FAA condemns the fact that for the last 20 years nothing has been done about the growing problems caused by the illegal proliferation of fish farms. Reports of the fish farms’ impact on seawater quality, choked seabeds in the vicinity of fish farms, as well as skin and other infections suffered by swimmers all went unheeded, including a scientific study identifying the problem and proposing possible solutions.
FAA expresses concern that while the Planning Authority made it clear that the way tuna fish farms are operating is totally unacceptable, the PA’s decision to grant the farms two-weeks to present a plan does not set out clear deadlines as to when the plan should be concluded and all illegalities removed. Neither did the PA impose the ‘polluter pays principle’ by specifying compensation for the recent slimy foam pollution or mention increased monitoring of the sector.
FAA challenges the fact that yet again, the authorities are using employment numbers as a pretext to drag its feet on enforcement. This is gives the clear message that the larger the industry, the more its abuse will be tolerated. If handled properly, aquaculture can provide a good source of food for human consumption, however it must be remembered that the sea belongs to everyone, and that fish farms must operate with respect for the public. FAA maintains that zero tolerance of abuse should be the Planning Authority’s priority both on land and at sea.
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