Coalition of 29 calls for 'immediate action' to protect Malta's dolphins
Businesses and environmental organisations warn repeated harassment by recreational vessels is threatening resident bottlenose dolphin population
A coalition of 29 companies and environmental organisations has urged the government to take "immediate action" against the ongoing harassment of bottlenose dolphins in Maltese waters.
In a letter to several ministers, the group warned that repeated disturbances by recreational sea users are threatening one of Malta's "most important" marine wildlife populations. They called for a legally binding code of conduct for interacting with cetaceans, reduced speed limits in areas dolphins frequent, and stronger enforcement, among other measures they want adopted "immediately."
The appeal follows years of documented incidents involving jet skis, speedboats and other recreational craft in areas where dolphins gather. Despite formal reports submitted since 2022, the entities said "no effective enforcement measures have been introduced."
According to EcoMarine Malta, research carried out through the DELFISHPAM project has confirmed that aquaculture areas are a critical daily feeding ground for a resident community of bottlenose dolphins — including adults, juveniles, calves and newborns.
"These dolphins are not simply passing through our waters — they form a resident community that depends on specific areas such as the Delimara fish farms for feeding and social activities," said EcoMarine founder Patrizia Patti. "When vessels repeatedly chase, surround or interrupt them, we are forcing them to alter their natural behaviour and expend energy unnecessarily. Over time, repeated disturbance can have serious implications for the wellbeing and survival of this population."
One of the most serious incidents occurred in April, when EcoMarine documented jet skis "deliberately pursuing" around 20 dolphins feeding near the fish farms. The jet skis "repeatedly chased and intercepted the animals and later behaved aggressively towards the research vessel after being asked to stop," EcoMarine said. The incident was formally reported, backed by video evidence.
The entities stressed that harassing dolphins is not just an animal welfare concern but a breach of national, European and international law — bottlenose dolphins are strictly protected under Maltese and international rules banning deliberate disturbance of protected marine species.
The letter also flagged a lack of enforcement, public education and clear guidance for sea users, proposing mandatory wildlife briefings for jet ski rental clients, compulsory marine conservation modules in nautical licensing, and a national reporting system for cetacean sightings and incidents. It called for greater public awareness and closer government collaboration with scientists, NGOs and the maritime sector to protect Malta's resident dolphin population.
The letter was sent to the Ministers for the Environment, Transport, Tourism and Fisheries, the parliamentary secretary for animal welfare, and the Commissioner for Animal Welfare.