Salina canal blockage reported months ago but still left unresolved<\/p>\n
A serious ecological concern raised by a concerned citizen at the Salina Nature Reserve remains unresolved months after it was first flagged to authorities, raising questions about inaction within the Public Works Department despite repeated reports.<\/p>\n
The issue centres on a major blockage within the Sukkursu canal, a tidal channel critical to the health of the reserve’s ecosystem. The canal has been obstructed for several months by accumulated posidonia seagrass, debris, and waste, effectively halting the natural flow of seawater. This disruption has led to stagnant conditions in parts of the reserve, threatening aquatic life and the broader ecological balance.<\/p>\n
A complaint about the situation was sent to BirdLife Malta, which manages the Salina Nature Reserve, and copied to the media. Contacted by The Malta Independent, BirdLife said it was very much aware of the situation, and that it had raised the matter with the competent authorities since the affected stretch of the canal does not fall under its direct responsibility.<\/p>\n
While the organisation monitors the state of the channel and its ecological health, it insists that maintenance and clearance of the specific blocked section lie with the Public Works Department.<\/p>\n
According to BirdLife Malta, the problem was first reported to the authorities as early as January 2026, shortly after severe storms caused a significant build-up of seagrass and debris. The organisation stated that it has since issued several reminders to the relevant department. However, despite these efforts, no remedial action has been taken.<\/p>\n
“The free flow of water is crucial for aquatic biodiversity,” BirdLife Malta noted, emphasising that it continues to keep the situation under observation.<\/p>\n
The consequences of the blockage are already visible, according to the complaints received. Approximately 300 metres of the canal are now choked, preventing tidal exchange and cutting off oxygenated seawater from the inner sections of the reserve. This has resulted in murky, stagnant water conditions that are unsuitable for fish, crustaceans, and other organisms that depend on regular water movement.<\/p>\n
The canal historically serves as a vital corridor linking the open sea with the inner wetland, allowing species to feed, migrate, and reproduce. Its obstruction has effectively severed this connection, disrupting natural cycles and limiting available habitat. Bird species, including mallards, have reportedly been confined to degraded sections of the channel, unable to access cleaner waters.<\/p>\n
In the complaints sent to BirdLife it was noted that beyond ecological damage, the situation is also impacting the reserve’s role as a destination for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. The presence of debris and visibly polluted water detracts from the site’s environmental value and reputation.<\/p>\n
BirdLife said that it has raised the matter with the Public Works Department but no action has been taken. The NGO expressed growing concern that further delays could deepen the environmental harm already underway.<\/p>\n