Momentum warns Malta cannot keep tolerating marine pollution

Momentum insisted that Malta cannot continue tolerating marine pollution, including recurring sewage discharges and drainage overflows into coastal waters, stressing that the sea is one of the country’s most valuable assets.

In a statement issued on Monday, Momentum called on the government to place ocean protection at the top of the national agenda through greater investment in scientific research, including the study of marine habitats and biodiversity, as well as long-term ecosystem health.

Momentum noted Malta’s fundamental relationship with the ocean as an island, explaining that the economy, food security, water supply, tourism, and quality of life are all dependent on healthy marine ecosystems. 

Committee Member of Momentum Graziella Spiteri pointed out that year after year, Malta’s seas continue to face significant pressures as the country’s population grows and economic activity expands while efforts to protect the marine environment do not grow in response.

Momentum highlighted the serious environmental risks posed by maritime accidents in Maltese waters, pointing to recent incidents in the central Mediterranean, including the Arctic Metagaz case, in which a damaged LNG tanker was left drifting near Malta for weeks.

The party said the incident showed how quickly a crisis at sea can escalate into an environmental emergency requiring international coordination and response.

Momentum also addressed proposals to strengthen Malta’s role as a maritime hub, including large-scale fuel storage and bunkering operations.

The party said such proposals must be matched with strong safeguards, continuous monitoring and adequate emergency response capacity, warning that a single major incident could have devastating consequences for marine ecosystems, coastal communities, fisheries and the tourism sector.

Spiteri said that Malta should set targets to achieve United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14, which aims to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources for sustainable development. 

She explained this could be achieved by investing greater resources in marine research and development, including comprehensive mapping of Malta’s seabed, sustainable aquaculture, marine conservation technologies, and innovation that supports an economy which is compatible with environmental protection.

“The sea is not simply part of our landscape; it is part of our identity and our future,” Momentum concluded.