Introduction

The marine environment is associated with diverse ecosystem services that are essential for human wellbeing. Human dependence on the marine environment is particularly relevant for Malta as an island state, with the use of marine waters resulting in pressures and impacts on marine biodiversity. This highlights the importance of managing the marine environment with a view to work towards sustainable use of marine resources.

As part of its marine biodiversity management framework, Malta has designated Marine Protected Areas to conserve important habitats and species (Conservation Objectives and Measures).  In parallel, broader instruments have been developed targeting the sustainable use of Malta’s wider marine waters, including the MFSD Programme of Measures and 3rd River Basin Management Plan: Malta. Malta’s funding allocation under the European Maritime Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund, EMFAF 2021-2027, provides an important opportunity for funding the implementation of such management processes under Specific Objective 1.6 of Malta’s EMFAF Operational Programme.

The project entitled ‘Marine Conservation – an inclusive approach to Manging Marine Resources’ is divided into two phases (Phase I – EMFAF.P1.209 & Phase II – EMFAF.P1.366).  Both phases have been selected for co-financing under Malta’s EMFAF Operational Programme. This project will initiate the implementation of various adopted management measures in the marine environment through:

  • Active engagement of all relevant stakeholders throughout the implementation of marine management processes to achieve effective marine governance.
  • Provision of necessary knowledge, clear guidance and accessible information to support evidence-based decision-making and strengthen institutional and stakeholder capacity.
  • Awareness-raising initiatives highlighting the importance of marine resources, encouraging behavioural change that contributes to the protection of marine ecosystems.
  • Delivery of targeted scientific studies to inform sustainable fisheries management in Marine Protected Areas.
  • Supporting the recovery of species and underwater habitats through restoration efforts and reduction of impacts.

Expected Results

The project is expected to result in improved engagement of stakeholders in management processes for Marine Protected Areas and the wider marine environment.  Combined with strong investment in awareness-raising initiatives, this will promote the uptake of sustainable practices across relevant sectors. Increased public understanding of the value of the marine environment is expected to facilitate behavioural changes that support the conservation of marine habitats and species.

Furthermore, it will also result in the reduction of disturbance to sensitive habitats and species from anthropogenic activity and improve knowledge on restoration processes for seabed habitats and fisheries resources in Marine Protected Areas.

Overall, the project is expected to strengthen the sustainability of marine uses, advance  marine restoration efforts, and improve the overall quality of the marine environment, whilst ensuring the long-term availability of marine resources for future generations.

Project Activities

Main Outputs – Phase I:

  • Activity 2.1 (a) & (b): Collaboration with fishers on commercialisation and monitoring of non-indigenous (NIS) fish species
  • Activity 2.2: Concrete proposals for effective engagement of fishers in marine management processes
  • Activity 2.3: Mitigation of by-catch of sensitive species through collaborations with Maltese small-scale fisheries
  • Activity 3.1: Feasibility assessment of the development of eco-labelling schemes through a public framework and applicability to Maltese fisheries
  • Activity 3.2: Awareness Raising Strategy involving all relevant stakeholders and public sectors and addressing relevant pressures on marine Natura 2000 sites and marine resources
  • Activity 3.3: Resource Allocation Study contributing to cross-sectoral compliance for Malta’s marine waters
  • Activity 4.1 (a) & (b): Preparatory actions and implementation of restoration techniques on a pilot basis and development of a restoration plan
  • Activity 4.2: Reduction of disturbance from light pollution on protected seabird colonies

Main Outputs – Phase II:

  • Activity 2.1: Informing and facilitating fisheries management within Marine Protected Areas through targeted scientific studies
  • Activity 2.2: Mitigation of by-catch of sensitive species through collaborations with Maltese small-scale fisheries
  • Activity 3.1 (a), (b) & (c): Engaging the public, public sectors and relevant stakeholders in marine management processes
  • Activity 4.1: Restoration action targeting recovery of marine habitats and species
  • Activity 4.2: Reducing seabed loss and disturbance from maritime activity

Project Details

Project Reference (Phase I): EMFAF.P1.209

Project Title: “Marine Conservation: An inclusive approach to managing marine resources”

Duration: June 2024 – December 2027

MT Contribution (30%): €852,870.30

EU Contribution (70%): €1,990,030.70

Total Public Eligible Amount: €2,842,901.00

VAT Non-Eligible: €616,500

Total Cost of the Project (Inc VAT): €3,190,301.00

Projects Location: Malta

Project Reference (Phase II): EMFAF.P1.366

Project Title: “Marine Conservation: An inclusive approach to managing marine resources II”

Duration: January 2026 – December 2028

MT Contribution (30%): €1,386,532.22

EU Contribution (70%): €3,235,241.84

Total Public Eligible Amount: €4,621,774.05

VAT Non-Eligible: €616,500.0

Total Cost of the Project (Inc VAT): €5,238,274.1

Project Location: Malta

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