August 3, 2022

CLIENT: Environment and Resources Authority (ERA)

PROJECT BACKGROUND

The island of Comino, Malta is a popular destination due to its picturesque sandy and rocky beaches, with Blue Lagoon being the most frequented beach.

 

Comino is covered by several conservation and protection policies:

  1. Kemmuna u l-Gżejjer ta’ Madwarha – designated as a Natura 2000 Special Area of Conservation (SAC) of International Importance through the Flora, Fauna And Natural Habitats Regulations and the Habitats Directive

  2. Kemmuna u l-Gżejjer ta’ Madwarha – designated as a Natura 2000 Special Protection Area (SPA) under the Conservation of Wild Birds Regulations and the Wild Birds Directive

  3. Żona Fil-Baħar bejn Il-Ponta ta’ San Dimitri (Għawdex) u Il-Qaliet – designated as a Natura 2000 Site of Community Importance through the Flora, Fauna And Natural Habitats Regulations and the Habitats Directive

  4. Żona fil-Baħar madwar Għawdex – designated as a Natura 2000 SPA under the Conservation of Wild Birds Regulations and the Wild Birds Directive

REQUEST

ERA commissioned AIS Environment to prepare a Visitor Carrying Capacity (VCC) Assessment on the island to lessen, and where possible solve, some problems associated with a large number of visitors, especially during the summer months. The Comino Carrying Capacity study covered four zones: Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, San Niklaw, and Santa Marija Bay.

Comino Carrying Capacity
Comino Carrying Capacity
Comino Carrying Capacity

results

Through this meticulous study, AIS determined Carrying Capacity for Comino in terms of visitors, dive groups, and berthing vessels at each zone. Recommendations for waste management, habitat protection, anchoring and overall management of the area, were also part of this study.