Operators in the aquaculture industry this morning committed themselves to resolve the sludge problems which plagued several beaches this summer and relocate further offshore before next season.

An investigation into fish farm pollution has been opened by the Environment Ministry followings 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 had never been confirmed, many blamed offshore fish farms for the pollution.

The government had said that while fish farming was an important industry, polluting the sea was "unacceptable".

The operators said this morning they were having discussions with stakeholders and authorities. They said they needed more space and all farms could not be in one place.

They also asked for the setting up of minimum standards for industry, including an exclusion zone around the farms.

They said the industry had been telling the government since 2005 that the existing site offshore in the south was not adequate but they were ignore.

“We are willing to overhaul the industry,” they said.

They also pointed out that there was a particular problem this year because of a different supply of feed.