The Mediterranean Killifish and the Maltese Freshwater Crab have been declared as National Species by the Environment and Resources Agency (ERA) to compliment current flagship species for Malta’s biodiversity.

There have been a number of National Species declared in Malta in the past, namely the National Plant – Maltese Rock Centaury, the National Tree – Sandarac Gum Tree and National Bird – Blue Rock Thrush. However, the ERA said these declarations are now substantiated by legal provisions.

The Authority continued by saying that the establishment of a legal framework for the designation of national species was appropriate and necessary.

Through this framework, the ERA said that it does not only officially designate these species, but also includes criteria for future selection of further species of flora and fauna as national species under the Environment Protection Act (Cap. 549).

These new Species Protection regulations also strengthen the level of legal protection of these species by increasing the penalties for contraventions against such national species, the ERA said.

In addition, the regulations promote the conservation, surveillance and monitoring of these species. They came into force on the 23rd of January. The regulations are available to view here.

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