Dive Master Plan

[malvizzu]

Excellent letter Silvio. Well done.

[freediver]

prosit silv nice letter and well said

[ggantno1]

Any reply yet?

[baghira]

I just got an acknowledgment.

[ggantno1]

Thanks silvio

[baghira]

Reply from MTA to my letter.


Mr. Silvio Grixti (Environmental health enforcement officer, diver and spear fisher)
9th February 2012

1        Litter is a major problem. The increase in CCTV cameras is commendable.
Reply - Noted.

2        Concern if all dive sites becoming protected zones since it would hinder spear fishing.  A balance between diving and spear fishing has to be found. Entry points used by divers are generally the same for spear fishers.

Reply - The Master Plan does not advocate that all dive sites become protected areas (although a number of dive sites are located in areas that are protected for biodiversity reasons under MEPA's SAC/N2000 designations).  As long as spear fishing is undertaken legally (i.e. without Scuba equipment - which is illegal) and it is properly regulated and controlled, there should be no problem to find a happy balance between diving and spear fishing.  Spear fishing on artificial reefs, however is not acceptable since the reefs have been scuttled for a specific purpose (i.e. as diving attractions) so any form of fishing on these sites should be prohibited. 



As regards the entry points, this is acknowledged, and the upgrading interventions suggested are for the benefit of all coastal users not just divers.

3         Were the studies driven by diving schools who have an economic interest and were the interviews conducted amongst local divers or just tourists?

Reply - The studies were not driven by  the diving schools.  The MTA commissioned an independent local consultancy firm to develop the Master Plan.  All studies were run by this company and interviews held with a variety of stakeholders.  The online questionnaire was available for all divers - responses received included dive schools, individual local divers, dive clubs and tourists.

4     Has any action been taken upon those who break the law?

Reply - The law is re gulated by entities responsible for the upkeep of law and good order.  Individuals are thus encouraged to report such breaches to the police.

5         Who is in charge of enforcement? Do they have the resources to carry out their duties?

Reply - Enforcement is the responsibility of different entities, depending on the issue at hand.  Enforcement needs to follow hand in hand with voluntary measures such as codes of practice.  Enforcement remains an issue, however, and it is hoped that through the implementation of the Master Plan and the formulation and implementation of zoning plans and management plans for specific sites, better enforcement will also materialize, especially through the presence of onsite managers for specific sites.

6       If the current laws are not being enforced, why make new ones?

Reply - The Master Plan is not advocating the introduction of new laws but the updating of the Notice to Mariners and the DNO

7         What is the impact of fish farming?

Reply -  It is not clear what the question is referring to.  Assuming that it refers to the impact of fish farming ion diving, this would depend on the distance of fish farms from dive sites, the type of the farm (i.e. Finfish or tuna penning), the operations undertaken on the farm (e.g. type of feed, size of fish, size of cages, etc).

8        Recreational fishermen should be given appropriate education.

Reply - Comment noted.  However we do believe that as with many other issues, sometimes it is an individual rather than a collective problem.  This applies to everyone and not just one category such as recreational fisherman who many times do support the industry and help a lot. 

9        The situation will become much worse if we take bad decisions now.

Reply - Agreed.

10        Some dive sites need proper attention both on land and underwater even due to the lack of Marine biodiversity, but a good, effective and respectful way must be found.

Reply - Comment noted.






Thanks and Regards,
Stephanie

[Breathless]

X nghamlu minghajrek Baghira... Prosit ta l iniziattiva habib.

[Gogo]

Hi All,

Two years back the Federation of Amateur Fishermen was contacted by ADI Consultants re the Diving Plan.

The plan included vast areas along the coast line and even off shore.
We gave our views and concern quite in line with Mr Silvio Grixti arguments. We also asked where areas are off shore, is any kind of fishing, such as trolling (rixa) prohibited? How are these areas marked and managed?
Along the shore is fishing prohibited all the year round ,day and night. What about squid gigging?
We suggested seasons and even different hours during the day.
At the time no definite regulations were at hand. Our suggestions were recorded but since then we were never again consulted.
When again faced recently with this issue The Federation decided to involve the Fisheries Department, after all even Professional Fishermen can suffer from this Master Plan.
I requested that this issue be brought up in the agenda of the Fisheries Board and unless something goes wrong this Diving Master Plan will be discussed with Authorities involved next week.

For sure next week on the 17th morning will be another hard day for me. Fingers crossed. I have to face odds.

In the evening I called the Federation committee meeting to report on the outcome of the Board meeting.

Similarly I will post here any relevant issues.

Gogo.

[baghira]

Thanks Gogo..
That's a good stand up...

[EmicMalta]

Thanks Gogo

[Gogo]

Today I attended the Fisheries Board and once again was disappointed. The only issue on the agenda was situation of GT measurements of vessels between 14 and 24 metres presented by two TM Officials.
It all summed up to a head to head discussion between cooperative representatives and TM officials. As usual further discussions in the future.

Nothing about the Master Diving Plan, Boat registration as MFC..... and other issues that are still pending.

Gogo

[baghira]

No wonder.......