MRA Tender for Groundwater analysis (2009)

Ecoserv has been awarded a tender by the Malta Resources Authority (MRA) for the chemical and bacteriological analysis of groundwater bodies in various localities of the Maltese Water Catchment District. This work forms part of an extensive survey of the quality of groundwater in the Maltese Islands, being conducted by MRA as part of the Groundwater Surveillance Monitoring Campaign required under Article 8 of the Water Framework Directive (CD 2000/60/EC). The MRA is the competent authority for the protection, enhancement and restoration of the status of all groundwater bodies in Malta.

Rinella Bay Surveys (2008)

Ecoserv has been commissioned to undertake marine surveys within Rinella Bay, in connection with a potential beach rehabilitation project for the area. The surveys consisted of baseline studies of the marine benthic assemblages, sediment and water quality in the bay, and extended over a three month period: between June and August 2008. The survey included a detailed chemical analysis of the water and sediment that included 85 chemical constituents tested in the marine water and 65 chemical constituents tested in the marine sediments.

WFD advice to MEPA (2007 – 2009) 

Ecoserv has been commissioned by the Malta Environment and Planning Authority (MEPA) to render expert advice in relation to the implementation of the monitoring requirements under the provisions of Article 8 of the Water Framework Directive (WFD, CD 2000/60/EC) for surface waters in the Maltese Islands. MEPA is the competent authority for the protection of coastal, marine and inland suface waters. Advice on the sampling design of the surveillance and operational monitoring networks is being provided by Ecoserv, while taking into consideration the biological quality elements and physico-chemical quality elements as described in the WFD.

Environmental Monitoring of Tuna-penning activities (2001 – date)

Ecoserv has been commissioned to undertake regular environmental monitoring at various offshore tuna-penning sites, including ones operated by AJD Tuna Ltd (off St Paul’s Bay/Qawra, Malta Fish Farming Ltd (off Munxar Reef), and Fishandfish Ltd (off il-Hofriet). Ecoserv is also undertaking environmental monitoring at the recently established deep water (65 m – 90 m) ‘aquaculture zone’ located 6 km off the east coast of mainland Malta. The monitoring programme aims to establish the magnitude and extent of any potential adverse impacts, which the tuna-penning activities may have on the marine environment.

Monitoring of the impact of coastal development projects on Posidonia oceanica meadows (2001 – date)

Ecoserv is currently undertaking various monitoring surveys that use seagrass Posidonia oceanica as a bioindicator to assess potential adverse impacts of coastal development activities on the marine environment. The coastal activities being monitored include fish farming, beach replenishment projects, and ship terminal works. Furthermore, surveys are underway in relation to use of the seagrass as ‘standard’ bioindicator of ecological status of coastal waters, as required by the European Union’s Water Framework Directive (WFD).

Environmental monitoring in connection with beach replenishment works at St George’s Bay (2004 – date)

The Malta Tourism Authority (MTA) has implemented beach replenishment works at St George’s Bay (St Julian’s, Malta) using medium-to-coarse sand of terrestrial origin. Ecoserv was commissioned by the MTA to undertake marine environmental monitoring in relation to the replenishment works.  The monitoring programme included surveys of the distribution of benthic habitats in the bay using remote sensing techniques (aerial photography and GIS), use of seagrass (Posidonia oceanica) as a bioindicator of change in the ecological status of the inlet, and studies of water quality and sediments.

Benthic surveys using underwater videography at two coastal areas (Ghallis to Pembroke and Ricasoli to Marsascala), as part of a Land Reclamation Feasibility Study (2007)

Ecoserv has been commissioned by Scott Wilson (UK) to carry out benthic mapping of habitats using video surveys, as part of the tender awarded to them by MEPA to investigate two areas as options for land reclamation. Detailed site-investigations for potential siting of a land reclamation project were required, so as to provide concrete information for decision makers. Data from both areas was collected through direct observation of the seabed using (i) a towed ROV (remotely operated vehicle) in water depths between 10-50m, and (ii) a diver-operated underwater video camera in waters shallower than 10m. The outputs of this survey include detailed maps showing the distribution of marine benthic assemblages and habitat types present in the two areas. 

Lists of threatened and/or endemic species (2005 – 2006)

Ecoserv and Adi Associates Environmental Consultants Ltd have been awarded tenders for setting up lists of threatened and/or endemic species for the Maltese Islands. The award, made by the Malta Environment and Planning Authority, concerns various groups of fauna.

Surveys of underwater wrecks used as diving attractions (2004 – date)

Ecoserv has been commissioned by various organisations, including Malta Shipyards, the Malta Marine Foundation and Adi Associates Environmental Consultants Ltd, to carry out underwater ecological surveys of a number of vessels that have been scuttled for use as diving attractions. The surveys include assessment of growth (epiflora and epifauna) on the wrecks and surveys of the associated fish fauna.  

Integration of Environment Concerns into Malta's Agriculture on the Basis of the IRENA Operation (2005 - date)

Ecoserv and EMDP Ltd have been awarded a tender for a review study of local agro-environmental policies to determine the sustainability of agriculture practice and enhance the rural environment in accordance with EU and National objectives. The study will consider selected areas of the Maltese Archipelago, namely Special Areas of Conservation present along the northwest coastal zone