Balancing Sustainable Livelihoods and Conservation …
27
The inshore sites do not affect us at all. But our trawlers work on the other side (offshore)
so we will not be affected. But the ones that trawl for shrimp are affected. Numbers 3, 2 and
4 offshore may mainly affect us negatively as we do shrimp trawling there
(Professional Fishermen Association 4)
Divers usually appear more resilient to the proposed MPAs and in general are of
the opinion that alternative sites can be found.
Commercial fishers are not fishing coastal, the recreational fish coastal and create issues.
Site 1 is very good place for diving – nice caves, but is very prone to weather – it would be
good to be protected…if this is an exercise as before on putting these on a piece of paper it
will not change any of my livelihood at all. If it is enforced and diving not allowed – yes it
will affect my livelihood. Site 3 appears to have left out Xlendi And Mgar ix xini and both
have caves. The site that includes Fomm ir rih – is an inaccessible part of the island. Least
frequented- mostly cliff.
(Diving Club 1)
The stakeholders that are not dependent on the sea for their livelihood questioned
the idea of livelihood and the fact that we should be talking about quality of life at
this stage rather than livelihoods.
No real impact on livelihood but on our quality of life.
MPAs should not remain only on paper – there is also a great need for education.
(Dive Centre 1)
4.1.6 Suggestions for Improvement/Alternatives
A number of different suggestions or alternatives were proposed by the different
stakeholders. A common proposal was to install permanent moorings.
We need permanent moorings so as not to damage the seabed continuously. Ok it will destroy
one metre by one metre, but that is much better than having anchorings in different areas
daily destroying. Dripping anchors really destroys the seabed.
(NGO 1)
We swim over the posidonia – we do not damage it – anchoring damages it. We already
proposed fixed moorings to ERA. Divers do not want to come back because there are no fish.
(Dive Centre 4)
One Dive Centre mentioned the idea of permanent moorings but also a large
number of other proposals that aim to make the sea more sustainable.
There should be fixed moorings in special areas such as Mgarr ix-Xini and Comino Clear
signage indicating cave features, diver experience grade requirements, travelling lines &
potential environmental/personal danger spots Limitations to trammel nets in breeding
areas, appropriate mesh sizes outside of them - No fishing/no catch areas in clearly defined
strategic locations. Consider whether catch & release programs or artificial reef projects
could benefit the underwater environment. Educational campaigns for both local and visiting
divers Dedicated marine enforcement units covering both surface and underwater activities
with assistance of land based units & clear channels of communication with stakeholders.
(Dive Centre 1)
27
The inshore sites do not affect us at all. But our trawlers work on the other side (offshore)
so we will not be affected. But the ones that trawl for shrimp are affected. Numbers 3, 2 and
4 offshore may mainly affect us negatively as we do shrimp trawling there
(Professional Fishermen Association 4)
Divers usually appear more resilient to the proposed MPAs and in general are of
the opinion that alternative sites can be found.
Commercial fishers are not fishing coastal, the recreational fish coastal and create issues.
Site 1 is very good place for diving – nice caves, but is very prone to weather – it would be
good to be protected…if this is an exercise as before on putting these on a piece of paper it
will not change any of my livelihood at all. If it is enforced and diving not allowed – yes it
will affect my livelihood. Site 3 appears to have left out Xlendi And Mgar ix xini and both
have caves. The site that includes Fomm ir rih – is an inaccessible part of the island. Least
frequented- mostly cliff.
(Diving Club 1)
The stakeholders that are not dependent on the sea for their livelihood questioned
the idea of livelihood and the fact that we should be talking about quality of life at
this stage rather than livelihoods.
No real impact on livelihood but on our quality of life.
MPAs should not remain only on paper – there is also a great need for education.
(Dive Centre 1)
4.1.6 Suggestions for Improvement/Alternatives
A number of different suggestions or alternatives were proposed by the different
stakeholders. A common proposal was to install permanent moorings.
We need permanent moorings so as not to damage the seabed continuously. Ok it will destroy
one metre by one metre, but that is much better than having anchorings in different areas
daily destroying. Dripping anchors really destroys the seabed.
(NGO 1)
We swim over the posidonia – we do not damage it – anchoring damages it. We already
proposed fixed moorings to ERA. Divers do not want to come back because there are no fish.
(Dive Centre 4)
One Dive Centre mentioned the idea of permanent moorings but also a large
number of other proposals that aim to make the sea more sustainable.
There should be fixed moorings in special areas such as Mgarr ix-Xini and Comino Clear
signage indicating cave features, diver experience grade requirements, travelling lines &
potential environmental/personal danger spots Limitations to trammel nets in breeding
areas, appropriate mesh sizes outside of them - No fishing/no catch areas in clearly defined
strategic locations. Consider whether catch & release programs or artificial reef projects
could benefit the underwater environment. Educational campaigns for both local and visiting
divers Dedicated marine enforcement units covering both surface and underwater activities
with assistance of land based units & clear channels of communication with stakeholders.
(Dive Centre 1)