No trace of dangerous marine growth

No trace of the marine growth known as Caulerpa Taxifolia were found in a recent search for it, commissioned by Labour MP Noel Farrugia, the Federation of Water Activities said.

Caulerpa Taxifolia destroys marine life wherever it spreads and is now infesting large areas of the Mediterranean.

After several requests from Maltese fishermen who did not want to see their fishing grounds depleted of fish, Mr Farrugia commissioned a search which was carried out by the Federation of Water Activities, Rural Youths Malta, Kooperattiva Nazzjonali tas-Sajd and the Maltese-Thuringen Association for Rural Youth Cooperation.

Searches were carried out at Sikka l-Bajda, Comino Reef, Ponta l-Irqieqa (Comino) and Filfla (with the help of Atlam Subaqua Club).

No evidence of the existence of Caulerpa Taxifolia was seen but at Comino Reef and Ponta l-Irqieqa, vast stretches of reef were covered by the related marine growth known as Caulerpa Racimosa, which is growing over posidonia meadows and all other types of vegetation threatening to choke all types of vegetation in this area, the federation said.

It appealed to the government to take measures regarding this important issue.