A representative for the Federation of Maltese Aquaculture Producers could not guarantee a slimeless summer, despite booms being installed and fish farm operators agreeing to self-regulatory measures. Summers over the years have been plagued with sea slime appearing along the coasts of areas such as Marsascala and Sliema. This year’s slime had caused concern since it coincided with the start of the tuna feeding season. In 2016, tuna farms around the island were identified as the source of the widespread incidence of a similar, oily slime.