It Is Now Illegal To Collect Sea Urchins In Malta

Jul 7 2023

In a groundbreaking move to protect the fragile balance of the marine ecosystem, the Maltese government has launched a bold initiative aimed at increasing the population of sea urchins. These spiky creatures play a crucial role in ensuring the survival of 18 different fish species, making their conservation a matter of utmost importance.

Starting from today, a two-year moratorium on sea urchin collection will be imposed, signalling a significant step towards their protection. The government’s comprehensive plan consists of two joint initiatives designed to replenish the dwindling population of sea urchins and safeguard their existence for generations to come.

The first initiative, led by the Department of Aquaculture, focuses on a restocking program. Under this program, sea urchins will be cultivated and carefully released into the seas to bolster their population. By increasing their numbers, the government aims to counteract the negative impact of invasive alien species, which thrive in the absence of sea urchins and disrupt the delicate marine ecosystems.

Simultaneously, a new Legal Notice takes effect today, making the collection of sea urchins illegal during the two-year moratorium. Those found in violation of this law will face penalties. It is important to note that the importation of sea urchins is not prohibited, but restaurants and fish importers must maintain proper documentation to verify the origin of the catch in case of inspections.

To showcase their commitment to this vital cause, Minister for the Environment, Energy, and Enterprise, Miriam Dalli, and Parliamentary Secretary for Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Animal Rights, Alicia Bugeja Said, visited the sea urchin cultivation site at Fort Sant Lucian. This visit emphasized the government’s dedication to protecting the species and preserving the marine environment.

The sea urchin cultivation plan aligns with Malta’s Multiannual National Plan for Sustainable Aquaculture (2022-2030), highlighting the importance of diversification within the aquaculture industry. The implementation strategy comprises several crucial steps, including ensuring optimal reproductive health for sea urchins held in captivity and conducting detailed studies on their nutrition and DNA analysis.

Minister Miriam Dalli highlighted a comprehensive study commissioned by the Environmental and Resources Authority, which revealed the alarming decline of sea urchin populations in Maltese waters, putting them at risk of extinction. She stressed the urgent need for this conservation measure to reverse the declining trend and ensure a sustainable population by the end of the moratorium.

Parliamentary Secretary Alicia Bugeja Said further explained the meticulous process of collecting sea urchins from Maltese waters for restocking purposes. These sea urchins are then released back into their natural habitat to maintain the delicate balance of the ecosystem. The labs at Fort Saint Lucian have been equipped with optimal conditions, including temperature and lighting, to prevent any stress during the process.

PhotoSource: Kindel Media

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61 Contraventions Issued As Transport Malta Cracks Down on Road Safety

Jul 7 2023

In pursuit of road safety, Transport Malta has unleashed a crackdown on traffic violations and the latest operation took place in San Pawl il-Baħar.

During these inspections, a staggering total of 228 vehicles were subjected to scrutiny, with the majority of them being Y-plate vehicles, accounting for a whopping 201. With no room for leniency, authorities meticulously scoured each vehicle, determined to uncover any breaches of traffic regulations.

The results were astounding, as 61 contraventions were issued to errant drivers.

To complement their stringent enforcement efforts, Transport Malta has also launched an educational campaign aimed at raising awareness about traffic regulations.

The repercussions of these inspections were not limited to mere penalties, as three vehicles were seized in the process.

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Cockroach or Divine Vision? Viral Photo Sparks Heated Debate!

Jul 7 2023

In a bizarre turn of events, the unlikeliest of creatures has become the center of a heated debate: the cockroach! Renowned exterminator and self-proclaimed cockroach enthusiast, Arnold Sciberras, took to Facebook to share his thoughts on these creepy crawlies, but little did he know that his post would ignite a firestorm of controversy.

Sciberras, known as “The Exterminator,” is no stranger to dealing with these notorious insects. In his Facebook status, he unabashedly expressed his love for the critters, with a quirky twist that only he could muster. “Cockroaches, who loves them right? (apart from me :)),” he wrote. While his affection for these pests may raise some eyebrows, it was his subsequent statements that truly captured the public’s attention.

With temperatures soaring, Sciberras claimed that discussions about cockroaches had reached a fever pitch. He lamented how exaggerated stories about these tiny creatures were only further bolstering their reputation as monstrous villains with sinister agendas. But it was one particular incident that sucked him into a sweet debate, one that piqued his naturalist curiosity.

According to Sciberras, a local photographer named Jonathan Frank captured a remarkable image near St. Paul Bay Church. It featured a freshly moulted adult American cockroach, its light-coloured exoskeleton shimmering under a unique combination of lighting and lens reflections. The resulting image, Sciberras claimed, bore an uncanny resemblance to a woman riding on the wings of the insect.

This discovery sparked widespread curiosity and intense debate, with some enthusiasts insisting that the image was none other than a divine apparition of the religious Virgin Mary herself. But Sciberras, ever the naturalist, was quick to dismiss such claims. While he acknowledged the special circumstances surrounding the photo, he maintained that it was merely a fascinating coincidence, a product of nature’s quirky sense of humor.

In his defense, Sciberras highlighted the fact that numerous insects display peculiar shapes and features that resemble human faces or even other animals. It seems Mother Nature loves to play tricks on us, leaving us astonished by the fascinating world of insects.

As the debate rages on, believers and skeptics clash in a battle of interpretations. Is it truly a divine message or just a whimsical play of light and shadows?

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9 out of every 10 people think corruption is widespread in Malta

Jul 7 2023

In a bombshell revelation, a recent survey has exposed the shocking reality of corruption plaguing European nations in 2023. Startling statistics have emerged, indicating that a significant portion of Europeans find corruption to be an acceptable practice, while an overwhelming majority believes their countries are riddled with this insidious menace.

92% of people in Malta believe that corruption is widespread across the entire nation whilst the EU average stands at 70%.

The survey, conducted across several European Union member states, reveals a disconcerting truth: 64% of Europeans unequivocally deem corruption to be unacceptable. However, a concerning 27% of respondents see nothing wrong with offering gifts or doing favours to secure favours from public administrations or services. Even more alarming, 16% of those surveyed find it acceptable to provide monetary bribes for the same purpose.

The widespread perception of corruption’s prevalence is deeply distressing, as a staggering seven out of ten respondents believe their respective countries are plagued by this societal scourge. Furthermore, a shocking 74% of participants suspect corruption to be deeply entrenched within their national public institutions, while an equally concerning 73% perceive corruption to infest local or regional public entities.

The survey sheds light on the worrisome nexus between business and politics, with a resounding 78% of participants agreeing that close ties between these realms foster corruption. Additionally, 60% believe that corruption is deeply ingrained in their country’s business culture, painting a bleak picture of the ethical landscape. To make matters worse, 57% concur that political connections are the only pathway to success in their nation’s business sector.

Perhaps one of the most distressing revelations is the lack of knowledge and resources available to combat corruption effectively. Astonishingly, 54% of respondents confessed to being oblivious about where to report incidents of corruption. However, there were notable exceptions, with participants from Malta (63%) and Slovenia (62%) exhibiting a higher awareness of the reporting channels. Conversely, citizens from Poland (32%) and Hungary (33%) were least knowledgeable about reporting mechanisms.

The survey unearths disheartening reasons behind the reluctance to report corruption. Approximately 47% of respondents cite the difficulty in proving corruption as a significant hindrance, deterring them from speaking out. Three in ten participants express disillusionment, believing that reporting corruption would be futile, as those responsible are unlikely to face consequences. Furthermore, almost as many (28%) express concern about the lack of protection for whistleblowers, creating an environment of fear and impunity.

Regrettably, citizens exhibit a pervasive pessimism about their governments’ efforts to combat corruption. A mere 35% believe that anti-corruption measures are impartially implemented without ulterior motives. Additionally, only 32% feel that successful prosecutions occur frequently enough to deter corrupt practices. An alarming 30% express doubts regarding their national government’s effectiveness in combating corruption. The survey also highlights citizens’ concerns about the transparency and supervision of political party financing, with a mere 29% believing that sufficient oversight exists in their countries.

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