The process of defining the objectives and measures for the management of Gozo and Malta’s Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) is to get underway by the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA).
The ERA said that it is therefore inviting the general public, organisations and interested stakeholders to provide their views on the management of one or more of the MPAs around Gozo and Malta.
Further information related to these MPAs, which form part of Europe’s Natura 2000 network is available in the consultation document [1].
The ERA added that the management measures for MPAs have to safeguard the protected features for which these areas were designated.
“Typical protected features include Posidonia beds, reefs, caves, various seabirds, loggerhead turtles and bottlenose dolphins. The general aim of such measures would be so that the protected features are maintained or achieve a good conservation status.”
The ERA said that comments may be sent to the Nature Team within the Biodiversity & Water Unit on: protected.areas@era.org.mt [2] or by post to Nature Team, Environment & Resources Authority, Spencer Hill, Marsa MRS 1441 by not later than Friday, the 15th of May 2017. Alternatively, a meeting can be set by calling on 2292 3676 or 2292 3669.
Photograph by Alain Salvary