Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations & Strategic Environmental Assessment Regulations

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

Designation of terrestrial SPAs and respective management plans

Restrictions on use of light by navigating vessels within buffer zones surrounding protected breeding grounds

Establishment of appropriate codes of conduct addressing all forms of disturbance (trampling, light, noise, poaching, agricultural practices, pesticide use) within terrestrial SPAs

Establishment of signage prohibiting trespassing during the breeding season and promoting appropriate codes of conduct within terrestrial SPAs

Assessment of all forms of disturbance relevant to terrestrial SPAs emanating from proposed urban/infrastructural/agricultural development

Control of seabird by-catch: weighted lines, side-setting and use of thawed bait

Prohibition of Hunting/Capture/Killing/ Nest and colony disturbance (seabirds, reptiles, marine mammals)

Emergency Conservation Orders for protection of turtle nesting sites

Measures related to by-catch of marine reptiles and mammals

Measures for the mitigation of underwater noise impacts (particularly in relation to marine mammals)

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

Study the impacts of the national spoil ground off Xgħajra

Carry out seasonal surveys of mooring and anchorage areas

Marine Protected Areas and the EU funded project LIFE BaĦAR for N2K (LIFE12 NAT/MT/000845)

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

Awareness and educational campaigns targeting disturbance issues (noise, light and littering) in recreational areas where the presence of litter has been tied to rat predation.

Preparation of official guidance documents aimed at providing direction with respect to reduction/control/mitigation of light and noise pressures driven by both land-based and sea-based activities.

Knowledge improvement on the interactions of seabirds, marine reptiles and marine mammals with fisheries activity and definition of good practice as necessary

Preparation and promotion of a code of good practice for sea-farers including guidelines for navigation within marine protected areas or otherwise sensitive areas.

Pilot implementation of selected management options aimed at addressing impacts from anchoring on the seabed.

Inventory of fishery activity in coastal Marine Protected Areas designated for the protection of seabed habitats

Awareness Raising Campaign on protected species associated with benthic communities

Launching of an educational programme targeting knowledge improvement to facilitate management of pressures associated with fishing activities