‘Don’t Call It Slime’ – Operators Insist Buġibba Foam Is Weather-Driven

A large patch of what appeared to be foamy slime spotted off the coast of St Paul’s Bay on Wednesday has been identified as sea foam caused by natural marine…

A large patch of what appeared to be foamy slime spotted off the coast of St Paul’s Bay on Wednesday has been identified as sea foam caused by natural marine processes, according to fish farm operators.

A substantial white foamy substance was spotted near the Buġibba jetty at Dawret il-Gżejjer, along with additional patches further along the northern coastline as reported by Times of Malta.

The sight initially raised concerns among the public, particularly following similar incidents in previous years when oily residue linked to fish farm feed polluted parts of Malta’s coastline.

However, operators within the aquaculture sector have denied any connection.

Charlon Gouder, CEO of the Maltese Aquaculture Producers Federation, said the substance observed was sea foam rather than slime, attributing its formation to recent weather conditions, including strong winds and rough seas.

On Tuesday, the Meteorological Office issued a yellow weather warning, with wind speeds expected to reach Force 5 to 6, conditions that can agitate organic material in the sea.

Gouder explained that sea foam typically forms when naturally occurring substances such as algae, dissolved proteins and other organic matter are churned by wave action.

He also noted that the bluefin tuna farming season has not yet commenced, and that most fish cages around Malta are currently not stocked.

“The absence of fish in the cages means that there are no feeding or operational activities taking place that could be linked to such phenomena,” he said.

He further emphasised that Malta has a documented history of natural marine occurrences linked to biological processes, including phytoplankton activity and changing environmental conditions.

“It is therefore important to avoid drawing incorrect associations between natural marine processes and aquaculture,” he added.

Gouder concluded that the available evidence points to a weather-driven natural phenomenon, rather than any activity related to tuna farming.

Similar reports in recent months have also been attributed to sea foam, including an incident last September which was confirmed by environmental authorities as a natural occurrence.

Sea foam has previously been observed in areas such as Spinola Bay and Marsascala.

Nonetheless, public concern remains heightened following last year’s sea slime incidents, which were linked to offshore fish farms and led to enforcement action. The Environment and Resources Authority had fined four tuna farms a total of €14,000 after pollution was recorded during the Santa Maria period.

Authorities and operators are continuing to monitor the situation.

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