Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1533342
6 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 16 MARCH 2025 NEWS JAMES DEBONO jdebono@mediatoday.com.mt Offshore fish farm proposed 22km from Birzebbuga A proposal for Malta's first deep-water offshore fish farm, located 12 nautical miles (22 kilometres) off the south-eastern coast of the island, has been sub- mitted for consideration by the Environment and Resources Au- thority (ERA). The project is being proposed by Seaculture Ltd, which is owned by the Israel-based Dagat Hayam Holdings and two Maltese com- panies, Abalone Limited and Oc- tupine Limited, both owned by Pierre Balzan, whose Melita Ma- rine Group is involved in yachting and shipyard projects. Originally presented in a plan- ning application submitted three years ago, the project is now being outlined in more detail in a Pro- ject Description Statement (PDS) prepared by AIS Environment Ltd and is currently being screened by the Environment and Resources Authority, which must determine whether a full Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is nec- essary. The proposed fish farm, which utilises newly patented technology, will be located at the edge of Malta's territorial waters, in an area where depths range from 60 to 100 metres. The site, free from major infra- structure such as telecommuni- cations or power cables, ensures minimal disruption to existing marine traffic and resources. The fish farm is proposed outside the two designated fish farming zones, located about 6km from the shore- line, one in the north and one in the south of the island, where all other fish farms are located. Scale of the project The offshore platform will cover an area of 100 metres by 100 me- tres, with depths adjustable up to 70 metres. It will feature four sub- merged cages, each measuring 50 metres by 50 metres, to house the fish. With anchoring points placed 200 metres apart, the platform, in- cluding the anchors, will cover a total area of 90,000 square metres. The technology is based on a patent presented as a solution to rough sea conditions through the use of a flexible fish cage system designed for the open seas. As a re- sult, cages may be lowered during storms to avoid damage to the fish. The system consists of a series of aquaculture cages with vertical cavities designed to hold the col- umns of the platform. Additional infrastructure on the platform will include a helipad for staff transport, cranes for cage handling, and a reverse osmosis system for freshwater produc- tion. The project seeks to utilise advanced technology to address some of the ecological challenges typically associated with tradition- al fish farming. A multi-trophic system will be employed, where the upper cages will house fish, while the lower cages will accommodate bot- tom-feeding crustaceans. This design aims to reduce waste dis- charge into the surrounding ma- rine environment and improve the farm's overall efficiency. The facility is expected to pro- duce between 5,000 and 8,000 tonnes of fish annually, which will be sold to local and international markets. According to the PDS, the pro- posed innovative approach to fish farming is intended to help reduce food production shortages by supplying a growing world popu- lation with cost-efficient produc- tion processes. Furthermore, fish farms could also provide ingredi- ents required for the pharmaceu- tical and cosmetic industries. However, the species of fish to be raised at the facility have not yet been specified. The applicant has stated that the fish will vary based on seasonality and consumer de- mand, with fry purchased from foreign suppliers. This flexibility allows the farm to adjust to market needs, though it also means that the environ- mental assessments cannot fully account for the specific ecological impacts of each species. Impact on Natura 2000 site Concerns have been raised about potential environmental impacts due to the farm's location, which overlaps with a Natura 2000 site designated as a Special Protec- tion Area (SPA) for endangered seabird species, including Scopo- li's Shearwaters and the Europe- an Storm Petrel. These concerns include the risk of accidental by- catch, disruptions to seabirds, and the consequences of increased vessel traffic. To address these concerns, the project includes several mitiga- tion measures. If cetaceans are frequently observed near the site, acoustic deterrents will be em- ployed to prevent interactions. Vessel traffic will operate at re- duced speeds to minimise the risk of accidental collisions. In addition, steps have been taken to mitigate lighting impacts. Non-re- flective solar panels will be used, and strict lighting regulations will be enforced to prevent diso- rientation of nocturnal seabirds. A light management plan will be implemented, adjusting lighting patterns seasonally to account for migratory bird seasons. The platform will primarily be powered by solar panels, sup- plemented by hybrid generators (diesel and HVO) for emergency situations. The energy will be used for staff accommodation, includ- ing air conditioning and lighting, as well as to power the reverse os- mosis system that provides fresh water for the staff. The platform will be manned 24 hours a day, but no regular ac- tivities are anticipated after dark. Transport to and from the site will be managed via helicopters and vessels, though the frequency of trips remains undefined. Con- struction of the platform will take place offsite, with assembly and in- stallation at the proposed location. Environmental impacts One of the key environmental risks associated with fish farming is the accumulation of organic waste, such as fish faeces and ex- cess feed, which can disrupt eco- systems. However, the automated feeding system will reduce excess feed. Moreover, the inclusion of bottom-feeding crustaceans in the multi-trophic system is expected to mitigate this impact. These crustaceans will consume most of the uneaten fish feed, helping to maintain water quality and preserve seabed health. The farm is also designed to minimise physical damage from rough sea conditions. The cages can be ad- justed in depth during adverse weather to protect fish welfare and reduce stress or loss. Regular maintenance and inspections will be conducted, with major mainte- nance expected every eight years. Plans for Malta's first deep-water offshore fish farm include using detritus-eating crustaceans in lower cages to minimise marine pollution. However, the proposal does not specify which species of fish will be raised at the facility