Procurement procedures for implementation of this measure are in progress. In parallel, data on accumulated litter on the seabed as observed through the LIFE BaHAR for N2K project (LIFE12 NAT/MT/000845) surveys was classified and mapped. This data will be contributing to the implementation of the tender once this is awarded.

The change in measure was triggered In view of the increasing number of initiatives organised by NGOs and local organisations for clean-ups. The need to develop a mechanism that would ensure coordination of such initiatives was identified in order to channel such initiatives to priority areas, ensure adoption of environmentally friendly practices and avoid duplication of efforts. Through this mechanism, requests for clean-ups will be assessed and guided in a consistent manner and on the basis of the available data/information. For the purpose of this new measure, work is currently ongoing to set up two parallel systems that will feed into each other: one system involving mechanism for collection of data on accumulated litter using citizen science and another system whereby NGOs/local organisations would be directed to undertake clean-ups in priority areas in accordance with the data available. Work is expected to the finalised within the reported timeframes.

In the summer of 2018 and 2019, the Authority for Transport in Malta launched their annual "Be Safe at Sea" Campaign including messages to seafarers to avoid the introduction of litter into the marine environment. In collaboration with the Authority for Transport in Malta, the Environment and Resources Authority participated in TV interviews as part of the 2018 campaign. The focus of these interviews was in relation to the impacts of marine litter. Work is currently ongoing to develop information on marine litter to be included as part of the nautical courses and also to develop more awareness raising material to form part of the annual "Be Safe at Sea" campaign. In addition to the above, through LIFE BaHAR for N2K project (LIFE12 NAT/MT/000845) a video clip on marine litter was developed and is available online: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFEdb7ZgbxH32aopvJeZ8Sw.

A study has been undertaken by the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture as part of the implementation of this measure. Seventeen fishing aggregated devices (FADs) were deployed utilizing Sisal rope as opposed to the typically used nylon at a variety of depths ranging from 300 to 1000 meters throughout Maltese waters. The overall results of this study indicated that most of the FADs deployed with the trialed Sisal setup remained functional for half the dolphinfish fishing season. The dolphinfish fishing season lasts five months, meaning that a different setup will have to be utilized in order to extend the operational life of biodegradable FADs. The measure will be revisited as part of the upcoming Programme of Measures.

A pilot project scheme was launched in December 2018 by the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture. This scheme aims at providing financial support to eligible and interested applicants/boat owners who have a trawler with a valid trawling license with an authorisation for bottom otter trawls. Through this scheme applicants are provided with a jumbo bag to collect plastic waste that is brought aboard by trawling activities. These are used by the selected applicants to collect plastic litter that is recovered incidentally from the sea during normal bottom trawling fishing activities. Once such a Jumbo Bag has been filled with marine plastic litter, the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture is notified accordingly. This scheme is in the implementation phase and discussions on its effectiveness are ongoing.