The talk of niche tourism for Gozo being the best solution, especially when compared to mass tourism, seems to have been taken on board by all constituted bodies concerned. At least, the concept of having quality tourism compared to quantity makes economical and environmental sense for an island the size of Gozo.
The first step to take to protect this industry is to declare certain zones as marine protected areas- Franco Mercieca
At every occasion, the Ministry for Gozo boasts about the ever-flourishing diving industry that seems to be doing very well. However, the success of this relatively small industry is definitely not due to any special effort by the ministry. In fact, the diving industry in Gozo is thriving in spite of the Ministry of Gozo.
The beauty of our seabed cannot be credited to GonziPN or any previous Administrations.
However, its conservation is the remit of the present Government.
Faced with tough competition from neighbouring Mediterranean countries and those further afield, we have to act fast in order to strengthen this market, whose welfare has widespread consequences on the fragile tourism industry in Gozo.
The first step that one has to take to protect this industry is to declare certain zones as marine protected areas (MPAs). This would obviously imply that no fishing would be permitted in such areas and implementation would require the necessary initial enforcement.
By introducing this concept, we would definitely not be inventing the wheel, as thousands of MPAs have already been declared worldwide, especially in the Med.
MPAs are a win-win situation because it is not only divers that would benefit from a revitalised seabed but also fishermen. Indeed, it is well accepted that, after a few years, due to unhampered breeding of fish in such MPAs, fishermen would be able to increase their catch on the borders of such areas because there is no way of stopping the fish from their natural migration.
However, as things stand at the moment, the fishing trammel nets are allowed to be cast close to shore with the consequence that severe disruption is caused to the flora and fauna of the seabed.
Large fishing baskets are ever more numerous and, these being unregulated, they do not help with the conservation of the seabed. Apart from having an obvious ecological importance, the seabed also carries a commercial value for the diving industry.
I am told, having never ventured into the deep sea apart from doing some amateur snorkelling, that Dwejra used to be the home of a number of groupers, which are now almost extinct in the area. Also, the numerous cracks and crevices there should abound with lobsters and crayfish but, nowadays, these have become a rare sight.
Secondly, access to these diving sites is in a dire state. We all know this, because the roads in Gozo are in a disastrous state. Even though, in a few months’ time, the main thoroughfares will, hopefully, be fully open to the public, secondary roads have been left to deteriorate badly. One can only imagine the state of the slip roads leading to the dive sites.
The stretches leading to Wied il-Għasri, Xatt l-Aħmar and Ras il-Ħobż are in a disastrous condition They would never be considered as tracks by anybody’s standards. Fixing these roads is the least one can do to protect and strengthen this industry in Gozo.
Decent parking areas and safe passageways leading from the parking lot to the dive site are inexistent and, considering the heavy equipment one as to carry, this is an important basic need.
Thirdly, it is of utmost importance to have all the basic necessities at all dive sites. Public toilets and changing areas are a must. Recently, portable toilets were installed at some sites. This was a step in the right direction but still not enough to show we really care about this industry. Proper sturdy handrails and ladders are essential for safe entry and exit from the sea while, in certain areas, the installation of diving platforms would be a great help too.
Lastly, since sometimes divers gain access to their paradise from the comfort of a boat, the introduction of mooring buoys is of utmost importance. In this day and age, boats are still allowed to cast anchor wherever they please with the consequent damage to the posidonia and habitat of many species. Mooring buoys would obviously serve all pleasure boats.
Mġarr ix Xini is the prime breeding spot for seahorses around the Maltese islands and their fate is at risk day in day out.
Even Third World countries established certain measures to protect their seabed decades ago. The attitude of “we know better” and that “our market is assured” means that we are treading on dangerous ground and losing out to competitors.
A thriving diving industry would benefit not only the diving business but also hotel, farmhouse and restaurant owners and, indeed, the whole economy in Gozo. There is no room for apathy. Wake up, please.
Franco Mercieca is a Labour Party election candidate.