Għajnsielem council objects to Noma Island operating near Comino

The Għajnsielem Local Council has formally objected to permits for Noma Island to operate in waters near Comino and the local coastline, calling the proposal incompatible with the area's protected status.

They said that Comino is a designated Natura 200 site and Special Area of Conservation, forming part of a highly sensitive ecological environment of national and European importance. "Any additional commercial activity within or around this protected zone risks causing irreparable damage to marine biodiversity," the council said in a statement on Monday.

The object comes as Noma Island, a 1,750-square-metre floating recreational platform marketed as 'Malta's fourth island', prepares to begin operating in Maltese waters. The vessel, designed as a motorised trimaran, can accommodate up to 350 guests across two decks housing a restaurant, a bar-lounge, and a freshwater swimming pool.

The council raised four specific concerns in its statement, pointing out the risk of damage to the Natura 2000 site, the proposal's conflict with national efforts to reduce over-commercialisation on Comino, the potential for increased marine litter, and noise from music and large-scale gatherings at sea.

Noma Island holds a Transport Malta vessel operator licence, stating that it can operate in authorised areas, depending on the weather, but only engages in static charters at anchor and cannot carry passengers underway. On the other hand, the Environment and Resources Authority said no environmental permit has been submitted, and a permit would only be needed if the vessel operates in a protected area or hosts more than 50 people.

Noma Island, formerly Canua Island, faced opposition before. It spent two years in France amid a major environmental dispute, with the government refusing permits in 2023 over marine concerns. Although a court ordered permits later, 21 local mayors resisted before the platform was sold and rebranded. Co-founder Tony Philp told Le Figaro in August 2025 that the platform was sold and moving to Malta, saying, "We were clearly not welcome here."

The Għajnsielem Local Council has called on the relevant authorities to refrain from issuing any further permits, or to retract existing ones, and to prioritise "the long-term protection, sustainability, and ecological integrity of Comino."

BirdLife Malta calls for Noma Island's immediate removal from Comino

BirdLife Malta has strongly condemned the presence of Noma Island near Comino, describing its placement near one of Malta's most ecologically sensitive and legally protected sites as reckless and irresponsible.

They pointed out that Comino is a Nature 2000 site surrounded by a Marine Protected Area, and is home to pelagic seabirds such as Yelkouan Shearwaters and Scopoli's Shearwaters, which depend on dark, quiet environments for breeding. The island also forms part of Malta’s dark heritage sites, where artificial lighting after sunset is restricted.

BirdLife warned that the platform would increase noise, artificial lighting, and marine traffic at an already-stressed site. Light pollution can disorient fledgling seabirds, leading to grounding, injury, or death, and noise can disrupt breeding and cause nest abandonment.

The organisation said that adding a high-capacity entertainment venue would worsen exploitation and damage Comino’s natural heritage. BirdLife Malta urged the Environment and Resources Authority to swiftly remove the platform and prevent such operations near Natura 2000 sites or sensitive areas.

They emphasised that protected areas must be respected and not treated as nominal designations, stating: “Comino is not for sale.”