BirdLife Malta strongly condemns the light and sound show held within a Natura 2000 site at Popeye Village over the weekend, joining the Malta Ranger Unit (MRU) in expressing serious concern over this disturbance. Such events have no place in sensitive areas protected for their ecological value.
We question how this event was allowed and why no immediate action was taken when it was reported. The private event, reportedly hosted by a Dutch company, took place during dark hours when Yelkouan Shearwaters (Garnija) – a strictly protected species – return to feed their chicks. These birds are highly sensitive to light pollution; intense lighting can cause adults to abandon their nests, leaving chicks to starve. The cliffs near Popeye Village support 200–350 breeding pairs.
Importantly, Notices to Mariners 9 & 10 of 2023, which remain in force all year round, prohibit light and sound pollution near the outlet of Anchor Bay and the surrounding sea, allowing vessels only compulsory navigation lighting. This underscores how sensitive the site is — yet the land-based event went ahead with no visible safeguards.
The MRU reported the incident immediately to the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) while it was still ongoing, sharing video footage showing strobe lights spilling into protected areas. Despite having 24/7 enforcement, ERA failed to intervene in real time. BirdLife Malta is demanding an explanation as to why ERA’s enforcement unit was not deployed to the site once the video was submitted.
An investigation has now been launched by ERA, but this delayed response is unacceptable. BirdLife Malta calls on ERA to:
Confirm whether a permit was issued.
Clarify what enforcement action will be taken.
Explain why the 24/7 enforcement unit did not visit the site during the event.
Review procedures to ensure timely response in future cases.
While we welcome ERA’s investigation, the harm is already done. Fines issued after the fact are not an effective deterrent. If no permit was required, regulations must urgently be strengthened to prevent such events near sensitive sites.
We thank the MRU for their swift response and will continue to follow up. Authorities must do more to address the growing issue of light pollution while recognising their duty and obligation to protect Malta’s biodiversity — especially in our most sensitive areas.