The environmental watchdog confirmed it is fining a tuna farm in connection with the sea slime that has plagued Malta’s coast over the past few weeks.
The Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) told Times of Malta it is still in the process of taking action and calculating the administrative fine. It did not specify the kind of infringement either.
This follows weeks of oily residue being seen along the coast from Mellieħa to Sliema.
ERA added that environmental permit conditions require all fish farm operators to put in place proper measures to prevent slime from escaping. They should also have contingency plans to deal with slime if it does leak from the cages.
“These measures are required because slime discharge during feeding is common across the industry,” ERA said.
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The Fisheries Ministry responded to questions on Wednesday, following weeks of silence.
“Government urges the industry to remain committed and to continue investing in long-term solutions to eliminate this problem.” It said it is in everyone’s interest that the sector operates sustainably and responsibly.
The ministry said it is responsible for licensing aquaculture operations in compliance with environmental laws and regulations, but it did not address the question of whether tuna farms had breached these regulations.
Slime discharge during feeding is common across the industry- Environment and Resources Authority
To confirm the source of the slime, Times of Malta recently visited a tuna farm between Malta and Gozo, on fisher Martin Bugelli’s boat, and observed two workers attempting to contain it.
Bugelli said the slime is a result of poor feeding practices as tuna farm operators are throwing the bait feed in open water before draining them of oil.
Shortly after, fish farm operators took responsibility and apologised for the discharge.
However, when slime returned to Sliema’s shores last week, an aquaculture industry representative blamed storm run-off.
The problem of sea slime has now persisted for several years.