economic sector in Malta however any activity emanating from such operations must not leave a negative impact on the tourism sector and more significantly the surrounding environment.”

The FMAP stressed that they are currently monitoring the situation closely and are looking to get to the bottom of what is causing the slime, as well as what can be done in order to prevent it. Moreover, the federation said that it understands the need to work closely with all stakeholders as well as the authorities to ensure cleaner seas through self-regulation and participation in corporate social responsibility projects.

A number of bathers have reported encountering a slime, which stinks and is also very difficult to wash off with some saying that it completely ruined what would have otherwise been a lovely day at the beach. 

Earlier this year The European Environment Agency, in its annual European bathing water quality report, stated that the vast majority of Maltese beaches were of excellent quality however it remains to be seen whether the same results will be obtained if this problem is not solved.