Update 01/12/2023 — After only two weeks, the below decision was reversed by authorities – read here for more information
Finally Transport Malta has updated the relative Notice to Mariners related to conservation areas around wrecks and now navigation by boats in these conservation zones is disallowed, except for anchoring for diving support vessels.
This change means that now, proper enforcement may be carried out and that constant trolling as experienced at Cirkewwa, Xatt l-Ahmar, Tug2 is disallowed and just passing is reportable as going against this notice to Mariners.
This change has come after years of calling out authorities for proper protection, and we are reliably informed in recent months, pressure has been made by several stakeholders to protect better our Marine Protected Areas and Marine Parks. Divinginfo.mt thanks all, (especially two particular individuals) who have been key to push for this change, but won’t name them here for their own safety… – we thanked them directly on your behalf too!
This change makes the sites safer, and may help resolve one of the constant safety issues that divers (both SCUBA and Freedivers) have encountered over the years, with boats passing just above wrecks and at speed, sometimes using marker buoys as chicanes!
It will be yet to be seen whether sufficient enforcement will be carried out of this Notice to Mariners, but if you do spot boats infracting this rule, please take videos & report to Transport Malta (info.tm@transport.gov.mt). If you pass it on to us as well (Via Facebook or Contact Us), we will ensure it gets passed on. Remember as well that the Malta Ranger Unit publishes a site displaying the conservation areas on the map and is happy to receive your reports too.
Later in the day, the Ċirkewwa Marine Park also posted the below post:
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