Petition No.: 86 Signatures: 3234
Fourteenth Legislature (2022 - 2026 )
Details - Online
Title
Save Our Sea - Stop the Floating Island Threat to Malta’s Commons
Date
03-03-2026
Date petition closes for signatures
03-05-2026
Creator of petition
BILLY JOE MC BEE
Grievance
We, the undersigned, as residents, parents, fishermen, divers and citizens who value Malta’s sea, express serious concern regarding the presence of a large commercial platform known as “Noma Island”, moored adjacent to the Valletta Cruise Port.
This installation represents a semi-permanent occupation of public maritime space and raises serious concerns regarding negative impacts on the marine environment, public tranquillity, and the fundamental principle that the sea remains a shared common good.
There is a real risk of damage to fragile ecosystems, including protected Posidonia oceanica meadows, as well as potential pollution from waste, fuel, and intensified maritime activity. Furthermore, the proposed operation is likely to result in noise pollution and significant disturbance to residents and wildlife.
To date, no adequate environmental assessment has been presented or published, nor is there transparency regarding permits, operators, or applicable regulatory conditions. This raises serious concerns of non-compliance with applicable environmental and planning laws, as well as the State’s obligations under Article 9 of the Constitution of Malta to safeguard the environment and national heritage.
Furthermore, this case risks creating a dangerous administrative precedent that may undermine regulatory control over the use of Malta’s territorial waters.
This installation represents a semi-permanent occupation of public maritime space and raises serious concerns regarding negative impacts on the marine environment, public tranquillity, and the fundamental principle that the sea remains a shared common good.
There is a real risk of damage to fragile ecosystems, including protected Posidonia oceanica meadows, as well as potential pollution from waste, fuel, and intensified maritime activity. Furthermore, the proposed operation is likely to result in noise pollution and significant disturbance to residents and wildlife.
To date, no adequate environmental assessment has been presented or published, nor is there transparency regarding permits, operators, or applicable regulatory conditions. This raises serious concerns of non-compliance with applicable environmental and planning laws, as well as the State’s obligations under Article 9 of the Constitution of Malta to safeguard the environment and national heritage.
Furthermore, this case risks creating a dangerous administrative precedent that may undermine regulatory control over the use of Malta’s territorial waters.
Wherefore I/we respectfully request the House of Representatives to
Order the immediate suspension of all operations related to the “Noma Island” installation pending full legal and environmental compliance;
Ensure full public disclosure of all permits, licences, approvals, and the identities of all operators and beneficiaries involved;
Require the carrying out and publication of independent Environmental and Noise Impact Assessments, including seabed and Posidonia oceanica surveys;
Ensure that a transparent and properly notified public consultation process is conducted prior to any authorisation being granted;
Safeguard Malta’s marine environment and public domain by enforcing all applicable national and European Union laws;
Ensure that no precedent is set which undermines the protection of Malta’s territorial waters as a common good.
Ensure full public disclosure of all permits, licences, approvals, and the identities of all operators and beneficiaries involved;
Require the carrying out and publication of independent Environmental and Noise Impact Assessments, including seabed and Posidonia oceanica surveys;
Ensure that a transparent and properly notified public consultation process is conducted prior to any authorisation being granted;
Safeguard Malta’s marine environment and public domain by enforcing all applicable national and European Union laws;
Ensure that no precedent is set which undermines the protection of Malta’s territorial waters as a common good.
Closing remarks
We reiterate that Malta’s seas and coastline form part of the national heritage and public domain, to be safeguarded for present and future generations. The proposed development raises serious concerns of environmental harm, loss of public amenity, and lack of transparency.
We therefore urge the competent authorities and the House of Representatives to act decisively, lawfully, and in the public interest, ensuring full compliance with national and European Union obligations.
Our sea is not for sale.
We therefore urge the competent authorities and the House of Representatives to act decisively, lawfully, and in the public interest, ensuring full compliance with national and European Union obligations.
Our sea is not for sale.