?irkewwa Marine Park

The ?irkewwa Marine Park lies on Northwest-most point of the island of Malta.?It encompasses three main dive sites and has been studied to have a high ecological value due to Diverse geomorphological features, Healthy?Posidonia oceanica?meadows, Species of international conservation importance and A ‘No stopping zone’ has already been designated, which makes stopping any marine vessel (fishing or leisure boats) on the wrecks illegal to safeguard anyone diving in these areas and indirectly safeguarding the marine species occurring on these wrecks from one form of pressure. This was done through the Notice to Mariners No.5 of 2008.?In fact all sea vessels should maintain a safe distance and safe speed when in the vicinity.?Nature Trust Malta has been entrusted with the management of the ?irkewwa Marine Park in 2019 with the official launch in 2021.

The vision for this Marine Park is to be the first hands-on managed Marine Park employing a zoning system that has proved to be successful abroad. The ?irkewwa Marine Park shall take a bottom-up approach, involving stakeholders to truly understand their needs while also assessing the site’s ecological requirements through field studies and analysis.

Credit Photos?Chris Caruoso?and?Victor Micallef