MS/Art13/2022/D2/Malta/Mediterranean: Ionian Sea & Central Mediterranean Sea

Marine reporting units	MIC-MT-TeW-01	MIC-MT-TeW-01	MIC-MT-TeW-01	MIC-MT-TeW-01	MIC-MT-TeW-01	MIC-MT-TeW-01	MIC-MT-TeW-01	MIC-MT-TeW-01
RegionSubregion	MED Ionian Sea and Central Mediterranean Sea	MED Ionian Sea and Central Mediterranean Sea	MED Ionian Sea and Central Mediterranean Sea	MED Ionian Sea and Central Mediterranean Sea	MED Ionian Sea and Central Mediterranean Sea	MED Ionian Sea and Central Mediterranean Sea	MED Ionian Sea and Central Mediterranean Sea	MED Ionian Sea and Central Mediterranean Sea
Measure code	MICMT-M024	MICMT-M025	MICMT-M026	MICMT-M027	MICMT-M028	MICMT-M029	MICMT-M085	MICMT-M090_NEW
Measure old code	MICMT-M024	MICMT-M025	MICMT-M026	MICMT-M027	MICMT-M028	MICMT-M029
Measure name	Implementation of the Ballast Water Management Convention	Implementation of the measures in the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan including National Strategy on Invasive NIS	Interim and Voluntary Arrangements of Ballast Water Management (pending ratification of the Ballast Water Management Convention)	Regulation of trade (in relation to non-indigenous species)	Aquaculture regulations (in relation to non-indigenous species)	Permitting of hull cleaning activities	Promotion of exploitation of non-indigenous species	Adoption of a National Action Plan concerning species introductions and invasive species in Malta
Measure description								For the purpose of the MSFD update to the Programme of Measures the development of a National Action Plan concerning species introductions and invasive species in Malta’s marine environment will be sought. The development of such plan is in accordance with the “Action Plan concerning Species Introductions and Invasive Species in the Mediterranean Sea” which invites Mediterranean countries to “establish National Plans to prevent the introduction of new alien marine species by controlling their pathways, and to mitigate their negative impact”. The National Action Plan will focus on measures to prevent new introductions of marine NIS, manage new introductions and minimise impacts of NIS.
Update type	Measure same as in 2015 PoM	Measure same as in 2015 PoM	Measure modified since 2015 PoM	Measure same as in 2015 PoM	Measure same as in 2015 PoM	Measure same as in 2015 PoM	Measure new in 2021 PoM	Measure new in 2021 PoM
Measure category	Category 1.a	Category 1.b (non-WFD)	Category 1.a	Category 1.a	Category 1.a	Category 1.a	Category 1.b (non-WFD)	Category 2.a
Policy conventions
Policy national						Environment Protection Act	Conservation objectives and measures for Malta’s marine Natura 2000 sites
Responsible competent authority							Environment and Resources Authority	Office of the Prime Minister
Responsible organisation								Environment and Resources Authority
Coordination level								National
Regional cooperation countries
CEA								Yes
CEA reference								https://era.org.mt/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/MSFD_Programme-of-Measures_second-cycle_Malta-1.pdf
CBA								Yes
CBA reference								https://era.org.mt/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/MSFD_Programme-of-Measures_second-cycle_Malta-1.pdf
Financing								To be determined (following adoption of the Action Plan)
Spatial scope	Territorial waters	Territorial waters	Territorial waters	Territorial waters	Territorial waters	Territorial waters	EEZ (or similar)	Territorial waters
Measure purpose	Improve knowledge base (e.g. by research or one-off surveys);Directly prevent further inputs of a pressure (e.g. by managing the source activity);Directly reduce existing levels of the pressure in the marine environment (e.g. removal of litter or oil spill clean-up)	Directly prevent further inputs of a pressure (e.g. by managing the source activity);Directly reduce existing levels of the pressure in the marine environment (e.g. removal of litter or oil spill clean-up)	Directly prevent further inputs of a pressure (e.g. by managing the source activity);Directly reduce existing levels of the pressure in the marine environment (e.g. removal of litter or oil spill clean-up)	Directly prevent further inputs of a pressure (e.g. by managing the source activity)	Indirectly prevent further inputs of a pressure (e.g. by governance mechanisms, financial incentives, awareness campaigns)	Indirectly prevent further inputs of a pressure (e.g. by governance mechanisms, financial incentives, awareness campaigns)	Directly reduce existing levels of the pressure in the marine environment (e.g. removal of litter or oil spill clean-up)	Indirectly prevent further inputs of a pressure (e.g. by governance mechanisms, financial incentives, awareness campaigns)
Pressures	Input or spread of non-indigenous species	Input or spread of non-indigenous species	Input or spread of non-indigenous species	Input or spread of non-indigenous species	Input or spread of non-indigenous species	Disturbance of species (e.g. where they breed, rest and feed) due to human presence Input or spread of non-indigenous species	Input or spread of non-indigenous species	Input or spread of non-indigenous species
Relevant KTMs	Measures to adapt to climate change impacts on the marine environment Measures to prevent or control the adverse impacts of invasive alien species and introduced diseases	Measures to adapt to climate change impacts on the marine environment Measures to prevent or control the adverse impacts of invasive alien species and introduced diseases	Measures to adapt to climate change impacts on the marine environment Measures to prevent or control the adverse impacts of invasive alien species and introduced diseases	Measures to adapt to climate change impacts on the marine environment Measures to prevent or control the adverse impacts of invasive alien species and introduced diseases	Measures to adapt to climate change impacts on the marine environment Measures to prevent or control the adverse impacts of invasive alien species and introduced diseases	Measures to adapt to climate change impacts on the marine environment Measures to prevent or control the adverse impacts of invasive alien species and introduced diseases	Measures to adapt to climate change impacts on the marine environment Measures to prevent or control the adverse impacts of invasive alien species and introduced diseases	Measures to adapt to climate change impacts on the marine environment Measures to prevent or control the adverse impacts of invasive alien species and introduced diseases
Relevant targets	MT_Target_2019_D2C1	MT_Target_2019_D2C1	MT_Target_2019_D2C1	MT_Target_2019_D2C1	MT_Target_2019_D2C1	MT_Target_2019_D2C1	MT_Target_2019_D2C1	MT_Target_2019_D2C1
Related indicator	Trends in abundance, temporal occurrence, and spatial distribution of non-indigenous species, particularly invasive, non-indigenous species, notably in risk areas ,in relation to the main vectors and pathways of spreading of such species	Trends in abundance, temporal occurrence, and spatial distribution of non-indigenous species, particularly invasive, non-indigenous species, notably in risk areas ,in relation to the main vectors and pathways of spreading of such species	Trends in abundance, temporal occurrence, and spatial distribution of non-indigenous species, particularly invasive, non-indigenous species, notably in risk areas ,in relation to the main vectors and pathways of spreading of such species	Trends in abundance, temporal occurrence, and spatial distribution of non-indigenous species, particularly invasive, non-indigenous species, notably in risk areas ,in relation to the main vectors and pathways of spreading of such species	Trends in abundance, temporal occurrence, and spatial distribution of non-indigenous species, particularly invasive, non-indigenous species, notably in risk areas ,in relation to the main vectors and pathways of spreading of such species	Trends in abundance, temporal occurrence, and spatial distribution of non-indigenous species, particularly invasive, non-indigenous species, notably in risk areas ,in relation to the main vectors and pathways of spreading of such species	Trends in abundance, temporal occurrence, and spatial distribution of non-indigenous species, particularly invasive, non-indigenous species, notably in risk areas ,in relation to the main vectors and pathways of spreading of such species	Trends in abundance, temporal occurrence, and spatial distribution of non-indigenous species, particularly invasive, non-indigenous species, notably in risk areas ,in relation to the main vectors and pathways of spreading of such species
GEScomponent	D2	D2	D2	D2	D2	D2	D2	D2
Feature	Established non-indigenous species Newly-introduced non-indigenous species	Established non-indigenous species Newly-introduced non-indigenous species	Established non-indigenous species Newly-introduced non-indigenous species	Established non-indigenous species Newly-introduced non-indigenous species	Established non-indigenous species Newly-introduced non-indigenous species	Benthic broad habitats Established non-indigenous species Newly-introduced non-indigenous species Other benthic habitats	Benthic broad habitats Demersal shelf fish Established non-indigenous species Newly-introduced non-indigenous species Other benthic habitats Pelagic broad habitats	Benthic broad habitats Demersal shelf fish Established non-indigenous species Newly-introduced non-indigenous species Other benthic habitats Pelagic broad habitats
Element
Temporal scope	9999	2020-9999	9999	9999	9999	9999	2024-9999	2024-2026
Implementation status	Measure ongoing	Implementation started	Measure withdrawn	Measure ongoing	Measure ongoing	Measure ongoing	Implementation not started	Implementation started
Implementation delay	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Implementation reason	No obstacles to implementation	No obstacles to implementation		No obstacles to implementation	No obstacles to implementation	No obstacles to implementation	No obstacles to implementation	No obstacles to implementation
Progress description	This measure includes measures MICMT-M024 & MICMT-M026 reported as ""Technical feasibility assessment regarding the management of ballast waters"" and ""Interim and Voluntary Arrangements of Ballast Water Management (pending ratification of the Ballast Water Management Convention)"" respectively. The Merchant Shipping (Ballast Water Management Convention) Regulations have been in force since September 2017 and are being implemented and enforced accordingly. The Barcelona Convention is also working towards a harmonised procedure for the implementation of the Ballast Water Management Convention in the Mediterranean Sea. For the purpose of this update, the existing measures will be renamed: “Implementation of the Ballast Water Management Convention”	The National Strategy on Invasive Alien Species together with National Sector-Specific Codes of Good Practice were adopted in 2020 .	The Merchant Shipping (Ballast Water Management Convention) Regulations have been in force since September 2017 and are being implemented and enforced accordingly. The Barcelona Convention is also working towards a harmonised procedure for the implementation of the Ballast Water Management Convention in the Mediterranean Sea. For the purpose of this update, the existing measure will be merged with M024 and renamed: “Implementation of the Ballast Water Management Convention”	This is an ongoing measure.			The Conservation Objectives and Measures for Malta's Marine Natura 2000 sites include national objectives and measures contributing to Marine Protected Area management. One of these measures seeks the development and promotion of a list of edible invasive alien species that have the potential to be commercialised through diversification of fishers’ catch. The measure also seeks collaboration with fishers for monitoring and targeting introduced non-indigenous species, and promoting their consumption.	A first draft of the National Action Plan is already available.
Reason description			This measure can be considered to be part of the broader measure M024 as modified for this update: ""Implementation of the Ballast Water Management Convention"". In this regard, it is being merged with measure M024 and withdrawn as a separate measure under MSFD processes.

Marine reporting units

MIC-MT-TeW-01

MIC-MT-TeW-01

MIC-MT-TeW-01

MIC-MT-TeW-01

MIC-MT-TeW-01

MIC-MT-TeW-01

MIC-MT-TeW-01

MIC-MT-TeW-01

RegionSubregion

MED Ionian Sea and Central Mediterranean Sea

Measure code

MICMT-M024

MICMT-M025

MICMT-M026

MICMT-M027

MICMT-M028

MICMT-M029

MICMT-M085

MICMT-M090_NEW

Measure old code

MICMT-M024

MICMT-M025

MICMT-M026

MICMT-M027

MICMT-M028

MICMT-M029

Measure name

Implementation of the Ballast Water Management Convention

Implementation of the measures in the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan including National Strategy on Invasive NIS

Interim and Voluntary Arrangements of Ballast Water Management (pending ratification of the Ballast Water Management Convention)

Regulation of trade (in relation to non-indigenous species)

Aquaculture regulations (in relation to non-indigenous species)

Permitting of hull cleaning activities

Promotion of exploitation of non-indigenous species

Adoption of a National Action Plan concerning species introductions and invasive species in Malta

Measure description

For the purpose of the MSFD update to the Programme of Measures the development of a National Action Plan concerning species introductions and invasive species in Malta’s marine environment will be sought. The development of such plan is in accordance with the “Action Plan concerning Species Introductions and Invasive Species in the Mediterranean Sea” which invites Mediterranean countries to “establish National Plans to prevent the introduction of new alien marine species by controlling their pathways, and to mitigate their negative impact”. The National Action Plan will focus on measures to prevent new introductions of marine NIS, manage new introductions and minimise impacts of NIS.

Update type

Measure same as in 2015 PoM

Measure modified since 2015 PoM

Measure same as in 2015 PoM

Measure new in 2021 PoM

Measure category

Category 1.a

Category 1.b (non-WFD)

Category 1.a

Category 1.b (non-WFD)

Category 2.a

Policy conventions

Policy national

Environment Protection Act

Conservation objectives and measures for Malta’s marine Natura 2000 sites

Responsible competent authority

Environment and Resources Authority

Office of the Prime Minister

Responsible organisation

Environment and Resources Authority

Coordination level

National

Regional cooperation countries

CEA

Yes

CEA reference

https://era.org.mt/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/MSFD_Programme-of-Measures_second-cycle_Malta-1.pdf

CBA

Yes

CBA reference

https://era.org.mt/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/MSFD_Programme-of-Measures_second-cycle_Malta-1.pdf

Financing

To be determined (following adoption of the Action Plan)

Spatial scope

Territorial waters

Territorial waters

Territorial waters

Territorial waters

Territorial waters

Territorial waters

EEZ (or similar)

Territorial waters

Measure purpose

Improve knowledge base (e.g. by research or one-off surveys);Directly prevent further inputs of a pressure (e.g. by managing the source activity);Directly reduce existing levels of the pressure in the marine environment (e.g. removal of litter or oil spill clean-up)

Directly prevent further inputs of a pressure (e.g. by managing the source activity);Directly reduce existing levels of the pressure in the marine environment (e.g. removal of litter or oil spill clean-up)

Directly prevent further inputs of a pressure (e.g. by managing the source activity)

Indirectly prevent further inputs of a pressure (e.g. by governance mechanisms, financial incentives, awareness campaigns)

Directly reduce existing levels of the pressure in the marine environment (e.g. removal of litter or oil spill clean-up)

Indirectly prevent further inputs of a pressure (e.g. by governance mechanisms, financial incentives, awareness campaigns)

Pressures

Input or spread of non-indigenous species

Input or spread of non-indigenous species

Input or spread of non-indigenous species

Input or spread of non-indigenous species

Input or spread of non-indigenous species

Disturbance of species (e.g. where they breed, rest and feed) due to human presence
Input or spread of non-indigenous species

Input or spread of non-indigenous species

Input or spread of non-indigenous species

Relevant KTMs

Measures to adapt to climate change impacts on the marine environment
Measures to prevent or control the adverse impacts of invasive alien species and introduced diseases

Measures to adapt to climate change impacts on the marine environment
Measures to prevent or control the adverse impacts of invasive alien species and introduced diseases

Measures to adapt to climate change impacts on the marine environment
Measures to prevent or control the adverse impacts of invasive alien species and introduced diseases

Measures to adapt to climate change impacts on the marine environment
Measures to prevent or control the adverse impacts of invasive alien species and introduced diseases

Measures to adapt to climate change impacts on the marine environment
Measures to prevent or control the adverse impacts of invasive alien species and introduced diseases

Measures to adapt to climate change impacts on the marine environment
Measures to prevent or control the adverse impacts of invasive alien species and introduced diseases

Measures to adapt to climate change impacts on the marine environment
Measures to prevent or control the adverse impacts of invasive alien species and introduced diseases

Measures to adapt to climate change impacts on the marine environment
Measures to prevent or control the adverse impacts of invasive alien species and introduced diseases

Relevant targets

MT_Target_2019_D2C1

MT_Target_2019_D2C1

MT_Target_2019_D2C1

MT_Target_2019_D2C1

MT_Target_2019_D2C1

MT_Target_2019_D2C1

MT_Target_2019_D2C1

MT_Target_2019_D2C1

Related indicator

Trends in abundance, temporal occurrence, and spatial distribution of non-indigenous species, particularly invasive, non-indigenous species, notably in risk areas ,in relation to the main vectors and pathways of spreading of such species

Trends in abundance, temporal occurrence, and spatial distribution of non-indigenous species, particularly invasive, non-indigenous species, notably in risk areas ,in relation to the main vectors and pathways of spreading of such species

Trends in abundance, temporal occurrence, and spatial distribution of non-indigenous species, particularly invasive, non-indigenous species, notably in risk areas ,in relation to the main vectors and pathways of spreading of such species

Trends in abundance, temporal occurrence, and spatial distribution of non-indigenous species, particularly invasive, non-indigenous species, notably in risk areas ,in relation to the main vectors and pathways of spreading of such species

Trends in abundance, temporal occurrence, and spatial distribution of non-indigenous species, particularly invasive, non-indigenous species, notably in risk areas ,in relation to the main vectors and pathways of spreading of such species

Trends in abundance, temporal occurrence, and spatial distribution of non-indigenous species, particularly invasive, non-indigenous species, notably in risk areas ,in relation to the main vectors and pathways of spreading of such species

Trends in abundance, temporal occurrence, and spatial distribution of non-indigenous species, particularly invasive, non-indigenous species, notably in risk areas ,in relation to the main vectors and pathways of spreading of such species

Trends in abundance, temporal occurrence, and spatial distribution of non-indigenous species, particularly invasive, non-indigenous species, notably in risk areas ,in relation to the main vectors and pathways of spreading of such species

GEScomponent

D2

D2

D2

D2

D2

D2

D2

D2

Feature

Established non-indigenous species
Newly-introduced non-indigenous species

Established non-indigenous species
Newly-introduced non-indigenous species

Established non-indigenous species
Newly-introduced non-indigenous species

Established non-indigenous species
Newly-introduced non-indigenous species

Established non-indigenous species
Newly-introduced non-indigenous species

Benthic broad habitats
Established non-indigenous species
Newly-introduced non-indigenous species
Other benthic habitats

Benthic broad habitats
Demersal shelf fish
Established non-indigenous species
Newly-introduced non-indigenous species
Other benthic habitats
Pelagic broad habitats

Benthic broad habitats
Demersal shelf fish
Established non-indigenous species
Newly-introduced non-indigenous species
Other benthic habitats
Pelagic broad habitats

Element

Temporal scope

9999

2020-9999

9999

2024-9999

2024-2026

Implementation status

Measure ongoing

Implementation started

Measure withdrawn

Measure ongoing

Implementation not started

Implementation started

Implementation delay

0

Implementation reason

No obstacles to implementation

Progress description

This measure includes measures MICMT-M024 & MICMT-M026 reported as ""Technical feasibility assessment regarding the management of ballast waters"" and ""Interim and Voluntary Arrangements of Ballast Water Management (pending ratification of the Ballast Water Management Convention)"" respectively. The Merchant Shipping (Ballast Water Management Convention) Regulations have been in force since September 2017 and are being implemented and enforced accordingly. The Barcelona Convention is also working towards a harmonised procedure for the implementation of the Ballast Water Management Convention in the Mediterranean Sea. For the purpose of this update, the existing measures will be renamed: “Implementation of the Ballast Water Management Convention”

The National Strategy on Invasive Alien Species together with National Sector-Specific Codes of Good Practice were adopted in 2020 .

The Merchant Shipping (Ballast Water Management Convention) Regulations have been in force since September 2017 and are being implemented and enforced accordingly. The Barcelona Convention is also working towards a harmonised procedure for the implementation of the Ballast Water Management Convention in the Mediterranean Sea. For the purpose of this update, the existing measure will be merged with M024 and renamed: “Implementation of the Ballast Water Management Convention”

This is an ongoing measure.

The Conservation Objectives and Measures for Malta's Marine Natura 2000 sites include national objectives and measures contributing to Marine Protected Area management. One of these measures seeks the development and promotion of a list of edible invasive alien species that have the potential to be commercialised through diversification of fishers’ catch. The measure also seeks collaboration with fishers for monitoring and targeting introduced non-indigenous species, and promoting their consumption.

A first draft of the National Action Plan is already available.

Reason description

This measure can be considered to be part of the broader measure M024 as modified for this update: ""Implementation of the Ballast Water Management Convention"". In this regard, it is being merged with measure M024 and withdrawn as a separate measure under MSFD processes.

Report type	Member State report to Commission
MSFD Article	Art. 13 Programme of measures (and Art. 17 updates)
Report due	2022-10-15
GES Descriptor	D2 Non-indigenous species
Member State	Malta
Region/subregion	Mediterranean: Ionian Sea & Central Mediterranean Sea
Reported by	Environment and Resources Authority
Report date	2024-02-07
Report access	363

Member State report / Art13 / 2022 / D2 / Malta / Mediterranean: Ionian Sea & Central Mediterranean Sea