Almost 19 tonnes of marine debris have been cleared from the seabed through an ongoing collaboration between the Malta Airport Foundation and the Calypso and Atlam sub-aqua clubs.

The partnership dates to 2020, when the first joint clean-up efforts were carried out. Since then, seabed clean-ups have become an annual initiative driven by the Malta Airport Foundation, with the latest ones taking place in Marsaskala and Isla this summer.

Nearly 40 volunteers participated in the two clean-ups, retrieving several tyres, around 85 kilos of rope, discarded nets, plastic items, and large pieces of metal. Among the more unlikely items brought to the surface were a peppered cheeselet, still in its wrapper, a statuette of a cat, and a keyboard.

In total, 2.9 tonnes of marine debris were collected, contributing to safer marine habitats.

A seasoned diver and regular participant in these clean-ups noted that areas where people go to swim tend to have relatively little debris, as people are becoming more aware of the importance of clean seas. Port areas, on the other hand, are still littered with debris that has accumulated over decades.

The seabed clean-ups are a part of the Malta Airport Foundation’s wider efforts to keeping Malta’s seas clean, protecting marine life, and preserving the underwater heritage that forms an important part of the islands’ identity.

These efforts include sponsoring two Seabins to help tackle marine litter, producing underwater documentaries to bring Malta’s marine environment, particularly wrecks, closer to the public, and supporting Heritage Malta pioneering work on the Xlendi deep-water archaeological park.

More information about the Malta Airport Foundation and its projects may be found by clicking here.

Photos: Malta Airport Foundation

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