Anchoring and mooring activity is generally associated with pressures on seabed habitat types though physical damage. This action will address this knowledge gap by surveying and mapping the marine waters which are subject to mooring/anchoring activity on the basis of seasonal surveys, aerial imagery and other data collected by the Authority for Transport in Malta or other

sources. This mapping exercise will be used to assess the intensity, type and spatio-temporal occurrence of anchoring/mooring activity in Maltese territorial waters. Such assessment will distinguish between type of vessels in view of the fact that different types of vessels and associated anchoring activity would necessitate different management approaches. 

The main expected result from this action is the identification and mapping of marine areas which are subject to anchoring/mooring activities by different types of vessels, the impact assessment of such activities and the development of cost-effective

management options to address these impacts from mooring/anchoring activity on seabed habitats. Finally, the action will also implement the selected option/s on a pilot basis to monitor and ensure the effectiveness of this programme.