Offshore wind farms, oil drilling 'could impact marine ecosystem'

Plans for offshore wind farms and the drilling of oil at sea should take into consideration the possible impact on the marine ecosystem, including fish stock and threatened species, Bicref has warned.

As other viable means are available to obtain energy, Bicref, an environmental organisation, suggested that other renewable sources, such as solar energy, should be seriously considered before going for options that may not be environmentally sustainable.

After 10 years of assistance in ongoing marine conservation research around the Maltese coasts, it is clear that pollution and over-fishing are causing a drastic reduction in marine species' stocks and populations, it said.

Bicref demanded greater action on marine species protection, through management that took the increasing threats to such species into consideration. Monitoring and research had to be encouraged and supported to allow for sustainable use of natural resources.