As part of Malta’s MSFD obligations, M3C (Malta Marine Monitoring Consortium) comprised of AIS Environment Ltd (Malta) and AZTI Tecnalia (Spain) was commissioned by ERA to carry out monitoring of Malta’s territorial and offshore waters on behalf of the Environment & Resources Authority (ERA). The data collected through the implementation of the MSFD monitoring programme (as part of EMFF 8.3.1) was used by the ERA to publish the MSFD Second Assessment Report.
The Results
On 30th May, M3C presented the results of this 2-year long marine monitoring project on behalf of the ERA. Reaching beyond the 25 nautical-mile boundary and covering a sea area of 6,700km2 – more that 21 times the land size of Malta & Gozo. The field team collected over 5,000 samples of water, seafloor sediment, fish and algae and filmed over 400 km of seabed. This is by far the largest and most ambitious marine monitoring project undertaken locally.
The results of this project contribute to effective management and sustainable use of marine resources, for the benefit of our marine environment and of all marine sectors.
The project also included the development of a database system to house all Maltese marine data. All data collected through this and other projects now forms part of this knowledge database that our consortium developed. Anyone working in the maritime industry can use the database for many years.
Dr Jose Herrera (MSDEC), Dr Aaron Farrugia (EU Funds) and Perit Michelle Piccinino (ERA) introduced the project and its local importance. Ing Mario Schembri (AIS), Yasmin Schembri (AIS), Dr Angel Borja (AZTI), Dr Maria Uyarra (AZTI) and Yolanda Sagarminaga (AZTI) discussed the monitoring results, status assessment of our waters and the database. On behalf of ERA, Tamara Micallef discussed the policy applications of the project. Four breakout sessions were also held to discuss the project with the audience members who were invited to comment. The conference closed with a speech from the chairman of the ERA, Prof Victor Axiak.
Malta’s MSFD Obligations
This project helped Malta fulfill its MSFD obligations. The European Union introduced the piece of legistation The Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) in 2008. It aims to achieve and maintain Good Environmental Status (GES) in European marine waters by 2020. The Directive sets out a comprehensive framework for the protection of the marine environment. This includes the prevention of pollution, the preservation of biodiversity, and the sustainable use of marine resources.
Each Member State, including Malta, has an obligation to implement the Directive and develop a national marine strategy. This covers, a monitoring programme and measures to achieve GES. The Directive requires Member States to conduct assessments of the environmental status of their marine waters. Taking into account a range of criteria such as biodiversity, commercial fish stocks, and human activities.
Member states are also required to develop and implement programmes of measures to achieve GES. These measures can include the establishment of marine protected areas, the reduction of pollution from land-based sources, and the regulation of fishing activities.
Additionally, member states must cooperate with other member states and international organizations to achieve the objectives of the Directive. They also require to involve stakeholders. Including, the public and industry, in the development and implementation of their national marine strategies.
In summary, the MSFD imposes significant obligations on member states to protect and conserve their marine environment. Including, the development of national strategies, assessments of the environmental status of their marine waters, and the implementation of measures to achieve and maintain Good Environmental Status.
