Since last November, Ċirkewwa Marine Park has undergone a change in management.

Since then, efforts have been in full swing to prepare for the upcoming season, ensuring that the park remains a well-maintained and thriving marine environment.

A key development has been the official establishment of the Management Council and Scientific Committee. The Management Council plays a crucial role in guiding decision-making for the park, while the Scientific Committee – composed of marine biologists provides expert advice to ensure that conservation efforts are grounded in the latest scientific research.

Maintenance work is currently ongoing, including the replacement of dive signs, maintenance of diver toilet facilities, and repairs at the dive entrances. In addition, extensive planning is underway for upcoming activities. These will have a strong focus on stakeholder engagement. Meetings will be held to provide key updates on the park’s management and future initiatives, to foster collaboration and transparency.

A series of surveys are being planned to monitor the biodiversity present within this area, establishing a baseline dataset to assess the current state of the marine environment. These will include surveys of benthic habitats and species present within the park. This data will be crucial to track the effectiveness of future conservation efforts and ensuring that any changes contribute to the long-term improvement of the park.

The team has already been attending many national and internationally led events, spreading the word on the activities at the Marine Park, offering educationals and networking and learning more about other relevant stakeholder projects and subjects.

And lastly, we will be restarting events and educational activities at the Marine Park with a calendar of monthly public events for you to join, a new portfolio of Corporate Group packages on offer and school visits!

This month we have our second event, to get you acclimatised to the beautiful landscape of the park. Watch this space for more info!

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Posidonia oceanica is a seagrass species endemic to the Mediterranean Sea, forming extensive underwater meadows. It covers between 25,000 and 50,000 Km² of the coastal areas, corresponding to 25% of the sea bottom at a depth between 0 and 40 m. Currently, Posidonia meadows are a protected habitat within the Maltese waters, under the European Union Habitats Directive as part of the requirements for the effective management of protected areas, due to its varied and important roles which we will look at now. 

More than half of the oxygen we breathe comes from the sea and Posidonia oceanica has been called “the lungs of the Mediterranean” because it is one of the most important sources of oxygen provided to coastal waters. Posidonia is like the forest – producing oxygen. A study from the Mediterranean Advanced Research Institute (IMEDEA) and the BBVA Foundation states that the Mediterranean Posidonia population produces 14 to 20 liters of oxygen per square meter every day. 

Not only does it provide oxygen but Posidonia oceanica is a champion in the fight against climate change. Like terrestrial plants, seagrasses capture and store significant amounts of carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere through photosynthesis. These meadows act as a carbon sink, absorbing carbon dioxide, and storing carbon at an average rate of 83 g Carbon per m² per year. This process helps mitigate the impacts of greenhouse gas emissions, thus playing a vital role in regulating global climate.

The need to protect these meadows and to allow them to thrive is vital in the fight against climate change. Posidonia is also an indicator of overall water quality as it is sensitive to pollution and can only grow in clean unpolluted waters, another reminder of why we need to keep our waters clean. Posidonia also helps to clean the water and so we can thank it for our crystal clear waters here. 

When the meadows are thick and abundant they create a habitable environment for a variety of animals who can use the meadows for breeding, feeding and provide vital nursery grounds allowing more animals to come and live here (Figure 1). 

Figure 1: A common stingray resting amongst the Posidonia oceanica meadows  in the Cirkewwa Marine Park. Credit, Timothy Zammit for the Ċirkewwa Marine Park

The benefits of Posidonia extend to land as well. Due to the compact and dense structure of these meadows, Posidonia oceanica has a crucial role in stabilizing the seabed when alive, reducing wave action and currents below surface level.  It is also a prominent protector of our sandy and rocky beaches  by protecting them from coastal erosion.  These banquettes (commonly referred to as seagrass mattresses) on our beaches (Figure 2), receive the impact from crushing waves in the winter storms, protecting the rock and sand below it, ultimately preventing rock dissolution and sand loss  from the beaches. Moreover, these banquettes of dead leaves that are formed in the winter on the beaches provide nutrients and food for many beach organisms. 

I’m sure you can see why we love this amazing plant so much but unfortunately, it is under serious threat, despite international legislation to protect it, like the EU Habitats Directive, and other initiatives. Posidonia oceanica meadows are declining rapidly in many parts of the Mediterranean because of pollution, coastal development, anchoring, and fishing activities. There are simple ways that everyone can help to protect it, such as being aware of the products that we wash down the sink and trying to opt for chemical-free soaps, shampoos, and washing products, always taking litter away from beaches so that they don’t wash into these meadows. If you are a sailor then use installed buoys instead of anchoring, or anchor in Posidonia oceanica-free areas. Finally, go down and have a look at these stunning meadows so that you see the animal life and beauty of it to really inspire yourself and others to take small but important actions to help save this magical plant. 

Figure 2: Posidonia oceanica banquette in one of the beaches in Ċirkewwa. Credit: Ċirkewwa Marine Park

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Nest sites around the Maltese islands

The following infographic (Figure 1) shows the several nesting sites where nests have been more or less successful, during the year 2020. Commonly frequented beaches are typically Ghadira Bay, Golden Sands, Gnejna Bay and Ramla Bay in Gozo. This year in particular, was considered quite a good year for hatchling success, about 64% survival overall, as the general public was hidden away behind closed doors due to the Covid-19 lockdown enforcements. The less frequented beaches meant that there were less obstructions and disturbances in the path of the nesting turtles and later, the emerging hatchlings. 
Figure 1: Infographic on nest survival rates for turtle hatchlings around the Maltese islands during the year 2020.
Nesting Season

This is typically between the middle of May to the middle of August for loggerheads. July is considered the peak month during nesting season in Malta, based on more than a decade’s worth of data. More than one clutch can be laid in one season; however, this does not happen annually but biennially, some laying more than one clutch one year but then only one clutch the following year. A Loggerhead clutch can contain between 80 to 120 eggs at a time. These little ones incubate for 50 to 60 days to later hatch between the middle of July and middle of October. Temperature is the determining factor for the sex of the hatchlings, this is called ‘Temperature Dependent Sex Determination’ (TSD). Temperatures exceeding 29 degrees Celsius will become females, whereas temperatures under 29 degrees Celsius typically become males. Sex determination normally occurs between day 20 and 30 of the incubation period. Marine biologists and turtle enthusiasts alike often use the saying ‘Cool dudes and hot chicks’ to remember how warmer nest temperatures produce more females and cooler temperatures result in more male hatchlings. Since temperatures dictate the sex ratios of nests, global warming is considered a major threat, particularly since high nest temperatures produce more females than males and hence disrupting the natural ratio during incubation.


Why should we protect sea turtles?

       First and foremost, sea turtles are considered a ‘keystone species’, they are important for both coastal ecosystems on land as well as marine ones, and the other species that depend on them. They are responsible for grazing on seagrass, controlling as well as promoting new growth, whilst also feeding on the less charismatic species- the jellyfish, other invertebrates as well as shelled organisms like crabs. By controlling jellyfish populations, us swimmers, snorkelers, and divers alike, swim with a bit more ease and a little less stinging! Through digestion of these invertebrates and shelled organisms, they also provide food sources for other species to feed on, providing them with nutrients like calcium. 

     Secondly, nesting is very often not a 100% successful, hence why the high quantities of eggs laid in a clutch. Different factors might result in unhatched, unfertilized, abnormal, bacteria ridden eggs, etc. Remnant empty eggshells as well as unhatched ones provide important nutrients for the beach.
All in all, they are a very important species and are facing an assortment of threats at present including fishing pressures,tourism and recreation, noise, light and mostly plastic pollution.  They are currently listed as ‘Vulnerable’ on the IUCN Red list for endangered species. 

What to do if you encounter a turtle or hatchlings?

The DOs and the definite DONTs

  1.    We urge you to fight the impulse to post to your socials first. Social media is like wildfire and word spreads quickly, if crowds form around the nesting mother this might cause unnecessary noise and stress, causing the animal to abandon nesting or abort her young. The same goes for glaring screens and the use of torches or bright lights. Any beach goers within the vicinity of a turtle are urged to refrain from using bright lights, substituting for red light/ red filters on flashlights instead so as not to cause any disturbance. Think of how annoying it is when someone checks their phone during a film at the cinema!

2. Do not be an obstruction and do not cause an obstruction. Any onlookers are able to observe at a safe distance as long as they are out of the vicinity of the animal.

3. Shhhhh! It is crucial to keep quiet so as not to cause any disturbance or overwhelm the turtle. You are also allowed to enthusiastically shush people around you.

4. It is absolutely crucial that you do not interfere with the hatchlings’ journey to the sea. During this time the little ones imprint on the beach they have just nested on, in order to make their way back to have a nest of themselves. Any interference would disrupt this important process.

5. Just as important, is to not interfere, touch eggs or put any objects inside the nesting chamber. Any chemicals like insect repellent or sunscreen as well as other chemicals might introduce bacteria and affect the general health of the eggs. Any movement to the eggs also might disrupt the normal hatching process.

6. Do not pick up hatchlings, they can be guided without being touched if necessary, by knowledgeable team members. Hatchlings have small food reserves that can provide them with up to 3 days of energy, any mishandling may easily rupture these pocket reserves.

7. Do not litter. Plastic pollution is a big threat to turtles. They can entrap or obstruct little hatchlings and prevent them from reaching the water. Adult turtles can mistake any floating plastic objects for jellyfish, causing all sorts of problems such as suffocation.

8. Any sandcastles or sand pits made during the day can also entrap hatchlings or obstruct their way. As lovely as your sandcastle may be, take a picture and please flatten the sand so as to let nature take its course. Any sand pits can be easily filled and flattened, think of it as your small contribution in helping the process.

9. Report any beached, injured, or entangled animals. The public is urged not to attempt removing any entanglement themselves as this might be removed badly. Please contact the ‘Wildlife Rescue’ number on 99999505, for a member of the team to make an educated decision.  

10. Lastly, any boat owners or fisherman are kindly asked to be mindful of any surface swimmers in their vicinity. Speeding boats have caused many collisions with wildlife, of which may have had to be admitted to a rehabilitation centre until healthy enough for a release. Fishing lines and hooks should not be thrown in the sea and disposed of safely, this is also keeping in mind seabathers and other creatures.

Like a single drop in the ocean, every small act of kindness and contribution has the power to shape a larger, more compassionate world. As guardians of this precious planet, it is our sacred duty to protect and cherish nature’s delicate balance, to shield it from harm and to mend the wounds we may have unintentionally inflicted. 

References: 

Nature Trust -FEE Malta, Turtle Nest Patrolling and Guarding Manual 

Cutajar, M., Ferlat, C., Attard, V. and Gruppetta, A., 2022. Tracking Caretta caretta: movement patterns following rehabilitation in Malta. Xjenza Online, 10(2), pp.2-14.

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the Gold Blotch (Epinephelus costae), the Dusky (Epinephelus marginatus), and the Mottled (Mycteroperca rubra).

Photo credits 1&2-Victor Micallef, Picture 3-pecesmediterraneo.com

Ecology:

As with most groupers, the adults of this species are rock fans!
Usually found near coastal reefs, crevices, and wrecks, particularly favouring large, rock boulder type areas that are shelter rich at <50m depth. These areas are sought out for protection, especially during peak reproduction times when groups of individuals aggregate in one area. They are also used as ambush spots to hunt their prey. Depth range is known to increase with age, and individuals can be found at lower densities, at depths reaching 300m, depending on the species.

Diet:
    These large bodied, broad headed predators are at the top of the food chain and play a significant role in balancing out prey populations. Diet is believed to change as with the size of the individual. As carnivorous fish, their diet mainly consists of smaller fish, crustaceans, and molluscs. Size-diet relationship is evident where young juveniles are known to feed mainly on small crustaceans, amphipods, isopods, shrimps, and crabs, whilst individuals reaching lengths of 60cm and upwards feed mainly of cephalopods and fish.

    Interestingly, the Gold blotch grouper loves to feed almost exclusively on poisonous rabbit fish, originally introduced to the Mediterranean with the development of the Suez Canal. The abundance of food in this area in turn made it the most abundant grouper in the East Med, about 50% of grouper biomass.

  Being able to reach sizes of up to 150 cm in length and reaching hefty average weights of 32 kg+, earns them a high commercial value and leaves them susceptible to adorning our dinner plates. They are also a highly prized species for recreational sport fishing, harpooning etc. Their presence or lack thereof can be a good indicator of the general health of the reef and drastic declines to their populations has a knock down effect on the remainder of the ecosystem.

Reproduction

Male or Female? BOTH! 

Groupers are interesting creatures with quite a complex lifestyle, living dual lives and the best of both worlds!

      For starters they are ‘protogynous hermaphrodites’, this is the scientific way of saying that all individuals start off female and end their life being male. Upon reaching sexual maturity in the first few years of life, they later undergo sex reversal between 9 and 12 years, having reached lengths of about 69-93cm, this varies from species to species. This process is quite rapid and can be completed over one year. Their reproductive seasons span across three months with highest spawning activity occurring between late June and early August.   

They typically have a high rate of development in their first year of life which quickly slows down for the remainder of their long-life span. The highest estimated age for studied individuals was 36 years of age (dusky), however, they are believed to live longer due to occasional large, fished individuals.    

Threats: 

The Dusky Grouper is currently listed as ‘Vulnerable’ on the IUCN Red List of Endangered Species. Their populations are believed to be heavily fragmented and on the decline. Their spawning-aggregation-behaviour, late maturation, long lifespan, and complex reproductive cycle are all factors that make them more vulnerable to fishing pressures. Despite not having detailed statistics from fisheries, they are believed to be a heavily exploited species in the Mediterranean.   

   In the case of the Gold blotch grouper, anthropogenic activities originally benefited this species due to introduction of food with the canal, however, following the expansion of SCUBA gear and technology in the last few decades has meant that recreational activities such as diving and spearfishing have caused a steep decline in grouper populations.  

References:

Aronov, A. and Goren, M., 2008. Ecology of the mottled grouper (Mycteroperca rubra) in the eastern Mediterranean. Electronic Journal of Ichthyology, 2, pp.43-55.

Condini, M.V., García-Charton, J.A. and Garcia, A.M., 2018. A review of the biology, ecology, behavior and conservation status of the dusky grouper, Epinephelus marginatus (Lowe 1834). Reviews in Fish Biology and Fisheries, 28, pp.301-330.

Harmelin, J.G. and Harmelin-Vivien, M., 1999. A review on habitat, diet, and growth of the dusky grouper Epinephelus marginatus (Lowe, 1834). Marine Life, 9(2), pp.11-20.

López, V.G. and i Orvay, F.C., 2005. Food habits of groupers Epinephelus marginatus (Lowe, 1834) and Epinephelus costae (Steindachner, 1878) in the Mediterranean Coast of Spain. Hidrobiológica, 15(1), pp.27-34.

Marino, G., Azzurro, E., Massari, A., Finoia, M.G. and Mandich, A., 2001. Reproduction in the dusky grouper from the southern Mediterranean. Journal of Fish Biology, 58(4), pp.909-927.

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