Sea slime is usually attributed to fish farms on the island and was spotted in bays surrounding Sliema, St Julian’s and Pembroke over the weekend.

Caused usually by the feed given to the fish, slime has been a regular feature in Malta’s waters despite attempts to curb it. 

Recently, the Malta Federation for Aquaculture Producers told the Times of Malta that the slime “formed following mixing with other substances present in coastal waters including fuel oils and other chemicals present in the seawater”.

However, it suggested that it was the fault of fishermen illegally catching tuna and then dumping it back into the sea. Still, there are claims that fish farms were feeding despite ERA’s warnings not to given the currents. 

On 6th August, Lovin Malta reported how a Maltese swimmer who was recently enjoying a swim in Marsaskala emerged from the water with his skin covered in a grey, oily and sticky material, believed to be slime from fish farms.

What do you think of the issue?