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).

Terrestrial ecological surveys at Dwejra (2004)

Ecoserv has been commissioned to survey terrestrial ecological resources in the Qawra/Dwejra area (Gozo), in connection with the ‘Dwejra LIFE project’, which was awarded to Nature Trust (Malta) under the LIFE-Third Countries component of the European Union’s LIFE programme. Project partners include the Malta Environment and Planning Authority and ‘Associazione Italiana per il WWF’. 

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.

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