Momentum calls for strong guarantees on sea enforcement before any licences for floating party venues

Momentum shares the concerns raised by the local councils of Sliema, Mellieha and Marsaxlokk regarding the arrival of the floating party platform marketed as “Noma Island”.

Local communities are right to question whether Malta’s authorities are capable of enforcing the rules that already exist at sea. Every summer, residents across coastal areas face almost daily disturbances from party boats that generate excessive noise late into the night. These become even more annoying when there is bad weather, and such party vessels move into the harbour areas, where the impact on nearby residents becomes even more direct.

The issue becomes more serious since the regular labour donors, Zammit Tabona, are now part of Noma’s ownership, and they intend to keep the boat off Comino, thereby destroying the island’s peace and beauty.

Arnold Cassola, leader of Momentum, said, “The deeper issue is the persistent lack of enforcement at sea during the summer months. Regulations mean little if they are not consistently enforced by the authorities responsible for maritime activity. The sea is a shared public space. It should not become an unregulated extension of the party industry at the expense of residents, coastal communities and the marine environment.

Momentum also notes that noise and light pollution from such vessels disturb sensitive marine environments. Party boats have frequently been reported operating close to protected coastal areas and Natura 2000 sites, disturbing marine habitats and coastal wildlife through noise, lighting and increased vessel traffic.

Cassola added that “We need to strengthen the Environmental Protection Unit across Malta and Gozo, with personnel and equipment such as dinghies, drones and cameras, and work 24 hours, not just during the day”

Momentum believes that, before any new licences are issued for floating entertainment venues, the authorities must demonstrate their ability to enforce the existing rules. If the authorities cannot guarantee proper enforcement, then such licences should not be issued in the first place.

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