An investigation into fish farm pollution has been opened, the Environment Ministry and Fisheries parliamentary secretariat jointly announced this evening.

The investigation, which will be undertaken by the Aquaculture Department and Environment Resources Authority, follows reports of sea sludge at Marsascala as well as an admission by a fish farm owner that the industry was polluting local seas. 

Swimmers have reported widespread incidences of slimy runoff in various bays around Malta and Gozo over the past years. Although the slime's origin has never been confirmed, many blame offshore fish farms for the pollution. 

In a statement, the government said that while fish farming was an important industry, polluting the sea was "unacceptable". 

Both the Environment ministry and Fisheries parliamentary secretariat had already held separate meetings with the Fisheries and Aquaculture Department, Environment Resources Authority and Planning Authority, the statement said.

"Once they have taken stock of the situation, they will meet with fish farm operators, as well as other sectors which might be a potential source of this pollution, to find a lasting solution which doesn't compromise anyone making use of the coast," the statement read. 

 

 

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