Why Was Malta Ranger Unit Excluded From Ċirkewwa Marine Park Management, Asks PN

The Nationalist Party has called on the Government and the Malta Tourism Authority (MTA) to explain why the Malta Ranger Unit (MRU) has been excluded from the new agreement governing the management of the Ċirkewwa Marine Park, despite what it described as the unit's successful work in protecting the area.

According to the Nationalist Party, the MRU had been carrying out regular monitoring of the marine park, reporting illegal activities to the Police and other authorities.

These included illegal night-time spearfishing, the unlawful placement of fishing nets and boats exceeding speed limits.

The party said the rangers' work had led to a significant reduction in serious illegal activity while contributing to an improvement in marine life at what it described as Malta's most popular shore-diving site.

The Nationalist Party argued that this represented not only an environmental success but also an investment in Malta's diving sector, which it said is an important tourism niche.

It added that the decision appeared to contradict recent statements by the Tourism Minister in Parliament identifying diving as a sector that should be strengthened as part of efforts to attract higher-quality tourism.

The party also highlighted concerns raised by the Professional Diving Schools Association (PDSA), which it said had not been consulted about the decision and remains unaware of who will be responsible for monitoring and protecting the site once the MRU's agreement expires at the beginning of September.

According to the Nationalist Party, the PDSA praised the MRU's work, saying the continuous presence of rangers had resulted in a visible improvement in underwater marine life.

The party said there is now uncertainty over whether this work will continue and who will be responsible for carrying it out.

The Nationalist Party maintained that protected areas require continuous monitoring, enforcement and collaboration with organisations that have practical experience on the ground.

It called on the Government to explain why the decision was taken, identify who will replace the MRU and outline how it intends to safeguard the progress made at the Ċirkewwa Marine Park.

The party also urged the Government to reassure the public that there was no undisclosed reason behind the decision, noting that the MRU operates on a voluntary basis with limited resources.

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