All posts by lifebahar

Nov 15
0

Littering problem discovered in the deep sea around the Maltese Islands

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As part of the LIFE BaĦAR for N2K project, 420,000 m2 of the deep seabed within the 25 nautical mile Fisheries Management Zone surrounding the Maltese Islands were explored during two expeditions in 2015 and 2016. Surveys with an underwater robot, equipped with a video camera, recorded the bottom down to depths of 1,040 m.

Scientists from the Department of Biology of the University of Malta, who are responsible for analysing the results, were surprised at the amount of litter they noted on the sea floor. Discarded fishing gear as well as plastic, glass bottles and metallic objects including rods, cables, discarded car parts and oil drums, have accumulated in the deep sea. In particular, discarded fishing gear such as trawl nets, nylon longlines and limestone slabs with synthetic ropes from the dolphinfish (‘lampuki‘ in Maltese) fishery were common at offshore sites.

Dolphinfish aggregation devices (‘kannizzati‘) are anchored to the sea floor with limestone slabs, and the mooring ropes are cut off and discarded at the end of each fishing season. The limestone slabs may cause direct damage to reef species when they are deposited on the bottom, while the long discarded ropes can become entangled with organisms such as vulnerable deep-water stony and gorgonian corals. Nylon lines from bottom longline fisheries targeting for example hake, greater forkbeard, and dogfish were frequently found entangled on deep-sea reefs.

Although offshore litter is a known problem, the extent revealed by these comprehensive video surveys of previously unexplored areas came as a surprise; litter was observed during every one of the more than 200 dives with the underwater robot, operated by Oceana.

The LIFE BaĦAR for N2K project ultimately aims to ensure that vulnerable marine habitats, including deep water coral reefs, acquire protection through the designation of marine protected sites under Natura 2000, the European Union network that collectively safeguards the EU’s most valuable natural areas. The information gathered during the surveys will enable the formulation of more effective conservation measures to address the identified pressures, including marine litter and ghost fishing. An After-LIFE Conservation Plan detailing management and conservation activities after the project end date will be formulated through the LIFE BaĦAR for N2K project to guide all the stakeholders involved.

The LIFE BaĦAR for N2K project is co-financed by the EU LIFE+ Funding Programme, and is led by the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA), with the Ministry for Sustainable Development, the Environment and Climate Change (MSDEC), the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture (DFA), the Department of Biology of the University of Malta (DoB-UoM) and Oceana as partners.

Press Release date 15 November 2016

Link to UoM Press Release

 

Limestone slab and rope from a dolphinfish aggregation device

Limestone slab and rope from a dolphinfish aggregation device

Rope from a dolphinfish aggregation device entangled on deep water reef

Rope from a dolphinfish aggregation device entangled on deep water reef

Rope from a dolphinfish aggregation device wrapped around precious red coral and deep-water stony corals

Rope from a dolphinfish aggregation device wrapped around precious red coral and deep-water stony corals

Fishing net wrapped around deep-water stony corals

Fishing net wrapped around deep-water stony corals

Oct 07
0

New world record: Malta has deepest known populations of precious red coral

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A new depth record for the precious red coral has been set, and it belongs to Malta! The deep sea around the Maltese Islands was investigated during two separate expeditions, in 2015 and 2016, as part of the LIFE BaĦAR for N2K project. During these surveys an underwater robot equipped with a video camera was used to explore the seabed down to depths of more than 1 km. The project scientists were surprised to find numerous colonies of the precious red coral (Corallium rubrum) growing down to depths of 1016 m – over 200m deeper than the previous record, also from Maltese waters.

The team of scientists from the NGO Oceana, who undertook the surveys, and the University of Malta’s Department of Biology, who were responsible for analysing the data, recently presented their findings at the 41st Congress of the International Commission for the Scientific Exploration of the Mediterranean (CIESM), which took place in Kiel, Germany from the 12 – 16 September 2016.

Prof. Patrick J. Schembri, from the University of Malta’s Department of Biology, explained that ‘red coral colonies are usually reported from depths ranging between 15 m and 300 m depth, and had never been recorded at depths beyond 800 m before. The colonies were part of a diverse community of living corals at depths of 300 to 1000 m. This record was a surprise to us all but it goes to show just how little we know about the sea which surrounds our own islands.’

Several other interesting findings made during the LIFE BAĦAR for N2K surveys were also presented at the CIESM congress. These included the discovery of a fossilised sponge reef at a depth of ca. 300 m, deep-water caves located at depths down to 450 m, as well as vast expanses of sand/mud habitats, inhabited by diverse communities of species including some rare and threatened ones.
Ricardo Aguilar, expedition leader and research director at Oceana in Europe, remarked that ‘Most of the sites where we encountered diverse coral reefs had never been researched before, and the findings of the LIFE BaĦAR for N2K project indicate that the deep-sea around Malta represents an important biodiversity hotspot’.

The LIFE BaĦAR for N2K project, through which these expeditions were funded, ultimately aims to ensure that vulnerable marine habitats, including deep water reefs, acquire protection through the designation of marine protected sites under Natura 2000, the European Union network that collectively safeguards the EU’s most valuable natural areas. The information gathered during the surveys will enable the formulation of more effective conservation measures to address the identified pressures, including from marine litter and discarded fishing gear.

The LIFE BaĦAR for N2K project is co-financed by the EU LIFE+ Funding Programme, and is led by the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA), with the Ministry for Sustainable Development, the Environment and Climate Change (MSDEC), the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture (DFA), the Department of Biology of the University of Malta (DoB-UoM) and Oceana as partners.

Press Release date 7 October 2016

Link to UoM Press Release (English) and Press Release (Maltese)

Living red coral at 1010 m depth

Living red coral at 1010 m depth

Deep-water coral reef with red coral

Deep-water coral reef with red coral

 

Sep 21
1

2016 Photographic Exhibition

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The photographic exhibition ‘Our Sea, Our Identity’ was held for the second time in August 2016, and visited by more than 2000 people. This year the exhibition was set up in Marsaxlokk, Birgu and Marsalforn, Gozo.
A public talk on Natura 2000 was also held at each location, during which officers from ERA’s Protected Areas team provided information on Malta’s marine Sites of Community Importance.

Sep 12
0

Call for Quotations – Independent Financial Audit

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ERA has issued a Call for Quotations to identify bidders interested in providing independent financial auditing services for the ‘LIFE BaĦAR for N2K’ project. This is aimed to verify and certify that the project’s statement of expenditure, income generated, and costs incurred are in compliance with national legislation, accounting rules, and the Grant Agreement signed with the European Commission.
The call closes on 30 September 2016 at 10 a.m. Details of the call are available online here
Update: This call has now closed and has been awarded to Nexia BT.
Aug 10
0

Extensive marine research in Malta concludes after 140 days at sea

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This phase of the LIFE BaĦAR for N2K project at-sea study ends after having explored areas down to 1039 m deep

Oceana, the project partner tasked with carrying out marine surveys, has concluded its at-sea research in Malta to explore deep-sea areas, underwater caves and sandbanks within the LIFE BaĦAR for N2K project.

The project, co-financed by the EU, and comprising the Environment and Resources Authority (project leaders), the Maltese Ministry for Sustainable Development, the Environment and Climate Change, the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, and the Department of Biology of the University of Malta, apart from Oceana, is the most comprehensive video survey of unknown marine areas ever undertaken in Malta and aims to achieve effective protection for three different habitats of high ecological value. Its preliminary findings include the identification of hundreds of species, large reefs of cold water corals and caves discovered 300 m below the surface.

“The findings from Malta are impressive and include species that hadn’t previously been recorded in the Mediterranean. The footage and samples compiled will require years of analysis to be fully valued but in the shorter term they will serve as the basis to create marine protected areas that help preserve this natural heritage and restore its abundance. We hope that other countries undertake similar actions to improve their understanding and protection of their marine environments,” said Ricardo Aguilar, expedition leader and research director at Oceana in Europe.

The total surveyed area amounts to 2,974.72 km2, of which 2,923.80 km2 are offshore. In comparison, the total land surface of the Maltese archipelago is just 316 km2, which shows the extent and importance of this project. The project was divided in two expeditions (2015 and 2016), and utilised an ROV (underwater robot) able to reach depths of over 1000 m, and divers using underwater scooters to enhance speed. A total of 206 ROV transects (up to 1039 m deep) and 42 scuba dives were carried out.

During the surveys in deeper areas, the scientists discovered various reefs (white coral, black coral, stone sponges…), impressive forests of gorgonians and rare yellow corals. The LIFE BaĦAR for N2K project will ensure these vulnerable species acquire valuable protection through the designation of protected sites under Natura 2000, the network that collectively safeguards the most valuable natural areas within the EU.

The project partners call on individuals to play a role in the preservation of the beautiful Maltese marine environment. The expedition has filmed many cases of marine pollution. Close to the shore, plastic waste was prevalent, whereas discarded fishing gear such as lines and weights were common offshore which frequently damage gorgonians and corals. Some of the dives had to be aborted because the ROV risked entanglement. In other spots, areas of bottom dominated by rhodoliths (calcareous red algae) were noticeably damaged due to bottom trawling and mooring.

The LIFE BaĦAR for N2K project is co-financed by the EU LIFE+ Funding Programme and is led by the Environment and Resources Authority, with the Ministry for Sustainable Development, the Environment and Climate Change, the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, the Department of Biology of the University of Malta and Oceana as partners.

Issued on 8th August 2016
Link to Oceana Press Release

Aug 09
0

2016 Photographic Exhibition – upcoming

By | News - Project Updates | No Comments

The main aim of the LIFE BaHAR for N2K project is to gather data on the location, range
and conservation of 3 ecologically important marine habitats around the Maltese Islands,
namely: sandbanks, reefs and sea caves.
Following these surveys, sites that are considered a priority will be proposed for designation
as marine protected areas forming part of the EU Natura 2000 network.
An important aspect of the project is to achieve active participation by stakeholders by
providing a platform for discussion throughout the whole duration of the project.

This summer the public is being invited to an outdoor photographic exhibition at the following venues:
• Our Lady of Pompei Square – Marsaxlokk, from August 9th till August 15th, 2016.
• Grand Harbour Marina – Birgu, from August 16th till August 22nd, 2016.
• Marsalforn Bay – Gozo, from August 24th till August 31st, 2016.

Exhibtion advert 2016

Jun 01
0

Oceana embarks on 10-week expedition to explore deep-sea areas in Malta

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The at-sea campaign will complement findings carried out in 2015 and will lead to the designation of protected areas under Natura 2000

Oceana launched its second expedition on Thursday 26th May 2016 to document previously unexplored marine areas in Malta as part of the LIFE BaĦAR for N2K project. Scientists from several countries including Malta will research underwater caves, sand banks and reefs in order to provide the Maltese government with enough data to identify new Sites of Community Importance under Natura 2000, a network that gathers together areas of high ecological importance in the European Union.

This year, improvements to technical equipment have been incorporated to enhance the performance of the campaign team’s work. Such improvements, including the use of underwater scooters, will now allow divers to move faster and be able to spend more time documenting secluded caves. Additionally, a boat equipped with a multi-beam sonar will work in parallel to survey the underwater terrain. The sonar will also serve as a vital tool for scientists to be more precise when choosing research spots and will help increase the efficiency of Oceana’s Remotely Operated Robot (ROV), which is able to reach 1,000 metres deep.

“We are very excited about the final leg of our at-sea work in Malta. Last year’s findings include large coral reefs, undiscovered caves at great depths and species that were rare or had never been found in this part of the Mediterranean. Discovering so many ecologically-valuable features in a country famous for its diving spots proves that the true abundance of the sea is yet to be fully uncovered. The protection of these areas will allow for a better conservation of Malta’s rich marine heritage and eventually a healthier Mediterranean”, said Ricardo Aguilar, expedition leader and research director at Oceana in Europe.

Both expeditions will sum up a total of 120 days of intense work at sea on board Oceana’s research catamaran, the Ranger. In 2015, the field work lasted 52 days and included 106 dives carried out by the ROV and divers. The images gathered are still being analysed and, together with this year’s findings, will serve as the groundwork for the creation of marine protected areas.

LIFE BaĦAR for N2K project is co-financed by the EU LIFE+ Funding Programme and led by the Environment and Resources Authority in collaboration with the Maltese Ministry for Sustainable Development, the Environment and Climate Change, the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, the University of Malta and Oceana.

Press Release Date 26 May 2016
Link to Oceana Press Release

 

Dec 16
0

Service Tender for High Resolution Seafloor Mapping and Bottom Characterization in Maltese Waters (CT 3105/2015)

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The tender has been issued as part of the studies and surveys being carried out through the Life BaĦAR for N2K project. The overall objective of this tender is to deliver high resolution seafloor mapping and bottom characterization in Maltese waters through multibeam echosounder surveys and sediment sampling and analysis. The surveys will take place in 5 case study areas covering a total area of approximately 130,000 ha.

View Tender Details

Update: This tender is now closed and has been awarded to Geomara Limited

Dec 16
0

Second Stakeholder Seminar

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The second stakeholder seminar was held on the 30th November 2015. The aim of the seminar was to update stakeholders on the marine surveys that were carried out by Oceana in June and July 2015, and provide an opportunity for stakeholders to provide their views and suggestions for the next set of surveys that will take place in 2016.  

A presentation was given by Dr Leyla Knittweis-Mifsud from the University of Malta – Department of Biology who, together with her colleague Dr Julian Evans, participated in the 2015 marine surveys led by Oceana, and provided their expertise and support.  The presentation gave an overview of the 2015 LIFE BaĦAR Project Survey Expedition, past research, anthropogenic impacts observed during the expedition, as well as future work in 2016. Please find presentation here. 

Following the presentation, views were shared on potential areas of interest for the 2016 surveys, as well as feedback on anthropogenic  impacts relating to marine habitats, in particular impacts from diving (in caves) and from discarded fishing gear (benthic habitats).

Representatives from Transport Malta (Ports and Yachting Directorate), the Professional Diving Schools Association, Atlam Diving Club, Birdlife Malta, University of Malta (Department of Geography), and the Federation of Amateur Fishing Associations (Federazzjoni ta l-Ghaqdiet tas-Sajjieda Dilettanti Malta) participated in the stakeholder seminar, together with representatives from project partners MEPA, University of Malta-Department of Biology, and the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture within MSDEC.

Please click here to view photos.