The University of Malta has said that a five-year plan inspired by a 2008 scientific report by UM researchers is set to introduce more artificial reefs in Malta.

All of these artificial reefs will be located within Malta’s specially-managed marine protected areas (MPAs). The University said that these locations have not been identified as yet.

Artificial reefs, or structures submerged on the seabed, similarly to shipwrecks, emulate certain functions of natural reefs – in protecting, regenerating and enhancing the populations of living marine resources.

The initiative will be handled by Ambjent Malta, which manages Natura 2000 sites.

UM explained that to date, only one reef structure has been deployed in the Maltese islands, at St Julian’s in 2004.

In 2008, the University of Malta published a scientific report indicating sufficient scientific evidence that there has been an increase in species diversity on the reef and the surrounding areas including a set of recommendations for a more stable structure once the artificial reef is deployed.

The University of Malta said that Ambjent Malta is also developing a long-term action plan for scientific studies over the next 10 years.

Photo: University of Malta

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