As an owner of a pet/companion animal of species included in the Union list, you may keep your pet, provided that the animal was acquired prior to the inclusion of the species on the Union list, and is kept in a contained holding were reproduction or escape is not possible.
Slider turtles
If for any reason you are no longer able to continue to keep or care for your pet, it is recommend that the animal is adequately re-homed by, for example, donating it to a responsible third party or to an animal shelter. One must ensure that any donated/transferred animals are kept in a contained holding, and such specimens are not released into the natural environment, since these may potentially harm local fauna and flora.
As a commercial owner/keeper however, you may sell or transfer specimens to non-commercial users for up to one year following the inclusion of the concerned species on the Union list, provided that the concerned specimens were acquired prior to such listing and are kept in a contained holding. Prior to the sale/transfer of any invasive alien species of Union concern it is recommended to duly inform customers on the restrictions in place and the requirement to keep such specimens in contained holding.
Common myna
Keeping a specimen in a “contained holding” means keeping the animal in confinement such that escape/spread is not possible. Considering the ease of dispersal of seeds (e.g. through wind, birds etc.), the keeping of invasive flora of Union concern in gardens is prohibited, and such plants or trees should be kept in fully enclosed spaces such as aquaria, greenhouses or indoors.
Moreover, for up to two years from the date of inclusion of a species on the Union list, commercial owners/keepers of such specimens may:
sell or transfer such specimens to permitted research or ex-situ conservation establishments or for the purpose of medicinal activities, or;
Considering that a number of species are pet/aquarium/garden species, temporary provisions are in place; these allow the sale and keeping of such specimens under contained conditions. Further information is available here for commercial owners/keepers, and here for owners of pets.
Management of Malta’s Marine Protected Areas – Ongoing consultations
The Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) is in the process of defining the objectives and measures for the management of Malta’s Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). In this regard, ERA is considering input from the general public, organisations and interested stakeholders regarding their views on the management of the MPAs around Malta and Gozo.
More information related to these MPAs, which form part of Europe’s Natura 2000 network is available in the consultation document. The management measures for MPAs have to safeguard the protected features for which these areas were designated. Typical protected features include Posidonia beds, reefs, caves, various seabirds, loggerhead turtles and bottlenose dolphins. The general aim of such measures would be so that the protected features are maintained or achieve a good conservation status.
Comments may be sent to the Nature Team within the Biodiversity & Water Unit on: [email protected] or by post to Nature Team, Environment & Resources Authority, Spencer Hill, Marsa MRS 1441.
Most sites within the terrestrial Natura 2000 Network have management plans in place, while some of the smaller sites are also covered through Conservation Orders.
The Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) has initiated the revision process for the “Conservation Objectives and Measures for Malta’s Terrestrial Natura 2000 sites”, in line with the Flora, Fauna and Natural Habitats Protection Regulations (S.L. 549.44). The revised conservation objectives and measures for Malta’s terrestrial Natura 2000 sites build upon Malta’s first ‘‘Management Plans and Conservation Orders for Terrestrial Natura 2000 Sites in Malta & Gozo’’ which were adopted in 2016, in order to continue the Government’s long-term efforts on Natura 2000 site management and biodiversity conservation.
This revision process is being carried out in a staggered approach to facilitate consultation and adoption. The management planning exercise involves gathering information, carrying out surveys, defining conservation objectives, and identifying management measures, with intensive stakeholder involvement throughout the entire process. Thus far, the management plans for the following 13 Natura 2000 sites have been updated:
L-Inħawi ta’ Pembroke
Il-Maqluba
Is-Simar
Is-Salini
L-Għadira s-Safra u l-Iskoll tal-Għallis
L-Inħawi tar-Ramla tat-Torri u tal-Irdum tal-Madonna
L-Inħawi tad-Dwejra u tal-Qawra/Rdumijiet ta’ Għawdex: Il-Ponta ta’ Ħarrux sal-Bajja tax-Xlendi/Rdumijiet ta’Għawdex: Il-Ponta ta San Dimitri sal-Ponta ta Ħarrux
The River Basin Management Plan is prepared every six years in line with the EU Water Framework Directive (WFD), which requires an integrated approach to the management of water environment at a river basin district level, which translates into the water catchment district level in Malta’s case, as per Water Policy Framework Regulations.
The river basin/water catchment district is an area of land where water from rain drains into a body of water such as groundwater, inland surface water and coastal waters. Due to its size Malta has one such district and one River Basin Management Plan (RBMP), covering the whole of its territory and the different water bodies.
The overall aim of the RBMP is to ensure the sustainable management of water resources and the protection of aquatic ecosystems associated with our natural waters. This is achieved through the definition of a set of measures (Programme of Measures) addressing the most significant challenges that Malta’s water resources are facing.
The water bodies identified through the RBMP are representative of the waters covered by the WFD, namely all inland waters – comprising ground waters, watercourses and permanent pools – as well as transitional waters, and coastal waters up to one nautical mile. These water bodies are used for reporting and assessing compliance with the Directive’s objectives.
Significant emphasis is also placed on ensuring a participatory approach in the development of the RBMP, which entails the active involvement and consultation of stakeholders in the different phases of the process.
The plans developed in each six-year cycle are available from the below links.
During the first two six-year cycles of the WFD implementation, Malta’s Plan was termed the ‘Water Catchment Management Plan’ in line with the relevant national legislation.
Third Cycle – Malta’s 3rd River Basin Management Plan
Second Cycle – Malta’s 2nd Water Catchment Management Plan
First Cycle – Malta’s 1st Water Catchment Management Plan
Pollution is defined by the Environment Protection Act 1 of 2016 as “the direct or indirect introduction by man, or due to natural processes, into the environment of substances, energy, organisms or genetic material that cause or are likely to cause hazard to human health, or harm to living resources or to the environment “.
If we consider the local scenario, the sources of water pollution are numerous, and their effects vary depending on the severity of the pollution source and its location. Following is a list of pollutants of relevance to the local environment and a short description of their effects:
Activity
Resulting Pollutants
Potential Impacts
Agriculture
Nutrients
Pesticides
Suspended matter
• Decrease in light and oxygen availability to aquatic life.
• Nutrient enrichment and eutrophication.
• Increased stress to aquatic life.
Sewage discharge
Biological Oxygen Demand
Nutrients
Organics
Bacteria and viruses
Turbidity
Heavy metals
Pesticides
Other synthetic chemicals
• Decrease in light and oxygen availability.
• Nutrient enrichment and eutrophication.
• Alteration of habitats and communities.
• Increased stress to aquatic life.
Discharges from industry
Heavy metals
Organics
Synthetic chemicals
Thermal pollution
• Increased stress to aquatic life.
• Possible increased mortality in aquatic organisms.
Aquaculture
Nutrients
Suspended matter
Organics
• Nutrient enrichment.
• Reduced oxygen levels.
• Accumulation of particulate wastes.
• Alteration of habitats.
Oil and fuel terminals
Petroleum Hydrocarbons
• Increased stress to aquatic life.
Shipping, including bunkering and harbour dredging
Anti-fouling chemicals
Petroleum Hydrocarbons
Suspended matter
Heavy metals
• Alteration of habitats.
• Decrease in light and oxygen availability
A comprehensive description of relevant pressures and impacts on Maltese surface waters can be found in Chapter 3 of the 2nd WCMP.
Monitoring Water Quality
The Water Policy Framework Regulations require that we monitor the quality of our waters on a frequent basis. The requirements are extensive and cover all surface water and groundwater bodies and Protected Areas. Monitoring programmes are required to establish a coherent and comprehensive overview of water status within each water catchment district.
There are 3 types of monitoring required for surface waters: surveillance, operational and investigative. The purposes of the monitoring types are briefly summarized in the following table:
Monitoring
Aims
Surveillance monitoring
Validates the characterisation pressure and impact assessments
Detects long-term trends
Provides an assessment of overall status
Operational monitoring
Helps classify the status of water bodies identified as 'at risk'
Assess change in status of 'at risk' water bodies that may result from the Programme of Measures.
Investigative monitoring
Ascertains the cause and effects of a failure to meet 'Good Status' where it is not clear
Assessment of accidental pollution
In the case of ecological status determination the following parameters need to be monitored: biological quality elements and supporting chemical and hydromorphological quality elements. In the case of chemical status a list of priority substances, priority hazardous substances and other substances that could potentially be of national concern are also monitored.
All these parameters are included in the monitoring programmes of the WCMP. These can be viewed in Chapter 5 of the 2nd WCMP.
Intercalibration of Biological Quality Elements
The Directive requires that the results of national classifications are compared between different Member States in the various ecoregions of the European Union to ensure that the established class boundaries and the reported monitoring results are consistent with the normative WFD definitions, and that they are comparable between Member States. In order to achieve this, an intercalibration exercise, as referred to in Annex V of the WFD, is required between Member States. This exercise is a key element in making this general environmental objective of ‘good status’ applicable in a harmonised way throughout the EU. Its objective is to establish a common understanding of ‘good ecological status’ in all Member States that is consistent with the definitions of the Directive. Intercalibration needs to take into account current scientific knowledge about the structure and functioning of aquatic ecosystems and how human activities influence them. The results of the intercalibration exercise are expected to lead to appropriate boundary identification between the categories of high – good and good – moderate.
An intercalibration exercise on the four Biological Quality Elements for Maltese coastal waters was undertaken. The report includes:
(i) the results of the intercalibration exercise for the BQEs for which intercalibration was possible (Posidonia oceanicaand macroalgae);
(ii) data gaps and future monitoring needs for the BQEs which Intercalibration was not possible (benthic invertebrates and phytoplankton);
(iii) methods used to determine reference sites in the Maltese Islands;
(iv) approaches to intercalibration of heavily modified water bodies.
Monitoring Results of Surface Waters (WFD first cycle)
Inland Surface and Transitional Water Monitoring (2012-2013)
Report of a survey of the physical and biological characteristics of the seabed at the marine spoil ground and surrounding area, off the Grand Harbour, Malta
National Baseline Budget of Emissions/Releases for SAP targeted pollutants (Version 27 Feb 2004)
February 2004
Within the framework of the implementation of the Strategic action Plan Programme (SAP) adopted by the 12th meeting of the Contracting Parties to the Barcelona Convention, Malta is expected to prepare a national Baseline Budget (BB) of emissions/releases for the SAP targeted pollutants covering all the substantial land-based sources. This BB together with a National Diagnostic Analysis (NDA) should form the starting point for the eventual formulation and implementation of a National Action Plan (NAP) for Malta for the reduction and elimination of land-based pollution.
National Action Plan for Malta for the Reduction and Elimination of Land Based Pollution
January 2004
Within the framework of the Strategic Action Programme (SAP) to address pollution from land-based activities, as adopted by the Contracting Parties to the Barcelona Convention (Monaco, November 2001), Malta is in the process of formulating a National Action Plan (NAP) for the reduction and elimination of land-based pollution. The designated national authority for the coordination of this task is the Environment and Resources Authority.
National Action Plan for the Protection of the Marine Environment from Land-based Activities
November 2005
In 1995, 108 countries including Malta and the European Commission, concerned about the state of the world's coastal and marine environments, adopted the Washington Declaration, and made a commitment to ensure that, through improved governance of coastal and marine environments, they would protect and preserve the marine environment from the impacts of land-based activities. They agreed to implement a Global Programme of Action (GPA).
At the regional level, and as a contracting party to the Barcelona Convention, Malta signed and ratified the revised LBS protocol, which covers watersheds on the landward side of the Mediterranean. In effect the whole of Malta falls within the remit of the LBS protocol.
The three main objectives of this report was to monitor direct marine discharges; to prepare a National Strategy for the control of direct marine discharges; and to assist industrial operators in the preparation of implementation plans with respect to the control of direct marine discharges, and advise on the implementation of these plans.
These objectives would enable the Environment and Resources Authority to come in full compliance with the obligations in the EU Aquis within the timeframes as specified in the NPAA
Assessing the Impact of Compliance with CD 76/464/EEC and other related Water Quality Directives with Reference to Marine Discharges in Malta
Final Report November 2000
The report carries out an appraisal on point sources of liquid discharges to the marine environment, and assesses the current load of effluents from such sources as arising from different industrial and other sectors. In doing so, it identifies per sector, those requirements for provisions and measures that have to be taken into account to ensure compliance with a range of EU water quality Directives which are relevant to marine discharges.
The relevant Directives were mainly: the Dangerous Substances Directive 76/464/EEC and its daughter Directives; the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive 91/271/EEC and the Water Framework Directive.
Monitoring under the Land-based sources protocol of the Barcelona Convention
May 2004 - Monitoring Coastal Waters Seventh Report
The present coastal water quality monitoring programme was initiated in February 1998 and since then data has been periodically presented in a number of reports. The present report is the 7th in this series. It presents data on environmental monitoring carried out in June 2003 and March 2004. It is to be considered as a follow-up to the previous reports and as such should be read in conjunction with them.
In June 1997, the Pollution Control co-ordinating Unit of the Environmental Protection Department entered into an agreement with the Marine Ecotoxicology Laboratory (Department of Biology) of the University of Malta, to jointly undertake a monitoring programme to assess environmental quality in local inshore waters.
Monitoring Pollution by Petroleum Hydrocarbons in Inshore Coastal Areas Around Malta
January 2003
The aim of the project was to identify trends in levels of pollution by petroleum hydrocarbons in inshore coastal waters around Malta which are more likely to be exposed to risks of contamination. These sites (including, the main harbours) have been monitored in 1989 and more recently in 1993; to establish baseline data on the levels of such pollution in other areas which have not been monitored as yet; and to provide the necessary information on the basis of which an assessment of the degree of environmental damage resulting from future incidents of oil spillage, may be made.
Monitoring under the EU Environment Acquis – Bathing Water Regulations (L.N.380/2003)
The Bathing Water Directive (CD76/160/EEC) has been transposed as L.N. 380/2003 under the Public Health Act (Act XIII of 2003). The Environmental Health Directorate within the Ministry for Health carriers out annual monitoring of bathing waters.
Abstract Report on the Microbiological Quality for Bathing Water - Bathing Season 2004
This programme, (also carried out in collaboration with the Regional Health Inspectors and the Public Health Laboratory) ran on a regular weekly basis from 17 May and 24 October. Throughout this period, 87 official bathing sites were monitored.
EU Bathing water monitoring reports carried out by the Environmental Health Directorate can be accessible here.
Updating Management Plans
In 2016, the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) published 22 Management Plans and 8 Conservation Orders for all the terrestrial Natura 2000 sites in the Maltese Islands [1]. ERA is currently in the process of revising and updating the site-specific conservation objectives and measures that were adopted in 2016. These objectives and respective measures aim to maintain or restore the natural habitat types and species of community interest to a favourable conservation status. The updates ensure that each site is managed effectively to meet its ecological requirements. This process involves a comprehensive review of existing data, stakeholder consultations, and the integration of new scientific findings [2].
Data Collection and Mapping
ERA has focused on collecting and updating data for the Natura 2000 sites. This includes preparing Standard Data Forms (SDFs) and maps for each site, which are submitted to the European Commission. The data collection process is ongoing, ensuring that the most accurate and up-to-date information is available for effective site management. This involves field surveys, remote sensing, and the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to map habitats and species [3].
Stakeholder Engagement
Engaging with local communities, landowners, and other stakeholders has been a key part of ERA’s strategy. By fostering collaboration and raising awareness about the importance of Natura 2000 sites, ERA ensures that conservation efforts are supported and sustained at the local level. This includes public consultations, educational programs, and partnerships with NGOs and other organizations [4].
Site Management
The active management of protected areas is of utmost importance for the efficient protection of habitats and species. Administrative, statutory or contractual management are considered. Through the years, selected sites have been managed through an agreement signed between the competent authority, other Government agencies/departments, non-governmental organisations and/or occupiers of land.
Implementation of Conservation Measures
Apart from its consultative role, ERA is also involved directly or indirectly in management interventions. Various conservation measures are implemented which are tailored to the specific needs of the different habitats and species. These measures include habitat restoration, species monitoring, and the removal and control of invasive species. For example, ERA has undertaken projects to restore degraded habitats, monitor the populations of endangered species, and remove invasive species that threaten native biodiversity. These actions are vital for maintaining the ecological integrity of Natura 2000 sites [2].
Funding and Support
ERA has leveraged EU funds to support the management and conservation of Natura 2000 sites. These funds have been used for various projects, including habitat restoration, research, and capacity building. The EU LIFE Programme, for instance, has co-financed numerous projects aimed at improving the conservation status of habitats and species within Natura 2000 sites [5].
Overall, ERA’s work since 2016 has been instrumental in advancing the conservation and sustainable management of Natura 2000 sites in Malta. These efforts contribute significantly to the broader goals of the EU’s biodiversity strategy.
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