Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1065920
4 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 23 DECEMBER 2018 JAMES DEBONO FISHERMEN fearing that land reclamation plans may have a direct impact on their liveli- hood have expressed disap- pointment at not being con- sulted by the government on its plans. James Grixti, the secretary of the National Fisheries Co- operative, warned of a "major socio-economic catastrophe" if land reclamation is carried out in the sites identified by the En- vironment and Resources Au- thority's experts in a memo to board members, published by MaltaToday last Sunday. The map, which identifies a long stretch of coastline be- tween Xghajra and Portomaso for large-scale land reclamation and a number of other sites along Malta's northern coast- line – including Qalet Marku in Bahar ic-Caghaq for smaller projects – was described as "in- dicative" and a "starting point" for other studies by ERA's di- rector for the environment Michelle Piccinino, who insists that ERA's main aim is to ex- clude the most environmen- tally sensitive areas. But Grixti expressed his dis- appointment at having been kept in the dark about the site selection exercise for land rec- lamation. "It a shame that we only learned of the proposed sites from the media… As a major stakeholder represent- ing 90% of Maltese and Gozitan fishermen we expect to be con- sulted." Grixti, who spoke to Malta- Today on his own personal ca- pacity as the matter still has to be discussed internally by the cooperative, insists that fisher- men have a lot to contribute to the debate on land reclamation. "While not against any form of land reclamation, I am sceptical on the sites identified by ERA so far. If the land indicated on the maps gets reclaimed, we will assist to a socio-economic catastrophe," Grixti claimed, fearing a massive loss of fishing grounds for the industry. "Fishermen can contribute to the site selection due to their knowledge of barren ar- eas, which may be ideal for this purpose," Grixti said, lament- ing the lack of appreciation of marine ecology in the way the debate is taking place on land reclamation. "As fishermen we are aware that under the sea there is a diverse environment consist- ing of valleys, hills and plains, which has its own forests in the form of posidonia meadows which contribute to the regen- eration of the sea…" He compares throwing rubble into the sea to levelling valleys on land. "The only difference between levelling a terrestrial valley with rubble and throwing rub- ble in the sea, is that one is vis- ible and the other is not. But if the sea were to evaporate, peo- ple would see that the impact is exactly the same." His other concern is on the impact on the livelihood of fishermen. "We are already squeezed into narrower fishing grounds thanks to oil bunkering, tuna pens and other coastal ac- tivities, let alone having more of the coastal areas rendered inaccessible." Gritxi fears that land reclama- tion could impact on many ar- tisanal fishing activities, which occur in shallow waters within 30 metres of the coastline. This includes fishing with trammel nets (parit). Fish caught with this type of net include red mullets and octopus. Grixti expressed concern that some of the sites included in the ERA's site selection exercise are located in or very close to ma- rine protection areas. The Qa- let Marku site, which is identi- fied for small or medium-sized projects, is definitely located in a marine protection area. Ac- cording to the memo, development in this area may include " b r e a k w a t e r s , marinas, touris- tic development, creation of natu- ral habitats." So that would mean the coastline of Bu- gibba and St Paul's Bay being identified for small projects. Grixti fears that small-scale land reclamation could eventu- ally lead to larger-scale recla- mation. The Marsalforn harbour was also identified for medium- scale reclamation and the much larger zone between Xghajra and Portomaso, identified for large-scale reclamation are both located in the immediate vicinity of the marine protec- tion area stretching from St Julian's to northern Gozo. Posi- donia meadows are also found in Sliema and St Julian's, even if these are just outside the ma- rine protection area. In an interview with Malta- Today, ERA director Michelle Piccinino claimed that while the entire stretch of southern coastline had to be excluded due to the nature of the terrain, the "whole area between Mar- saxlokk and the north of Gozo" was more suitable for land rec- lamation. But when asked about the sites designated in the ERA presentation, she insisted that these are only indicative and more studies will be required. "Some areas deemed suitable for reclamation may include protected habitats… these ar- eas need to be further analysed while noting that marine habi- tats may also experience chang- es over time." jdebono@mediatoday.com.mt NEWS era.org.mt Environment & Resources Authority Hexagon House, Spencer Hill, Marsa. The Authority would like to no fy its clients and the public that its offices will be closed from the 22nd December 2018 un l the 1st January 2019, both days included. Documents may s ll be submi ed during the shutdown period and acknowledgements will be mailed out a er the 2nd January 2019. The Authority will s ll be rendering the following services from its offices at Hexagon House, Spencer Hill, Marsa during its shutdown: CITES Office: Monday 24th December, Thursday 27th December and Monday 31st December 2018 from 10am un l 12 noon. In case of perishable goods, live specimens, pharmaceu cals and customs inspec ons applicants can call 24 hours in advance on 2292 3500 and select Op on 1. Clearances for emergency movements of animals and plants, including from the EU: Clients are to inform on phone number 22923500 and select Op on 2, and to email relevant transport details on ceu.nature@era.org.mt well in advance, including: flight/ vessel number and departure point; place and me of landing; and importer's details. Applica ons for Waste Carriers: Monday 24th December, Thursday 27th December 2018 and Monday 31st December from 9am un l 12 noon Payments for Annex VII/ CITES: Monday 24th December, Thursday 27th December 2018 and Monday 31st December from 9am un l 12 noon Waste Shipments (Movement only): Monday 24th December, Thursday 27th December and Monday 31st December 2018 from 08:30am un l 12 noon The Authority can be contacted for emergency cases on telephone number: 22923500 and select Op on 2, between 6 am and 11 pm throughout this period except for Christmas and New Year's Day. The Chairman, Board Members, Management and Staff at the Environment and Resources Authority wish everyone a Peaceful Christmas and a Prosperous New Year Fisherman warns of major catastrophe from land reclamation "We are already squeezed into narrower fishing grounds thanks to oil bunkering, tuna pens and other coastal activities, let alone having more of the coastal areas rendered inaccessible" James Grixti, secretary of the National Fisheries Cooperative