Continue to strengthen the relationship between environmental and planning regulatory processes (including Marine Strategy Framework Directive concerns)

Oil exploratory drilling and exploitation licensing system

Improve operational standards for the aquaculture sector via the environmental permitting process

Study the impacts of the national spoil ground off Xgħajra

Permitting system for disposal and movement of waste at sea

Continue to refine the regulatory framework for industrial operational practices

Continue to control priority hazardous substances, priority substances and other substances of concern via the environmental permitting process

Establish a Mercury Management Plan to enable the investigation of potential sources of mercury and potential mitigation measures

Characterise and quantify hydrological input of land based contaminants (including litter) to coastal waters from major sub-catchments

Investigate the role of transboundary contaminants through hydrographic pathways and the extent of its contribution to marine contamination

Carry out investigations to gauge the potential contribution of contaminants to our coastal waters by atmospheric deposition

Carry out a survey of all direct discharges to sea and identify their source with the objective of setting up a plan to curtail/regulate such discharges

Publish guidelines for disposal of dredged material

Targeted awareness campaign on the appropriate disposal of chemicals and/or chemical containers, including medicines, pesticides, fertilisers and related packaging

Creation of a working group tasked with the updating of sensitivity maps to enable better marine emergency response

Create an ERA (Environment and Resouces Authourity) pollution response log for environmental incidents occurring at land and at sea

Authorisation of the placing on the market of Plant Protection Products & Biocidal Products

Malta’s National Action Plan for Sustainable Use of Pesticides (2013-2018

Regulation and prevention of pollution from ships, including prohibition of discharges, penalties, reporting and information systems, inspections and licensing.

Provision of Port Reception Facilities for Ship-Generated Wastes and Cargo Residues

Strengthening liaison between relevant Government bodies with a view to streamline MSFD requirements in offshore licensing and permitting regimes

Improvement and harmonisation of data collection processes in relation to contaminants reported in Maltese waters