Plans for 21 new yacht marinas and 4,800 berths

JJ MELI

Jul 30th 2009, 16:57

Save the total destruction of all marine life along the Marina between the Gzira Gardens to the Water Polo Aquatic Sports Club of Ta' Xbiex. In a report by Timothy Asplund of the University of Wisconsin, USA for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, compiled by the Bureau of Integrated Science Services , stated that “the effect of motorized watercraft on aquatic ecosystems.” This is not the fault of boat owners, but it a normal thing that does happen.

Now that this proposed site contains a large stretch of shallow sea bank, these “propellers may disturb the bottom directly or indirectly through the wash or turbulence they produce, and especially when or since they are very close to shallow water.” In his study he reports that “This may effect water clarity by increasing the amount of sediment particles in the water or may cause nutrients that are stored in the sediments, such as phosphorus, to become available for algal growth.”.

You can sign the Petition on line on against the “Proposed Temporary Yacht Marina at Ta' Xbiex”, so save the destruction of fish breeding along this coast road.
http://taxbiex.epetitions.net

Peter Gatt

May 26th 2009, 23:14

Minister Gatt, FORGET SLIEMA. This locality is already developed beyond its capacity, traffic and parking problems could not be worse and beyond the infrastructure can bear. Pollution levels are near and even beyond EU acceptable limits at times.

You ( I mean politicians) only see money, money, money….However this will not strengthen the economy, as what is being pumped in through this investment will eventually back fire and we shall be spending more in treating physical and mental illnesses attributed to the side effect of this so called “investment”.

Cogita ante salis (think before you leap!)

Adrian Bajada

May 21st 2009, 08:44

Adrian Bajada.
I've been hearing alot about these marinas and as an avid mariner i am all in favour of such marinas. Though one query. I have occupied a space at ta'xbiex for the past 5 years since i own a small boat which i moore at the said spot which is ear marked for development. I would like to hear comments on what will happen once these marinas are in place to my mooring. Being assigned a berth on the pontoons to be is fine by me as long as the fees charged are decent. As i am sure that all our interests will be taken care of, some info from the Maritime Authority on our future would certainly curtail speculation that is rampant as only hear say info is available to date.

Martin Zammit

May 2nd 2009, 12:53

What is the matter with these people? Are they mad? We need all the tourism we can get and the best they can come up with is to smother our shores with marinas? I sense an elitist attitude in the present Government and I think a change is overdue before Malta is turned into some horrible playground for the rich (they hope!)

Etienne Micallef

Apr 30th 2009, 10:27

I have some trouble in visualizing how Malta would look like if all 21 marinas were to be developed. What I find most absurd is the cost of losing yet more underwater cultural heritage, which is often not taken into consideration.

Case in point with this project is the threat to the unique wreck of X127 (more info at http://www.xlighter.org and http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/group.php?gid=22639560436) which lies in the shallow bank of where Mr Gatt is proposing a marina at the South of Manoel Island. The wreck of HMS Maori at Marsamxett is also at risk.

This just not to mention the damage which can be caused to the posidonia on the seabed. I hope though that we won't come to this as archaeological and environmental studies should point these out as a must to preserve.

Another risk lies with the cost to dive centres from the lost business to other prime scuba destinations, should these marinas take over present dive sites.

Economically, it's also dear for the country to maintain good sea quality for swimmers and bathers. I think EU regulations is tough on this issue.

jacqueline rotin

Apr 29th 2009, 22:44

Marsascala Bay is one of the few places left where people can swim in the southern part of the island. A yacht marina will unfortunately pollute the bay, making it unsuitable for swimming. Moreover, to offer protection to boats berthed in the bay, one would have to nearly 'close off' the bay. What impact would this have on sea life and the sea itself? Would we end up with a bay that stinks because of the lack of currents? Apart from that, will the presence of a marina raise the cost of living? How many people will actually benefit from the this development and who will these people be? Is it worth sacrificing a bay for a few people? How interesting will it be for tourists to find a yacht marina in each and every bay in this island? Finally, some may feel that this argument is far fetched, but it's worth thinking about. With regards to global warming, the EU is now talking about adaptation strategies (eu environment website). What will happen if we would need to create coastal defences because of rising sea levels, and our bays would be practically in the hands of the private sector?

J. Borg

Apr 29th 2009, 16:37

We're just killing the bays by parking these expensive crafts in sheltered berths.

Where are all the other tourists & Maltese to swim?
In swimming pools or polluted bays?

Can someone seriously and responsibly evaluate the overall net gains (if any) from these Marina against the factual loss of the pollution they generate!

Or are our politicians only good at launching projects and distributing the funds that are spent on them - and then sweep the negative repercussions under the carpet for future generations 9and governments) to solve?

Joe deBrincat

Apr 29th 2009, 15:41

How about Fomm ir-Rih, with a permanent break water and proper access to it, it is ideal for
a yacht marina.

Nicholas |Schembri

Apr 29th 2009, 15:16

I recommend we look at the industry in the meditteranean area and see the pros and cons.
We need to make educated opinions on such issues and not take sides whatever facts are given.
I still need to see which industry stands back even with work banging on its door. Let us go ahead in a balanced way.

Nyal Xuereb

Apr 29th 2009, 14:42

Hands off Xemxija, Veccia, SPB please. All we need is a better breakwater and organised moorings. Ms. Major, please take note.

G. Mizzi

Apr 29th 2009, 12:16

Is it absolutely necessary that we transform each and every bay on this island into an unsightly collection of masts? The photo above shows the destiny of the lovely bays earmarked for this so-called development.

GaleaL

Apr 29th 2009, 11:39

Leave Marsascala alone.
Don't ruin it with yachts pollution.
This is the only swimming beach apart from San Tumas Bay in the southern part of the Island, although they still get pollution from the fish farms when the wind blows landwards.
Stop destroying the Southern part of Malta.
I expect all the Southern Malta Local Councils to start gathering a petition to stop any marinas in Marsascala and San Tumas Bay and if need be take the matter to court and file a request for a warrant of prohibitory injunction to be issued to stop any development.

J Galea

Apr 29th 2009, 11:15

Obviously visitors in yachts are very welcome as they help sustain the local economy to some extent and also pay the charges for utilities that they use. However, is there any tax levied on such visitors, considering they add to the population on the island. Many countries have a hotel tax, etc. Is this a practice of the yachting industry as well, and if so, does Malta raise such taxes?