A coalition of 29 companies and environmental organisations is calling on the Maltese Government to take urgent action to protect bottlenose dolphins, warning that repeated harassment by jet skis, speedboats and other recreational vessels is putting one of Malta’s resident dolphin populations at risk.In an open letter addressed to several ministers and public officials, the coalition said dolphins are being repeatedly chased and disturbed in areas where they regularly feed, particularly around the Delimara fish farms, despite years of reports to the authorities.According to EcoMarine Malta, research carried out through the DELFISHPAM project has confirmed that the fish farm area is a vital feeding ground for a resident community of bottlenose dolphins, including calves and newborns.“These dolphins are not simply passing through our waters,” said EcoMarine Malta founder Patrizia Patti. “They form a resident community that depends on specific areas such as the Delimara fish farms for feeding and social activities.”She warned that when vessels chase, surround or interrupt the animals, they are forced to waste energy and alter their natural behaviour, something that could have long-term consequences for the population’s survival.The coalition pointed to a particularly serious incident on 22nd April, when multiple jet skis were allegedly filmed deliberately pursuing a pod of around 15 to 20 dolphins feeding near the fish farms.EcoMarine Malta said the operators repeatedly intercepted the animals before behaving aggressively towards researchers who asked them to stop.The incident was reported to the authorities together with video evidence.The organisations stressed that bottlenose dolphins are protected under Maltese law, European legislation and several international agreements, arguing that the issue is not only one of animal welfare but also one of legal enforcement.They are now calling for a number of measures, including a legally binding code of conduct for dolphin encounters, lower speed limits in areas frequently used by dolphins, stronger enforcement, mandatory wildlife briefings for jet ski renters, marine conservation training as part of nautical licences and a national reporting system for dolphin sightings and wildlife incidents.The letter has been addressed to Tourism Minister Jo Etienne Abela, Environment Minister Miriam Dalli, Transport Minister Chris Bonett, Fisheries Minister Anton Refalo, Parliamentary Secretary Alicia Bugeja Said and Commissioner for Animal Welfare Elliot Magro.The coalition said it wants government, scientists, NGOs and the maritime sector to work together to ensure Malta’s resident dolphins are properly protected before further harm is done.What do you make of this?•