Malta’s marine
Natura 2000 network encompasses 18 sites, covering about 4,100 km2, equivalent
to more than 35% of Malta’s Fisheries Management Zone. Marine Protected Areas
(MPAs) are designated as such due to their important ecological
characteristics, whereby these harbour various important habitats and species,
making them Sites of Community Importance (SCIs) and Special Protected Areas
(SPAs) under the EU Habitats Directive and the EU Birds Directive.
To further
increase awareness and knowledge about the importance of MPAs, Ambjent Malta is
organising ecological boat trips to four significant locations located within
MPAs. These boat trips will include:
·
Trip around Comino - Departing from
Xemxija Bay to Mistra; Gzejjer ta’ San Paul; to
Selmun, Imgiebah; Irdum tal-Madonna; Marks and Dukes Window, Comino East
Coast; Santa Marija Caves, Cominotto; Crystal lagoon
and back to Tunny Net No passenger landing. Tour should take around 2
hours.
·
Trip to
Filfla - Departing from Marsaxlokk to Filfla, around the
south-west coast and back to M’Xlokk. Tour should take about 2.5 hours.
·
Trip to
the Xrobb l-Ghagin Coastal Area - Departing from Marsaxlokk, passing
through Kalanka, Saint Peters Pool, Kalanka Caves, Xrobb L – Ghagin and Zonqor
and back to Marsaxlokk. Tour should take about 2 hours.
·
Trip
around Gozo - Departing from Mgarr Gozo to Hondoq Ir
Rummien, Ras Il - Qala, Dahlet Qorrot, San Blas, Ramla Beach
and back to Mgarr. Tour should take about 2 hours.
The general
public is invited to apply for these educational boat trips, which are being
offered free of charge. Seats are limited and places will be reserved on a
first come first served basis. Each person may apply for only one boat
trip. Children should be supervised at all times.
All participants
must also present their Identity Card or Passport and the email invitation
issued by Ambjent Malta.
Although
applications are treated on a first come first serve basis, preference will be
given to applicants who have not been able to join our educational boat trips
this summer.
The boat trip of Gozo scheduled on Wed 3rd August 2022 is Fully Booked.
Boarding from Mgarr Harbor at 17:00
Departure at 17:30
Estimated return to Mgarr Harbor at 19:30