Malta Sea Rangers Intervene As Vessel Blasts Music In Protected Zone

The Malta Sea Ranger Unit had to intervene in the St Paul’s Island zone after a commercial vessel was caught blasting loud music in a protected zone.

‘Around our island there are LIFE Garnija project zones to protect nesting Shearwaters, a protected sea bird species’, the rangers explained.

‘Inside these areas there are different regulations depending on which site in terms of navigation, however two rules are ALWAYS the same: no music, only compulsory sounds, and only compulsory vessel lights.’

‘Yesterday a commercial vessel, who should know better, anchored outside St Paul's island within this protection zone and started to blast music with full volume.’

‘Several other skippers in the area had also tried to contact the vessel over VHS and mobile to inform them, without results. The music was too loud for the captain to hear.’

‘The vessel was then finally reached over VHS and they left the area. This is one of many cases we have where the captains of commercial vessels aren't following the laws.’

‘Having loud music on a commercial vessel is not allowed for this very reason: the captain can't hear the VHF radio! We wish to thank TM and AFM who both understood the importance of this case. At the moment there are protected Shearwater birds nesting in the protection areas.’

#MaltaDaily