New framework turns Malta’s first Marine Park from legal designation into active protection and management
The Ċirkewwa Marine Park Management Plan has been officially launched, moving the Marine Park from legal designation to active management.
As the first dedicated framework for the site, it identifies the habitats and species requiring protection, the pressures affecting the area and the practical measures needed to address them. These include zoning, mooring arrangements, codes of conduct, monitoring and coordinated enforcement.
The Plan was launched during an event organised by the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA), together with the Ministry for Energy, the Environment and the Regeneration of the Grand Harbour, the Ministry for Tourism, the Ċirkewwa Management Council, the Malta Tourism Authority, Transport Malta and Nature Trust Malta.
Ministers, officials and representatives of the entities involved travelled aboard a vessel along Malta’s northern coastline, passing the St Paul’s Islands – recently designated as a Special Protection Area – and the surrounding cliffs before arriving at the Ċirkewwa Marine Park. This route highlighted the area’s ecological value and the need for coordinated action to protect its biodiversity while safeguarding its recreational use.
“Protecting a marine area cannot stop at drawing boundaries on a map. This Management Plan turns protection into action, with clear measures, shared responsibilities and continued monitoring. Our objective is to safeguard Ċirkewwa’s marine environment while ensuring that people can continue to enjoy it responsibly through diving, boating, fishing, research and sustainable tourism. This is how we protect our natural heritage: through science, effective management and cooperation,” stated Minister Miriam Dalli.
“The Ċirkewwa Marine Park is a clear example of how we can strengthen our country by protecting what makes it unique. Our sea is one of Malta’s greatest assets, and we therefore have a duty to safeguard it responsibly. This Plan will help ensure that activities such as diving, boating and maritime tourism continue to develop sustainably, while preserving Ċirkewwa’s natural beauty and biodiversity for future generations. Tourism and environmental protection can go hand in hand, allowing us to offer high-quality experiences while strengthening Malta’s reputation as a sustainable destination,” said Minister for Tourism Jo Etienne Abela.
“Following the establishment of the Ċirkewwa Marine Park earlier this year, the launch of this Management Plan marks a significant milestone for the Park. It transforms the designation into a practical programme of action, providing a clear roadmap for protecting Malta’s first Marine Park while ensuring it continues to support recreation, research and sustainable tourism. The Plan is the result of close collaboration between ERA, the Malta Tourism Authority, Transport Malta and Nature Trust Malta, and that partnership will remain essential as we turn its actions into measurable outcomes,” said ERA Chief Executive Officer Kevin Mercieca.
“The Ċirkewwa Marine Park is far more than a protected marine area; it represents a forward-looking approach to tourism management, one that recognises that the preservation of our natural environment is intrinsically linked to the quality of the visitor experience. By bringing together conservation, scientific research, education, and responsible recreation, the Marine Park reflects the Malta Tourism Authority’s steadfast commitment to ensuring that Malta remains one of the Mediterranean’s premier and most sustainable diving destinations for generations to come. The Malta Tourism Authority initiated this project several years ago, and we are proud to see this vision become a reality,” stated Kevin Fsadni Deputy CEO and Director of Product Development at the Malta Tourism Authority.
He continued that the Marine Park will not only safeguard an exceptional marine ecosystem but will also further strengthen Malta’s position as a leading destination for diving tourism, providing lasting benefits for both visitors and the local community. He concluded that this achievement has been made possible through the strong collaboration and shared commitment of multiple government entities and stakeholders, whose collective efforts have brought this important initiative to fruition.
In practical terms, the Management Plan seeks to:
- protect important underwater habitats, particularly Posidonia seagrass meadows;
- support scientific monitoring of marine biodiversity;
- consider clearly defined zones for different marine activities;
- promote codes of conduct and guidance for users;
- explore improved mooring arrangements and potential no-anchoring areas to protect sensitive seabed habitats;
- strengthen monitoring and enforcement through closer coordination and, where appropriate, monitoring systems;
- enhance diver safety and emergency preparedness;
- promote educational initiatives, signage and outreach for schools and visitors; and
- explore digital awareness tools, including live underwater footage and virtual-reality experiences.
The Plan is intended to balance environmental conservation with recreational and economic activity rather than restrict access. Through zonation, monitoring and stakeholder cooperation, users will be able to continue enjoying the site while reducing pressure on sensitive habitats.
