Update 6.48pm - Added FMAP statement

Fish farm operators have vehemently denied any responsibility for large patches of slime reported today in Qawra and St Julian's.

Photos sent to Times of Malta showed swathes of slime along Malta's northern coast, with readers reporting a foul smell emanating from the patches. Slime was reported by Qawra at around 12.30pm and St Julian's at 4pm. 

In a statement issued by the Federation of Maltese Aquaculture Producers, operators said the most likely cause were "natural processes caused by the seabed being churned up", much like had happened during a storm that hit Malta in late October

In that case, studies of the slime that had followed the storm had shown "without a doubt" that the foams were the result of natural processes and not fish farms, the FMAP said. 

The FMAP said it "categorically denied" any responsibility for today's slime, said it had reported the incident to authorities and would be collecting samples for further investigation.

"The sea is full of living organisms and it is wrong to categorise every natural phenomenon that we encounter as being caused by the fish farms," the lobby group said in its statement.

Fish farm operators made headlines over the summer as complaints mounted over increasing reports of foul-smelling, sticky slime reaching local shores. 

As complaints mounted, the Planning Authority announced that it would be revoking cage permits belonging to four operators, requiring them to move to a different location further offshore.

Slime also made an appearance in the sea between St Julian's and Sliema.Slime also made an appearance in the sea between St Julian's and Sliema.

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