Popular diving sites should be declared marine conservation areas so as to protect and preserve the underwater life that ultimately attracts tourists to explore our seas, according to a divers' association.
For the past few years, the Professional Diving Schools' Association has been lobbying the authorities to declare prime diving sites as marine conservation areas, association vice-secretary Brian Azzopardi said.
He argued that throughout the years uncontrolled fishing had led to the depletion of certain species. In the case of Dwejra, which is very popular with divers, the grouper and sea horse were most at risk, he said.
"Apart from conserving our marine biodiversity, we must keep in mind that diving is an important niche market for tourism. I've had tourists tell me they could not believe certain areas have not yet been declared conservation zones," he said.
Mr Azzopardi added that in 2006 the Malta Environment and Planning Authority gave the go-ahead to transform Dwejra into a marine park but nothing happened after that.
Marine biologist and environmentalist Alan Deidun said the 1991 Structure Plan had identified 14 sites to be declared marine conservation areas. But, since then, only Rdum Majjiesa (near Fomm Ir-Riħ) and a small part of Dwejra had.
Asked to point out a few areas that deserved to be conserved, he mentioned Ċirkewwa, Comino, Delimara and Żurrieq. He said Malta was bound by EU directives to protect marine biodiversity.
Like Mr Azzopardi, Dr Deidun agreed that once marine conservation areas were in place they had to be followed up with proper enforcement.
Last year, a law was enacted to stop fishing taking place above wrecks as these sunken ships are a breeding ground for biodiversity. But, Mr Azzopardi said, the enforcement was inadequate.
Antonio Anastasi, who has been diving for 30 years, said divers often spotted illegal nets. Speaking about Ċirkewwa, he said the area offered a rich diving experience and ought to be protected.
"It's useless to protect it and then not have enough people to ensure there is no abuse," he said.
Questions sent to Mepa, regarding plans to increase conservation zones, remained unanswered by the time of writing.