At around 9.00pm on Monday 10th August, a turtle was reported nesting at Għadira Bay in Mellieħa, adjacent to the third reported nest. Officers from the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) and Nature Trust Malta (NTM‐FEE) who were on site confirmed the sighting and the new nest, which was then cordoned off to protect the eggs.

ERA will continue working in close collaboration with Nature Trust Malta (NTM‐FEE); the Ministry for the Environment, Climate Change and Planning (MECP); and other public and private entities, as applicable. To this end, the provisions currently listed in the present Emergency Conservation Order (ECO) will be extended to safeguard both nests.

Excessive noise, trampling and light close to the nesting area may pose a threat to turtle eggs and any hatchlings.

This is the fourth reliably confirmed loggerhead turtle nest this year. Malta is currently hosting three nests, whilst 85 eggs hatched between the 2nd and 4th of August from the first nest at Ramla l-Ħamra in Gozo.

ERA would like to thank the public for support and co-operation. Any observations of turtle activity or environmental illegality should be immediately reported to ERA on 9921 0404 or [email protected].

Note on the species: The loggerhead turtle (Maltese: il-fekruna l-komuni), scientifically known as Caretta caretta is a long-living, slowly maturing marine species that inhabits tropical to warm temperate areas. This species is classified as globally endangered by the World Conservation Area (IUCN) and is also protected by various national and international legislation. Capturing, killing, taking, and trading these turtles, as well as the deliberate disturbance of these species, particularly during the period of breeding, rearing and migration, is prohibited and subject to legal action.  Even the destruction of eggs or taking of eggs from the wild is strictly prohibited and constitutes a criminal offence.  In fact, the national ‘Flora, Fauna and Natural Habitats Protection Regulations’ impose a minimum fine of nearly €500 and going up to nearly €2400 for each egg that may be destroyed or taken from the wild. The area where the loggerhead turtles has laid its eggs is also a protected area under the Environment Protection Act (Cap. 549) and a Natura 2000 site through the EU Habitats Directive.

For further information, please refer to era.org.mt

11 August 2020

4th Turtle nest - Ghadira - 10.08.20 - Photo by: Jacques Azzopardi
4th Turtle nest - Ghadira - 10.08.20 - Photo by: Jacques Azzopardi

The Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) launched its Marine and Beach Clean-Ups reporting facility during a beach clean-up organized by the Saving Our Blue campaign run by the Ministry for the Environment, Climate Change and Planning (MECP).

This web-based delivery service will enable coordinated data gathering related to waste collected through organized marine and beach clean-ups around the Maltese islands. This data will help the Environment and Resources Authority in their scientific evaluations.

This service is easily accessible to all clean-up organizers via the new ERA website – era.org.mt. Anyone organizing a clean-up is urged to fill in this form or simply visit era.org.mt > outreach > citizen science > Marine and Beach Clean-ups.

The launch of this new service comes spot on with the timing of the Saving Our Blue Campaign’s various clean-up initiatives for summer 2020, during which large amounts of cigarette butts and microplastics are being collected from local beaches. Examples include clean-ups held at Rinella Bay, Golden bay, Ramla Bay and Għajn Tuffieħa Bay.

ERA together with the Ministry for the Environment, Climate change and Planning are engaging the public through the Saving Our Blue Campaign to increase the fight against marine litter and the negative impacts of using single-use plastics. The campaign seeks to address these challenges by educating and engaging citizens, collaborating with NGOs and the private sector and encouraging a unified call to action that can support national movements to influence change. For more information, follow the Saving Our Blue Campaign on Facebook and Instagram.

7 August

Following tense days at the Ramla l-Ħamra turtle nest site, turtle hatchlings pleasantly surprised those at the bay when they emerged from their marked nest during the night/in the early hours of this morning, after a successful period of incubation. Nature Trust – FEE Malta (NTM) and volunteers who were present, immediately informed the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) of the event taking place and took action on the ground to guide hatchlings safely to the water’s edge.

Hatchlings are naturally attracted to moon light shining on the sea surface and their first response, upon emerging from the eggs, is to swim towards light.

ERA would like to thank NTM, the Ministry for the Environment, Climate Change and Planning (MECP) and all volunteers who contributed their time to achieve the protection of this species and the strengthening of the marine biodiversity in Malta. ERA also thanks all other entities that cooperated in this event.

2 August 2020

The Environment and Resources Authority has launched a new website, which is geared towards further enhancing and simplifying user interaction on environmental matters and information.

The new website, era.org.mt, features an improved search engine, new e-tools such as the new payment gateway for fines, permit applications, live air quality monitoring, access to Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs), the Malta Environment Platform & Services (MEPS) which is a new geoportal featuring the latest environmental information, e-forms, a new customer care platform and further educational audio-visual material. A new ‘Citizen Science’ section has also been developed in order to enable citizens to submit and review data on marine litter, clean-ups and biodiversity.

ERA encourages everyone to visit era.org.mt and make use of the new features.

The Authority would also like to take this opportunity to remind the public that any acts on the environment may be reported to ERA via telephone on 2292 3500 or on [email protected] 

1 August 2020

Following late night reports of a turtle nest at Għadira Bay, officers from the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) and Nature Trust Malta (NTM‐FEE) went on site and confirmed the nesting. While on site, ERA officers immediately cordoned off the area to protect the nest. The area is currently being monitored.

ERA is assessing the situation to decide on immediate measures that are to be put in place so as to ensure that the nest is not endangered in any way. ERA will therefore work in close collaboration with Nature Trust Malta (NTM‐FEE); the Ministry for the Environment, Climate Change and Planning (MECP); and other public and private entities, as applicable.

An Emergency Conservation Order (ECO) will be issued by ERA to ensure more direct protection to the nesting area. As for other turtle nests, excessive noise and trampling in the nesting area and unnecessary artificial lighting pose a danger to turtle eggs and any hatchlings.

The Environment and Resources Authority notes that this is the third reliably confirmed nesting of loggerhead turtle this year. This is the first time on record that Malta is hosting 3 nests simultaneously.

ERA is calling for the public’s collaboration in reducing impacts to such nests and that any observations of any turtle activity or environmental illegality should be immediately reported to ERA on 9921 0404 or [email protected]

Note on the species: The loggerhead turtle (Maltese: il-fekruna l-komuni), scientifically known as Caretta caretta is a long-living, slowly maturing marine species that inhabits tropical to warm temperate areas. This species is classified as globally endangered by the World Conservation Area (IUCN) and is also protected by various national and international legislation. Capturing, killing, taking, and trading these turtles, as well as the deliberate disturbance of these species, particularly during the period of breeding, rearing and migration, is prohibited and subject to legal action. Even the destruction of eggs or taking of eggs from the wild is strictly prohibited and constitutes a criminal offence. In fact, the national ‘Flora, Fauna and Natural Habitats Protection Regulations’ impose a minimum fine of nearly €500 and going up to nearly €2400 for each egg that may be destroyed or taken from the wild. The area where the loggerhead turtles has laid its eggs is also a protected area under the Environment Protection Act (Cap. 549) and a Natura 2000 site through the EU Habitats Directive.

For further information, please refer to era.org.mt 

30 July 2020

The Environment & Resources Authority (ERA) launched a public consultation for a Wellbeing First Vision for its National Strategy for the Environment for 2050.

This Vision recognises that progress must be redefined and places the environment at the heart of a system that supports overall wellbeing. It envisions success being measured on what really matters for quality of life, with environmental stability being an essential part of this. The Vision promotes continuous growth while achieving higher living standards by respecting environmental limits and moving towards a future which gives environmental and societal considerations due regard, alongside economic development.

This first major milestone in the development of a National Strategy for the Environment sets the direction for the upcoming Strategy. It serves as a far-sighted strategic course for the protection and management of the environment for the next thirty years, practically a generation, and it is what the National Strategy for the Environment will be based on for the country to strive towards a better quality of life.

Further information on this Vision and the National Strategy for the Environment for 2050 is available here. The Authority encourages the public to participate in this consultation by sending feedback on [email protected] or through the below link until 20th September 2020.

Accompanying docs:

    • Video here
    • Consultation questions here

See also: National Strategy for the Environment 

21 July 2020

Following the confirmation of a loggerhead turtle nest at Ir-Ramla tal-Mixquqa (Golden Bay), ERA has issued an emergency conservation order (ECO) to ensure adequate protection of the nesting area and the eventual hatching of young turtles.

In this regard, the ECO aims at controlling any human activities which could disturb this natural process such as trampling, use of generators, generation of excessive noise and the letting off of fireworks in the vicinity of the nest. These regulations remain in effect until the 8th September 2020. Further information can be obtained from Government Gazette 20,440 dated 14th July 2020 or by clicking here.

ERA would like to appeal for public collaboration to reduce impacts on turtle nests and urges the general public to report any turtle activity or environmental illegality immediately to ERA on T: (+356) 22923500 or [email protected].

14 July 2020

The ERA Board considered 11 applications for environmental permits, all of which were favourably determined subject to specific post decision requirements.

New Permits

Two new applications were approved covering operations of existing service stations in Mosta (EP 0093/19) and Zurrieq (EP 0050/19). Both petrol stations have been refurbished to introduce Vapour Recovery systems as required by applicable legislation. All petrol stations are required to have secondary recovery systems to capture the vapours from the dispensing of petrol and the Authority is processing a number of applications of existing fuel stations that are undergoing refurbishment.

Another application considered by the ERA Board regarded interventions on trees as part of the upgrading works and road junction improvements at Triq l-Imdina, Mrieħel (NP 0167/20). The removal of nine Eucalyptus trees, two Italian cypress trees and eight trees that are invasive and alien species has been approved on condition that 110 trees would be planted as compensation for the removal of the 11 protected trees. The planting of the new trees shall be done in public open spaces in the proximity of the affected site, which include Triq l-Imdina, Balzan and Mriehel and Triq il-Ferrovija in Santa Venera.

Renewal of Permits

Two applications covered renewal by two hotels at St. Julians (EP 49/20 and EP 54/20). The permits cover various obligations including the control and monitoring of the discharges to sea from desalinisation plants on site and the emissions to air from combustion plants on site used for the generation of power.

Another renewal of permit application considered the continued operation of a port facility at Marsaxlokk Harbour to service the offshore oil rig industry (EP 0042/20). The permit addresses obligations related to bulk storage and maintenance activities, as well as conditions on waste management, emissions to air from combustion plant on site and reporting requirements

A renewal of an environment permit application by a waste management facility located at Bulebel Industrial Estate, Zejtun, to operate an interim storage, pre-treatment and transfer facility for certain types of waste (EP 0071/20). During the processing of the application the Authority ascertained that the operations that were permitted by the previous permit were undertaken in line with the conditions, and thus recommended the renewal of the permit.

Four other applications determined by the ERA Board consisted of the renewal of operations for the rearing of tuna. Three of these permits cover operations by different operators that have their farms located at the South-East Aquaculture Zone (EP 0001/20, EP 0023/20 and EP 0114/19) and another permit covers the operations of a farm at the temporary North Aquaculture Zone (EP 0118/19). The permits cover specific operational aspects applicable to the tuna farming industry including conditions on the feeding of tuna which must be followed to ensure that any resulting releases are contained, collected and disposed of. Various other mitigation measures are to be deployed by the operators to ensure that the best environmental practices are undertaken and these operations have minimal impact on the marine environment. Furthermore, all operators are required to continue with the implementation of the biannual environmental monitoring which is already in place and is required to be continued during the lifetime of the permits, in accordance with a monitoring plan which has been approved by the Authority.

14 July 2020

Following reports that a loggerhead turtle might have nested again at Golden Bay, Nature Trust Malta (NTM‐FEE) has confirmed the nesting with the collaboration of different individuals and private entities. Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) officers also went on site to cordon off the Area and are monitoring the situation.

ERA is also assessing the situation to decide on immediate measures that are to be put in place to ensure that the nest is not endangered in any way. ERA will therefore work in close collaboration with Nature Trust Malta (NTM‐FEE); the Majjistral Park; the Ministry for the Environment, Climate Change and Planning (MECP); and other public and private entities, as applicable.

An Emergency Conservation Order will be issued by ERA to ensure more direct protection to the nesting area. As for other nesting cases in the Maltese Islands and the world, excessive noise and trampling in the nesting area and unnecessary artificial lighting in the area pose a danger to turtle eggs and any hatchlings.

The Environment and Resources Authority notes that this is the second reliably confirmed nesting of loggerhead turtle this year. This further nesting episode in Golden Bay is interesting as it comes four (4) years after the 2016 episode. Such increased nesting records may be due to increased site fidelity in sea turtles in relation to Maltese shores, marking a positive indication towards a more permanent comeback of this species in terms of loggerhead turtle nesting in Malta.

Indeed, recent studies carried out by ERA have confirmed that the loggerhead turtle is currently at a favourable conservation status and improving in the Maltese Islands and, whilst acknowledging that more long-term monitoring is required, the abundance and distribution of this species in Malta seems to be indicative of long-term viability. This is possibly also due to increased protection in Malta and the Mediterranean, as well as rehabilitation programmes for injured and stranded turtles being undertaken in the Mediterranean region, including Malta. In Malta such work is coordinated by Nature Trust Malta (NTM‐FEE) with Environment & Resources Authority, as the competent authority, which also sponsors and finances such rehabilitation activities by Nature Trust Malta (NTM‐FEE).

ERA is calling for the public’s collaboration in reducing impacts to such nests and that any observations of any environmental illegality or turtle activity should be immediately reported to ERA on 9921 0404 or [email protected].
Note on the species: The loggerhead turtle (Maltese: il-fekruna l-komuni), scientifically known as Caretta caretta is a long-living, slowly maturing marine species that inhabits tropical to warm temperate areas. This species is classified as globally endangered by the World Conservation Area (IUCN) and is also protected by various national and international legislation. Capturing, killing, taking, and trading these turtles, as well as the deliberate disturbance of these species, particularly during the period of breeding, rearing and migration, is prohibited and subject to legal action. Even the destruction of eggs or taking of eggs from the wild is strictly prohibited and constitutes a criminal offence. In fact, the national ‘Flora, Fauna and Natural Habitats Protection Regulations’ impose a minimum fine of nearly €500 and going up to nearly €2400 for each egg that may be destroyed or taken from the wild. The area where the loggerhead turtles has laid its eggs is also a protected area under the Environment Protection Act (Cap. 549) and a Natura 2000 site through the EU Habitats Directive.

For further information, please refer to era.org.mt 

5 July 2020

Following several reports on the state of the ducks introduced at Is-Salini, the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA), as the competent Authority in terms of Natura 2000 sites, requested tests to be carried out through the Veterinary and Plant Regulatory Division (VPRD).

The results of the requested tests were provided to the Authority on the 1st July 2020. Unfortunately, from the samples assessed, it is clear that the ducks present at Is-Salini area are infected with Avian Flu and Salmonella and hence pose a risk not only to native and migratory wildlife in the area and the environment, but also to public health and food (due to possible transmission of such diseases to domesticated poultry species, which were also released in the same area).
The Ministry is currently in consultation with the Veterinary and Plants Regulation Division in order to decide on a plan of action for their removal.

It is noted that the ducks in question are feral domesticated ducks, which are not native to the Maltese Islands. They do not occur naturally in the area and their livelihood depends on external factors and human intervention, this causing major imbalances in the natural state of the water and biodiversity of the area. Such feral domesticated ducks cause direct environmental damage by altering the habitat where they live, degrading it, and increasing the risks of nutrient enrichment and water contamination. Indeed, the ducks, their droppings and uneaten introduced food sources are leading to water contamination, leading to an increase in nutrients and eutrophication episodes (such as red tides). Such episodes are very damaging to protected wildlife in the area as they may lead to the death of fish and other wildlife, including protected species, as well as other unwanted environmental and health consequences. Besides being introduced there and the damage indicated, other ancillary non-authorised alterations were also carried out in the site (which lies in a protected area) to accommodate the domesticated ducks.
In view of these environmental issues, ERA has also issued a Stop and Compliance Order (OWK) on this matter earlier on, which was followed up through such tests.

Note: ‘Is-Salini’ was designated as a Special Area of Conservation in 2003 granting the site protection in accordance with the provisions of the Flora, Fauna and Habitats Protection Regulations (SL549.44). This designation was further updated in 2018, through GN 681 of 2018 as published on 5th June 2018. A Management Agreement is in place, with the site being managed through BirdLife Malta, with the involvement of relevant competent entities, including ERA.

2 July 2020