MARINE PROTECTED AREAS IN MALTA - … 02, 2015 · MARINE PROTECTED AREAS IN MALTA . MPAs in Malta...
Transcript of MARINE PROTECTED AREAS IN MALTA - … 02, 2015 · MARINE PROTECTED AREAS IN MALTA . MPAs in Malta...
![Page 1: MARINE PROTECTED AREAS IN MALTA - … 02, 2015 · MARINE PROTECTED AREAS IN MALTA . MPAs in Malta 1. Five SCIs in the marine Natura 2000 network. 2. Mainly identified for Posidonia](https://reader030.fdocuments.net/reader030/viewer/2022021500/5aee4dba7f8b9ac62b8be087/html5/thumbnails/1.jpg)
MARINE PROTECTED AREAS IN MALTA
ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION DIRECTORATE 23 November 2015
![Page 2: MARINE PROTECTED AREAS IN MALTA - … 02, 2015 · MARINE PROTECTED AREAS IN MALTA . MPAs in Malta 1. Five SCIs in the marine Natura 2000 network. 2. Mainly identified for Posidonia](https://reader030.fdocuments.net/reader030/viewer/2022021500/5aee4dba7f8b9ac62b8be087/html5/thumbnails/2.jpg)
WHAT ARE MARINE PROTECTED AREAS?
![Page 3: MARINE PROTECTED AREAS IN MALTA - … 02, 2015 · MARINE PROTECTED AREAS IN MALTA . MPAs in Malta 1. Five SCIs in the marine Natura 2000 network. 2. Mainly identified for Posidonia](https://reader030.fdocuments.net/reader030/viewer/2022021500/5aee4dba7f8b9ac62b8be087/html5/thumbnails/3.jpg)
MPAs Defined
1. Designated inshore and offshore areas to conserve the marine environment – offer protection to habitats, species and habitats important for certain species.
2. Specific set of regulations. 3. Terminology – MPA is a general term – SAC,
SPA, area around scuttled vessels, etc.
![Page 4: MARINE PROTECTED AREAS IN MALTA - … 02, 2015 · MARINE PROTECTED AREAS IN MALTA . MPAs in Malta 1. Five SCIs in the marine Natura 2000 network. 2. Mainly identified for Posidonia](https://reader030.fdocuments.net/reader030/viewer/2022021500/5aee4dba7f8b9ac62b8be087/html5/thumbnails/4.jpg)
Natura 2000 sites
Key Protected Areas in Malta
Special Areas of Conservation
of International Importance
PROTECTED AREAS
Special Areas of Conservation
of National Importance
Special Protection Areas
Birds Directive Habitats Directive
Marine Protected Areas are declared under the
Environment & Development Planning Act
of 2010, with relevant provisions of the Habitats and Birds Directives being
transposed by Legal Notice 311 of 2006
![Page 5: MARINE PROTECTED AREAS IN MALTA - … 02, 2015 · MARINE PROTECTED AREAS IN MALTA . MPAs in Malta 1. Five SCIs in the marine Natura 2000 network. 2. Mainly identified for Posidonia](https://reader030.fdocuments.net/reader030/viewer/2022021500/5aee4dba7f8b9ac62b8be087/html5/thumbnails/5.jpg)
DESIGNATION PROCESS
![Page 6: MARINE PROTECTED AREAS IN MALTA - … 02, 2015 · MARINE PROTECTED AREAS IN MALTA . MPAs in Malta 1. Five SCIs in the marine Natura 2000 network. 2. Mainly identified for Posidonia](https://reader030.fdocuments.net/reader030/viewer/2022021500/5aee4dba7f8b9ac62b8be087/html5/thumbnails/6.jpg)
Identification of MPAs
1. Criteria mainly listed in the EU Nature Directives, particularly the EU Habitats Directive (Directive 92/43/EEC);
2. Habitats and species for which MPAs must be designated are also included.
![Page 7: MARINE PROTECTED AREAS IN MALTA - … 02, 2015 · MARINE PROTECTED AREAS IN MALTA . MPAs in Malta 1. Five SCIs in the marine Natura 2000 network. 2. Mainly identified for Posidonia](https://reader030.fdocuments.net/reader030/viewer/2022021500/5aee4dba7f8b9ac62b8be087/html5/thumbnails/7.jpg)
Identification of MPAs
3. Assessment at national level of sites’ relative importance.
• Representativty, connectivity, area covered, conservation status, population density, isolation.
4. EU Process: SCI/SAC and SPA in relation to Natura 2000
![Page 8: MARINE PROTECTED AREAS IN MALTA - … 02, 2015 · MARINE PROTECTED AREAS IN MALTA . MPAs in Malta 1. Five SCIs in the marine Natura 2000 network. 2. Mainly identified for Posidonia](https://reader030.fdocuments.net/reader030/viewer/2022021500/5aee4dba7f8b9ac62b8be087/html5/thumbnails/8.jpg)
Designation of SACs(Annex III of Habitats Directive)
Stage 1: Assessment of Sites supportingAnnex 1 Habitat Types and
Harbouring Annex II species based onthe following criteria:
• Degree of Representativity • Area • Degree of conservation of habitat
structure, functions and restoration possibilities
• Global Assessment of Conservation Value
HABITATS SPECIES
• Population Size and Density • Degree of conservation of the
features of the habitats that are important for the species and restoration possibilities
• Degree of isolation of the population in relation to the species’ natural range
• Global Assessment of Conservation Value
![Page 9: MARINE PROTECTED AREAS IN MALTA - … 02, 2015 · MARINE PROTECTED AREAS IN MALTA . MPAs in Malta 1. Five SCIs in the marine Natura 2000 network. 2. Mainly identified for Posidonia](https://reader030.fdocuments.net/reader030/viewer/2022021500/5aee4dba7f8b9ac62b8be087/html5/thumbnails/9.jpg)
Stage 2: Assess the sites at a biogeographical levelbased on the following criteria:
a) Relative value of the site at National Levelb) Total Area of the Site
c) Number of Annex I & Annex IIhabitats & species respectively
d) Global ecological value of the site atthe level of the Biogeographic region &/or
EU as a wholee) Relationship of the site to the migration route
of or its role as a part of an ecosystem onboth sides of one or more of the community
frontiers
![Page 10: MARINE PROTECTED AREAS IN MALTA - … 02, 2015 · MARINE PROTECTED AREAS IN MALTA . MPAs in Malta 1. Five SCIs in the marine Natura 2000 network. 2. Mainly identified for Posidonia](https://reader030.fdocuments.net/reader030/viewer/2022021500/5aee4dba7f8b9ac62b8be087/html5/thumbnails/10.jpg)
Designation asSpecial Area of Conservation
(SAC)
Adoption of SCI
Submission of National List of potentialSites of Community Interestto European Commission
National List of Proposed sites classifiedaccording to their value for the conservation of each
natural habitat type in annex I or each speciesin Annex II & with priority species or habitats indicated
![Page 11: MARINE PROTECTED AREAS IN MALTA - … 02, 2015 · MARINE PROTECTED AREAS IN MALTA . MPAs in Malta 1. Five SCIs in the marine Natura 2000 network. 2. Mainly identified for Posidonia](https://reader030.fdocuments.net/reader030/viewer/2022021500/5aee4dba7f8b9ac62b8be087/html5/thumbnails/11.jpg)
Darrin T Stevens –Environment Protection Directorate – Malta Environment & Planning Authority –
11
Wild Birds Directive Habitats Directive
Habitat Types, Plants and Animals –
Selection Process
Member State Proposal of Sites
Selection of Sites within the EU
(Community List)
SITE DESIGNATION
![Page 12: MARINE PROTECTED AREAS IN MALTA - … 02, 2015 · MARINE PROTECTED AREAS IN MALTA . MPAs in Malta 1. Five SCIs in the marine Natura 2000 network. 2. Mainly identified for Posidonia](https://reader030.fdocuments.net/reader030/viewer/2022021500/5aee4dba7f8b9ac62b8be087/html5/thumbnails/12.jpg)
SAC
s of
Inte
rnat
iona
l Im
port
ance
NATURA 2000 SITES
![Page 13: MARINE PROTECTED AREAS IN MALTA - … 02, 2015 · MARINE PROTECTED AREAS IN MALTA . MPAs in Malta 1. Five SCIs in the marine Natura 2000 network. 2. Mainly identified for Posidonia](https://reader030.fdocuments.net/reader030/viewer/2022021500/5aee4dba7f8b9ac62b8be087/html5/thumbnails/13.jpg)
Submerged or partially
submerged sea caves
Selected Habitats to be considered
Reefs
Estuaries
Submerged or partially
submerged sea caves
* Posidonia beds
Sandbanks
![Page 14: MARINE PROTECTED AREAS IN MALTA - … 02, 2015 · MARINE PROTECTED AREAS IN MALTA . MPAs in Malta 1. Five SCIs in the marine Natura 2000 network. 2. Mainly identified for Posidonia](https://reader030.fdocuments.net/reader030/viewer/2022021500/5aee4dba7f8b9ac62b8be087/html5/thumbnails/14.jpg)
Caretta caretta Tursiops truncatus Gibbula nivosa
Calonectris diomedea Puffinus yelkouan
Hydrobates pelagicus
Selected Species to be considered
![Page 15: MARINE PROTECTED AREAS IN MALTA - … 02, 2015 · MARINE PROTECTED AREAS IN MALTA . MPAs in Malta 1. Five SCIs in the marine Natura 2000 network. 2. Mainly identified for Posidonia](https://reader030.fdocuments.net/reader030/viewer/2022021500/5aee4dba7f8b9ac62b8be087/html5/thumbnails/15.jpg)
DESIGNATION PROCESS: PAST AND PRESENT
![Page 16: MARINE PROTECTED AREAS IN MALTA - … 02, 2015 · MARINE PROTECTED AREAS IN MALTA . MPAs in Malta 1. Five SCIs in the marine Natura 2000 network. 2. Mainly identified for Posidonia](https://reader030.fdocuments.net/reader030/viewer/2022021500/5aee4dba7f8b9ac62b8be087/html5/thumbnails/16.jpg)
Natura 2000 Status
• Malta proposed the eligible sites as potential Sites of Community importance (SCIs) under the Habitats Directive and as Special Protection Areas (SPAs) under the Birds Directive.
• The first submission made by Malta was in December 2004. Further proposals were made in September 2006-2011, the latter including new marine sites.
• Malta is considered well advanced in the Natura 2000 process, but is working to update the areas with further assessments in relation to the marine environment.
![Page 17: MARINE PROTECTED AREAS IN MALTA - … 02, 2015 · MARINE PROTECTED AREAS IN MALTA . MPAs in Malta 1. Five SCIs in the marine Natura 2000 network. 2. Mainly identified for Posidonia](https://reader030.fdocuments.net/reader030/viewer/2022021500/5aee4dba7f8b9ac62b8be087/html5/thumbnails/17.jpg)
Sufficiency in relation to the Habitats Directive & Natura 2000
17 Source: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/natura2000/barometer/index_en.htm
Natura 2000 Status
![Page 18: MARINE PROTECTED AREAS IN MALTA - … 02, 2015 · MARINE PROTECTED AREAS IN MALTA . MPAs in Malta 1. Five SCIs in the marine Natura 2000 network. 2. Mainly identified for Posidonia](https://reader030.fdocuments.net/reader030/viewer/2022021500/5aee4dba7f8b9ac62b8be087/html5/thumbnails/18.jpg)
![Page 19: MARINE PROTECTED AREAS IN MALTA - … 02, 2015 · MARINE PROTECTED AREAS IN MALTA . MPAs in Malta 1. Five SCIs in the marine Natura 2000 network. 2. Mainly identified for Posidonia](https://reader030.fdocuments.net/reader030/viewer/2022021500/5aee4dba7f8b9ac62b8be087/html5/thumbnails/19.jpg)
• The need of further marine data’ assessments was recognised by Malta and the National Environment Programme (NEP) and the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP), which include measures in this regard.
• Malta is required to designate further marine protected areas by end 2017, so as to be in line with national and international targets.
Natura 2000 Status
![Page 20: MARINE PROTECTED AREAS IN MALTA - … 02, 2015 · MARINE PROTECTED AREAS IN MALTA . MPAs in Malta 1. Five SCIs in the marine Natura 2000 network. 2. Mainly identified for Posidonia](https://reader030.fdocuments.net/reader030/viewer/2022021500/5aee4dba7f8b9ac62b8be087/html5/thumbnails/20.jpg)
MARINE PROTECTED AREAS IN MALTA
![Page 21: MARINE PROTECTED AREAS IN MALTA - … 02, 2015 · MARINE PROTECTED AREAS IN MALTA . MPAs in Malta 1. Five SCIs in the marine Natura 2000 network. 2. Mainly identified for Posidonia](https://reader030.fdocuments.net/reader030/viewer/2022021500/5aee4dba7f8b9ac62b8be087/html5/thumbnails/21.jpg)
MPAs in Malta
1. Five SCIs in the marine Natura 2000 network.
2. Mainly identified for Posidonia meadows and Gibbula nivosa.
3. Ongoing work on habitat and species assessments and mapping for the identification of other potential sites.
![Page 22: MARINE PROTECTED AREAS IN MALTA - … 02, 2015 · MARINE PROTECTED AREAS IN MALTA . MPAs in Malta 1. Five SCIs in the marine Natura 2000 network. 2. Mainly identified for Posidonia](https://reader030.fdocuments.net/reader030/viewer/2022021500/5aee4dba7f8b9ac62b8be087/html5/thumbnails/22.jpg)
MPAs in Malta
![Page 23: MARINE PROTECTED AREAS IN MALTA - … 02, 2015 · MARINE PROTECTED AREAS IN MALTA . MPAs in Malta 1. Five SCIs in the marine Natura 2000 network. 2. Mainly identified for Posidonia](https://reader030.fdocuments.net/reader030/viewer/2022021500/5aee4dba7f8b9ac62b8be087/html5/thumbnails/23.jpg)
• cover over 80% of Posidonia Beds. • with representativity of all subtypes. • over 18,000 ha
• host other habitat such as reefs & caves
• geographically well distributed
MPAs in Malta
![Page 24: MARINE PROTECTED AREAS IN MALTA - … 02, 2015 · MARINE PROTECTED AREAS IN MALTA . MPAs in Malta 1. Five SCIs in the marine Natura 2000 network. 2. Mainly identified for Posidonia](https://reader030.fdocuments.net/reader030/viewer/2022021500/5aee4dba7f8b9ac62b8be087/html5/thumbnails/24.jpg)
• “Relative to its size, the country with the largest contribution was Malta, with 183 km2 of marine areas now designated, creating the basis for a solid marine network in the surrounding waters. The new Maltese marine sites will help the conservation of Posidonia sea grass beds and submerged reefs, and offer a vital habitat for the endemic Maltese Topshell Gibbula nivosa, a brightly coloured sea snail.”
• European Commission, November 2012
MPAs in Malta
![Page 25: MARINE PROTECTED AREAS IN MALTA - … 02, 2015 · MARINE PROTECTED AREAS IN MALTA . MPAs in Malta 1. Five SCIs in the marine Natura 2000 network. 2. Mainly identified for Posidonia](https://reader030.fdocuments.net/reader030/viewer/2022021500/5aee4dba7f8b9ac62b8be087/html5/thumbnails/25.jpg)
MANAGEMENT OF MARINE
PROTECTED AREAS
![Page 26: MARINE PROTECTED AREAS IN MALTA - … 02, 2015 · MARINE PROTECTED AREAS IN MALTA . MPAs in Malta 1. Five SCIs in the marine Natura 2000 network. 2. Mainly identified for Posidonia](https://reader030.fdocuments.net/reader030/viewer/2022021500/5aee4dba7f8b9ac62b8be087/html5/thumbnails/26.jpg)
Management of MPAs
• To establish the necessary conservation
measures and priorities for the management of Special Areas of Conservation and Special
Member States have six years from
acceptance of the sites as Natura 2000
by the European Commission to adopt
management measures
Protection Areas, to meet the ecological requirements of the habitats and species for which the site is designated;
![Page 27: MARINE PROTECTED AREAS IN MALTA - … 02, 2015 · MARINE PROTECTED AREAS IN MALTA . MPAs in Malta 1. Five SCIs in the marine Natura 2000 network. 2. Mainly identified for Posidonia](https://reader030.fdocuments.net/reader030/viewer/2022021500/5aee4dba7f8b9ac62b8be087/html5/thumbnails/27.jpg)
Management of MPAs
To take appropriate steps to avoid the
deterioration of natural habitats and the habitats of species, as well as disturbance of the species for which the areas have been designated;
![Page 28: MARINE PROTECTED AREAS IN MALTA - … 02, 2015 · MARINE PROTECTED AREAS IN MALTA . MPAs in Malta 1. Five SCIs in the marine Natura 2000 network. 2. Mainly identified for Posidonia](https://reader030.fdocuments.net/reader030/viewer/2022021500/5aee4dba7f8b9ac62b8be087/html5/thumbnails/28.jpg)
Management of MPAs
Management measures which may be in the form of a plan.
May involve zoning, with different designations of MPAs within one site.
Stakeholder involvement. Enhancement of artisanal practices & niche tourism.
![Page 29: MARINE PROTECTED AREAS IN MALTA - … 02, 2015 · MARINE PROTECTED AREAS IN MALTA . MPAs in Malta 1. Five SCIs in the marine Natura 2000 network. 2. Mainly identified for Posidonia](https://reader030.fdocuments.net/reader030/viewer/2022021500/5aee4dba7f8b9ac62b8be087/html5/thumbnails/29.jpg)
DESIGNATION PROCESS: FUTURE
![Page 30: MARINE PROTECTED AREAS IN MALTA - … 02, 2015 · MARINE PROTECTED AREAS IN MALTA . MPAs in Malta 1. Five SCIs in the marine Natura 2000 network. 2. Mainly identified for Posidonia](https://reader030.fdocuments.net/reader030/viewer/2022021500/5aee4dba7f8b9ac62b8be087/html5/thumbnails/30.jpg)
• Three LIFE+ projects were proposed and accepted: Malta Seabirds (launched 2011); Migratory Turtles and Cetaceans (MIGRATE, launched 2012) and Marine Habitats (Baħar, launched 2013);
• Further research on marine species was promoted and/or commissioned, further monitoring continued where relevant, and conservation status assessment continued;
• Malta also designated five marine areas in the process on the basis of existing information and proposed them as Natura 2000 sites, the latest additions in 2011 (accepted by the EU in November 2012).
Ongoing Activities
![Page 31: MARINE PROTECTED AREAS IN MALTA - … 02, 2015 · MARINE PROTECTED AREAS IN MALTA . MPAs in Malta 1. Five SCIs in the marine Natura 2000 network. 2. Mainly identified for Posidonia](https://reader030.fdocuments.net/reader030/viewer/2022021500/5aee4dba7f8b9ac62b8be087/html5/thumbnails/31.jpg)
Ongoing Activities
Designation: ongoing activities aimed at identifying new SCIs and SPAs in line with the Nature Directives;
This includes implementation of three LIFE+ Projects: • LIFE Malta Sea Birds (lead: BirdLife Malta); • LIFE MIGRATE (lead: MEPA); and • LIFE BaHAR (lead: MEPA).
![Page 32: MARINE PROTECTED AREAS IN MALTA - … 02, 2015 · MARINE PROTECTED AREAS IN MALTA . MPAs in Malta 1. Five SCIs in the marine Natura 2000 network. 2. Mainly identified for Posidonia](https://reader030.fdocuments.net/reader030/viewer/2022021500/5aee4dba7f8b9ac62b8be087/html5/thumbnails/32.jpg)
Ongoing Activities
Carlos Minguell © LIFE BaĦAR for N2K/OCEANA
Carlos Minguell © LIFE BaĦAR for N2K/OCEANA Carlos Minguell © LIFE BaĦAR for N2K/OCEANA
Carlos Minguell © LIFE BaĦAR for N2K/OCEANA
![Page 33: MARINE PROTECTED AREAS IN MALTA - … 02, 2015 · MARINE PROTECTED AREAS IN MALTA . MPAs in Malta 1. Five SCIs in the marine Natura 2000 network. 2. Mainly identified for Posidonia](https://reader030.fdocuments.net/reader030/viewer/2022021500/5aee4dba7f8b9ac62b8be087/html5/thumbnails/33.jpg)
Ongoing Activities
• Monitoring: initial assessment on selected
descriptors, including seabirds; • the development of an integrated National
Marine Monitoring Programme linking the EU Nature Directives, the EU Water Framework Directive, the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive and various related multilateral environmental treaties.
![Page 35: MARINE PROTECTED AREAS IN MALTA - … 02, 2015 · MARINE PROTECTED AREAS IN MALTA . MPAs in Malta 1. Five SCIs in the marine Natura 2000 network. 2. Mainly identified for Posidonia](https://reader030.fdocuments.net/reader030/viewer/2022021500/5aee4dba7f8b9ac62b8be087/html5/thumbnails/35.jpg)
Ongoing Activities
• Management: commencing work on the
management planning and development of programme of measures for the designated MPAs;
• Reporting: regular reporting as required, including updates the conservation status of habitats and species and implementation of the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan;
![Page 36: MARINE PROTECTED AREAS IN MALTA - … 02, 2015 · MARINE PROTECTED AREAS IN MALTA . MPAs in Malta 1. Five SCIs in the marine Natura 2000 network. 2. Mainly identified for Posidonia](https://reader030.fdocuments.net/reader030/viewer/2022021500/5aee4dba7f8b9ac62b8be087/html5/thumbnails/36.jpg)
Stakeholder involvement
and participation
Ongoing Activities
![Page 37: MARINE PROTECTED AREAS IN MALTA - … 02, 2015 · MARINE PROTECTED AREAS IN MALTA . MPAs in Malta 1. Five SCIs in the marine Natura 2000 network. 2. Mainly identified for Posidonia](https://reader030.fdocuments.net/reader030/viewer/2022021500/5aee4dba7f8b9ac62b8be087/html5/thumbnails/37.jpg)
Ongoing Activities
• Awareness: promotion
through biodiversity tours, communication and awareness campaigns, underwater trail, and related issues
![Page 38: MARINE PROTECTED AREAS IN MALTA - … 02, 2015 · MARINE PROTECTED AREAS IN MALTA . MPAs in Malta 1. Five SCIs in the marine Natura 2000 network. 2. Mainly identified for Posidonia](https://reader030.fdocuments.net/reader030/viewer/2022021500/5aee4dba7f8b9ac62b8be087/html5/thumbnails/38.jpg)
For further Information: www.mepa.org.mt
THANK YOU