Friends of the Earth Malta together Nature Trust FEE and along with the eNGOs listed below strongly condemns the proposal to introduce the floating entertainment barge NOMA or indeed any similar entertainment platform, and support the call of concern from various Mayors including Għajnsielem mayor, whose remit includes Comino. This barge which was rejected by France could now threaten our coastal zone with noise and light pollution. This will not only impact the quality of lives of people in the area, but will also severely affect the marine and coastal environment. Such an operation at sea will also increase littering, water pollution from sewage , air pollution from electricity generation, sea-bed damage caused by anchoring, and interfere with marine life migration of sea turtles, pelagic sea-birds and marine mammals. Recent years of successful turtle nesting, would be annihilated by such entertainment ventures. Any attempts to relegate this barge to Comino which is a Natura 2000 protected site, are highly objectionable. 

eNGOs urge the relevant authorities to prioritise environmental protection and the public interest over short-term commercial gain. Malta’s marine environment is already under severe strain from overdevelopment and cumulative coastal pressures. Malta’s natural heritage is not an unlimited resource to be continuously exploited. Our coasts and seas are the country’s last remaining shared natural spaces. They must be safeguarded — for biodiversity, for the well-being of society and for our future generations.

In the meantime a Parliamentary petition is being circulated and the public  is being encouraged to send its objection.