Updated 20:45 on 18/08/2026
An announcement posted yesterday on social media by the Malta Sea / Ranger Unit announced that the unit was informed by the Malta Tourism Authority and the Cirkewwa Marine Park that the management agreement with the Unit would not be continued.
Divers reacted with disbelief at this move by the Malta Tourism Authority and the Cirkewwa Marine Park literally days after the Management Plan was announced for the park which requires as part of it, for the protection of the area from illegal activities. This is something where the Rangers were well the primary persons who monitored and led to multiple enforcement actions which reduced the illegalities on site and resulted in a flourishing ecosystem!
In a reaction by the PDSA, which was not informed of this, it lauded the work done by the Malta Sea / Ranger Unit.
“As of today, active monitoring of the site has ceased, and the PDSA has yet to be informed how, and by whom, the area will be safeguarded going forward. We now await clarity from the Government and the relevant authorities on the way forward for Malta’s most valuable dive site.”
Full press release below:
Divers are encouraged to put up pressure and call for this decision to be reversed with immediate effect, and instead increase available resources and onsite safeguarding measures at this and other conservation areas!
You can also aid the Malta Ranger Unit by becoming a member of its community or support via Corporate Social Responsibility programs at https://www.rangers.mt/support/become-a-member
Nationalist Party, Malta Tourism Authority and Nature Trust FEE Malta Update 18/08/2026 at 20:45
Later in the media and Facebook posts, the Nationalist Party criticised the government on this decision, whilst the Malta Tourism Authority and Nature Trust FEE Malta (who carry out the day-to-day management of the marine park through an agreement with the MTA) responded later.
Malta Tourism Authority stated that Nature Trust FEE Malta would soon issue a call for dedicated rangers on site, whilst Nature Trust FEE Malta said that monitoring during daytime hours will be conducted in collaboration with the PDSA and that they have other arrangements for night time.
We have asked for contact details of responsible 24×7 contacts – like that formally provided by the Malta Ranger Unit – for reporting of illegalities.
NatureTrust – FEE Malta have replied that the emergency contacts are as follows:
Transport Malta Enforcement on +356 8007 3399 or WhatsApp on +356 9900 2663.
Police 119 (non urgent crime), if something urgent 112.
Site managers during working hours on site or on info@cirkewwamarinepark.mt
NatureTrust – FEE Malta reply