I read with interest the letters by Joseph Dimech (November 23) and Anthony Galea (November 19) in favour of Marsascala introducing a yacht marina and, on the other hand, the negative reaction by George Mizzi.

In this tit-for-tat situation I tend to disagree with the latter and opt for the pros instead of the cons of such marinas. Marsascala bay was earmarked to accommodate a marina by Mepa when plans were drawn up in the Southern Local Plan. Mr Mizzi's preoccupations could have been justified in the past but not with today's standards and strict regulations these advanced marinas are managed.

Our biggest threat comes from the heavy activity in ship bunkering just a few kilometres out at sea, not to mention the 9,000-square-metre aquaculture zone utilised for tuna fattening with its adverse effects already being experienced when strong easterly winds prevail, washing ashore decomposed chunks of smelly fish.

Unfortunately, Marsascala is no longer the quiet fishing village one portraits it to be, not with four- or five-storey high buildings cropping up everywhere. There used to be a handful of typical colourful Maltese dghajjes moored in Marsascala bay, which is now packed with boats of all shapes and sizes floating carelessly and disorderly, and washing liquid plastic containers used as buoys.

I am sure Mr Mizzi agrees with me that the quayside opposite St Anne's church is not a pretty sight, encumbered with shipwrecks on rusty trailers, transforming the prominent area into a shabby dockyard.

At present one cannot enjoy that pleasant family stroll along Triq ix-Xatt through Triq San Gorg, where one is likely to encounter some ill-mannered individual sandblasting or repairing boats with toxic fibre chemicals choking whoever is in the proximity.

As regards to fuel spillage it's the order of the day. Marsascala bay is a disgrace!

If we adopt the negative attitude of just criticising and condemning such marinas, the two main political parties might as well call it a day and drop their long-term visions on how to regenerate the Grand Harbour.

I appreciate Mr Mizzi's concerns and such people are welcome and indeed ought to be encouraged to contribute during any consultation meeting prior to the approval of the marinas. Mr Mizzi's daunting questions and others will, no doubt, be answered, such as on the construction of a breakwater and its consequences, the impact on the local marine ecology, whether any berths will be lost for the traditional boat owners or whether there could be more available if properly organised. Will it help boost financially our excellent restaurants and other businesses? Above all, will a marina enhance our degrading seaside resort.

In my overseas travels I came across some of these state-of-the art yacht marinas and, contrary to the fears expressed by Mr Mizzi, they complement the tranquillity and scenery of the locality. Truly, one wonders and marvels why there still are such taboos in Malta.