Malta: 4 new MPAs covering 18,000ha designated
Four new marine protected areas which cover over 18,000 hectares of the Maltese marine environment have been designated by the Malta Environment and Planning Authority.
The sites are -
* a significant stretch of area along the north east of the islands; and three smaller areas
* Mġarr ix-Xini;
* Dwejra; and
* an area between Għar Lapsi and Fifla.
They are being protected so that the underwater habitats in the area are preserved in all their beauty, for the enjoyment of the present and future generations.
These sites were primarily identified because they provided protection for more than 80 per cent of Posidonia beds found in the Maltese Islands.