MT0000102 Zona fil-Bahar fl-Inhawi ta’ Ghar Lapsi u ta’ Filfla

Name of Site:  Zona fil-Bahar fl-Inhawi ta’ Ghar Lapsi u ta’ Filfla 

Site Code: MT0000102

Year of Natura 2000 designation: 2012 

Area [ha]: 2450.51 

Annex 1 Protected Habitats:

  • 1120 Posidonia beds (Posidonion oceanicae)
  • 1170 Reefs 

Annex II protected species:

Cystoseira spinosa

Importance:

The islet of Filfla itself is a strict nature reserve and a Natura 2000 site (MT0000016), whereas both the islet and its surrounding marine area are considered as an Important Bird Area (IBA) of EU Importance by BirdLife Malta. The islet of Filfla is also considered a Global Important Bird Area by BirdLife International.

Despite the fact that most of the marine species recorded on site are common around the rest of the Maltese Islands, the site’s location, the relatively high species richness and the relatively unpolluted waters of the site justify its protection. Indeed, this site hosts a rich and diverse biota, reflecting a heterogenous bottom. Considering the Posidonia beds, from a survey carried out in 2002, it was discovered that in the Għar Lapsi area, the Posidonia meadow’s rhizome primary production values are amongst the higher values for the Mediterranean Sea.