Action C.14: Anchoring and Mooring Surveys
Concrete action
OBJECTIVE
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.
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.
Take a look at the Deliverables for this action.
Mapping of marine areas which are subject to anchoring/mooring activity by different types of vessel
A report describing the quantitative assessment of impacts of mooring/anchoring activity on seabed habitats.
The identification of management options and economic assessments
The implementation of selected option/s on a pilot basis
A report outlining the outcome of the pilot implementation on the basis of a relevant monitoring regime.