The government announced the introduction of a levy of 10c per kilogramme of feed used in fish farms to address the industry’s environmental impact.

Briefing journalists before the Budget Speech, Finance Minister Edward Scicluna said the fish farming industry was felt to be a strain and it was also perceived as not giving its due.

The amount of feed used in fish farms has a negative environmental impact.

“For this reason, the government believes this sector must give a larger contribution in line with the polluter pays principle. Those who pollute must pay for it,” Prof. Scicluna said, although the polluter pays principle was not referred to in relation to any other industry. This principle is the commonly accepted practice that those who generate pollution should bear the costs of managing it to prevent damage to human health or the environment.

Times of Malta carried a number of reports on a white slimy pollution in Kalanka Bay, Delimara, occurring on a regular basis. But when authorities were asked whether the fish farms were to blame, the reply given was that the source was unknown.

Last month, this newspaper reported that a fish farm belonging to Malta Fish Farming Ltd in Marsaxlokk had increased the number of cages from five to 18 without permits.

Another fish farm located close by, belonging to Fish and Fish Ltd, also had cages that were not in their permitted location.