Rangers launch seaborne unit to tackle maritime illegalities
There has been a spike in reports of illegal activity on the seas
The Malta Ranger Unit has announced it is launching a dedicated branch to help tackle what it calls an increasing number of reports on maritime illegalities.
Announcing the new branch on its Facebook page on Monday, the MRU said the Malta Sea Ranger Unit will be trained to deal more efficiently with specific reports.
“The long-term goal is to employ sea rangers with the MSRU to work at sea,” the NGO said.
Speaking to Times of Malta, a spokesperson for the MRU said the decision was motivated by a large spike in reports of illegal activity on the seas.
“The biggest issues are boats illegally passing through conservation areas and wreck sites, illegal fishing, especially night-time spearfishing, the placing of nets in harbours and bays, and noise pollution coming from boats. There is currently some enforcement but it’s limited,” they said.
The spokesperson said the MSRU would collaborate mainly with the Environment and Resource Authority, Transport Malta and the Armed Forces.
The group also appealed for volunteers, especially those holding boating and diving qualifications.
The MRU, which was set up as an NGO in 2023 to look out for environmental crimes, receives around 3,000 reports a year, with around three-quarters of reports confirmed as breaches of the law.
While the group’s spokesperson said it has been a busy year so far, more and more people were becoming environmentally conscious.
“Many people get in touch with us asking for advice before going out in nature,” they said, while encouraging the public to donate to the NGO.