PROJECT DESCRIPTION
BACKGROUND
The uncontrolled expansion of maritime activities such as fishing poses a significant threat to slow-reproducing turtles and cetaceans. In the EU Habitats Directive, the loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) and the common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncates) are listed as Annex II Species of Community Interest whose conservation requires the designation of Special Areas of Conservation (SACs). Malta therefore has a legal obligation to propose Natura 2000 network sites for these species.
OBJECTIVES
Project MIGRATE's main objective was to identify relevant marine areas for the loggerhead turtle and the bottlenose dolphin, in order to designate Natura 2000 network sites of Special Community Importance (SCIs) for these species within Malta's 25 nautical mile Fisheries Management Zone. The project aimed to obtain data on their migratory routes, feeding grounds and aggregation areas, to permit the evaluation of their conservation status and to contribute to the identification of the most important areas for these species. The project also aimed to obtain new information on turtles, cetaceans and other notable marine fauna in Maltese waters, and to assess the conservation status of migratory Annex IV species
RESULTS
Project MIGRATE implemented both data-collecting activities and marine surveys (during the summers of 2014 and 2015) to understand the conservation status of, and to identify the best areas in Maltese waters to establish Natura 2000 network sites for, loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) and common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncates).
One of the first actions was to gather existing information on biotic and abiotic features. This data formed the basis for GIS mapping. Boat-based observations and systematic surveys, including acoustic readings for whales and dolphins and the collection of microlitter data in three haul areas, enabled potential species’ hot spots to be located. A map of sightings of turtles and various cetaceans was completed, showing density concentrations for each species. By recording other large marine fauna, the project also contributed to narrowing general knowledge gaps for the marine environment. Associated beneficiary KAI Marine Services compiled a report of all the procedures, analysis and results obtained, including data for abundance, distribution, level of residence and home range, and habitat use in relation to oceanographic and anthropogenic parameters.
During the project, there was a high number of sightings of loggerhead turtles (293) and cetaceans (50), the latter identified as bottlenose dolphin (38%), striped dolphin (30%), common dolphin (24%) and sperm whale (2%). The project team assessed the Conservation Status of loggerhead turtle, bottlenose dolphin and common dolphin (Delphinus delphis), along with their foraging, migration and reproduction habitats in waters around Malta. The abundance of juvenile loggerhead turtle sightings confirms that Malta is a critical area of the eastern Mediterranean population for this species, both as migratory corridor and foraging ground. Combining this project’s results with that of the Malta Seabird Project (LIFE10 NAT/MT/000090), it was considered that Malta provides a strategic position for the conservation of bottlenose dolphin, due to its central position in the Mediterranean Sea and the presence of habitats important to this species. The number of cetaceans found generally in Maltese waters is considered low, comparing with other areas in the Mediterranean Sea; though further deep-water surveys are required to assess species such as sperm whale.
The project helps implement EU, regional and national policies concerning the protection of loggerhead turtle and bottlenose dolphin through Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). Both species are protected by the Habitats Directive (Directive 92/43/EEC), as well as other multilateral agreements (regional and international conventions) to which Malta is a party.
The project proposed three sites for possible inclusion in the Natura 2000 network: West of Gozo; South of the island of Filfla; and North of Gozo. These sites, having a total area of 146 348 ha, are potentially important as foraging grounds for juvenile turtles and cetaceans. The areas lie at a distance from the coast, with some of them bordering the territorial sea. In the After-LIFE Conservation plan, the project team proposed management measures, as required by the Habitats Directive, to maintain or restore the favourable conservation status of turtles and cetaceans within six years of the acceptance of the sites into the Natura 2000 network. The three sites are also expected to receive legal protection through national and international legislation. Project MIGRATE raised awareness among the general public and interested groups about the Natura 2000 network and the target species, through training workshops, brochures, a roll-up banner, electronic newsletters and a website. This helped increase public participation in conservation efforts. The project taught individuals and members of organisations to identify different species of marine turtle and cetacean, which resulted in the ongoing collection of more accurate sighting data from volunteers. Training also included procedures for handling injured specimens, which the project rehabilitated before released them back to the sea. Turtles are particularly at risk through long-line fishing, and hence the project’s suggested management techniques addressed this issue. Other risks identified, such as underwater noise and plastic waste were also tackled through suggested management measures. An increased appreciation of the target species was achieved among vessel owners, fishers, sea-users and other interested parties.
The economy of the Maltese islands depends heavily on tourism and recreation, including boat-based recreation, sport fishing and diving. Indirect benefits are expected through eco-tourism activities such as dolphin and turtle watching, should the proposed be included within the Natura 2000 network.
Further information on the project can be found in the project's layman report and After-LIFE Conservation Plan (see "Read more" section).
