Marsascala residents, marine expert warn fast ferry works could destroy seagrass

A group of Marsascala residents and a marine biologist have raised concerns over dredging works linked to the Marsascala regeneration project, warning that these could threaten marine life.

On Saturday, the Marsascala Residents’ Network held a protest to voice strong opposition to the proposed fast ferry terminal and called for all planning applications to be suspended until comprehensive studies and genuine public consultation are conducted. 

The group also urged Transport Malta to stop issuing emergency permits until a holistic plan for the project is presented and explained in full detail to all residents.

The Network highlighted that dredging works could endanger seagrass meadows, as well as previously documented archaeological remains in the area. 

They also argued that the development would increase noise, traffic, and pollution, permanently altering one of the few remaining natural spaces in Marsascala.

Marine biologist Alan Deidun, who was not present at the protest, sent a statement read out at the event. He described dredging as a “highly disruptive and impactful activity on marine ecosystems,” noting that sediment plumes can smother seagrass and other sensitive species.

Deidun warned that this could be the “death knell” for fragmented pockets of Neptune seagrass (Posidonia oceanica meadows), as has occurred in other Maltese bays such as Marsaxlokk during the Freeport development.

He called for a full ecological survey and an Appropriate Assessment whenever Posidonia meadows are affected.

Health expert and activist John Paul Cauchi, speaking at the protest, echoed these concerns: “We are spending millions on a project that will destroy a swimming spot, pollute a relatively small bay, and kill the surrounding Posidonia oceanica."

A recent survey conducted by statistician Vincent Marmarà found that most respondents supported having a fast ferry, based on interviews with 600 residents. However, Marsascala resident Sandra Formosa questioned the validity of both the public consultation and the survey.

Resident Caroline Caruana told Times of Malta that she does not know anyone associated with the network who carried out this survey.

“We are demanding full transparency about the real intentions for Marsascala. What is the true purpose behind placing a fast ferry terminal inside our bay? This place belongs to us. And if anyone wants to change it forever, whoever they are, they will find us standing in their way,” she said.

Another resident, Jacqueline Rotin, questioned why a bay needs to be compromised just to reduce traffic by 30 cars per day.

Momentum's Arnold Cassola, who was also present, shared the same sentiment on Facebook: "Is it worth ruining a whole bay for swimmers and fishermen to get just a projected 30 cars off the road?"

The €18 million Marsascala regeneration project plans on embellishing 1.5 kilometres of the promenade – from the parish church to the abandoned Jerma Palace Hotel – as well as constructing a ferry terminal that will take passengers to Valletta.

Marsascala Residents' Network's initiative was endorsed by 13 NGOs: Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar; Din L-Art Helwa; BirdLife Malta; Ramblers’ Association of Malta; Nature Trust - FEE Malta; Friends Of the Earth Malta; Moviment Graffitti; Momentum; Il-Kollettiv; Azzjoni Tuna Artna Lura (ATAL); Sliema Residents Association; ResidentiBeltin; Għaqda Storja Kultura Birżebbuġa.