Safeguarding Our Seas: Action C.14 Anchoring and Mooring Surveys

The Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) is implementing Action C.14, which focuses on conducting anchoring and mooring surveys in Maltese waters. This action is crucial for assessing the impacts of these activities on seabed habitats and identifying potential management options to protect them.

As a first step, the project involved surveying and mapping the current anchoring and mooring activities in our waters. This effort provided valuable information on the distribution and intensity of these activities, allowing us to understand their effects on sensitive marine habitats.

The second step was to quantify the impacts associated with different anchoring and mooring practices. By examining how these practices relate to sensitive habitats, we can pinpoint where management actions are necessary. Through this action we have identified management options to mitigate this impact. This comprehensive approach will help guide us in making informed decisions about marine conservation.

The ultimate goal of this action is to implement selected priority management options on a pilot basis. The outcomes of this pilot exercise will be closely monitored, contributing to long-term management processes aimed at achieving good status for Malta’s marine waters in line with EU directives. For more information, view the video below.