PRESS RELEASE BY THE MINISTRY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, ENERGY AND PUBLIC CLEANLINESS Snorkelling, boat rides, and cleanups among a week of activities by Ambjent Malta for ‘Marine Awareness Week’.

Boat tours, guided snorkelling, beach cleanups, and information sessions led by staff from the Ministry for the Environment, Energy, and Public Cleanliness were among the activities organised for ‘Marine Awareness Week’, hosted by Ambjent Malta.

This week dedicated to maritime awareness was organised by Ambjent Malta, with the support of the Energy and Water Agency, the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA), and the Saving Our Blue initiative. The public had the opportunity to take part in activities such as snorkelling, tours around St Paul’s Islands, the Salini Salt Pans, and the coast of Mellieħa Bay, as well as clean-up sessions, including underwater cleanups in St Paul’s Bay harbour.

Environment Minister Miriam Dalli took part in the cleanup at Golden Bay (Ramla tal-Mixquqa). While thanking everyone who participated, she highlighted the message behind such events. “These are a series of activities that help us continue raising greater awareness about the need to protect our marine environment. While we were cleaning this bay, we noticed that the majority of waste was small litter that isn't immediately visible when you look at the beach. These are all items that, when they end up in the sea, cause significant damage. We will continue to raise more awareness and take more action to address this challenge,” said Minister Dalli.

The snorkelling activity, led by representatives from Ambjent Malta and ERA, also helped the public discover the beauty of the protected marine environment at Golden Bay. During the boat tour to St Paul’s Islands, participants gained information and insight into Malta’s rich marine natural environment, while scientific officers from Ambjent Malta shared details about ongoing work aimed at preserving local marine habitats. The underwater seabed cleanup in St Paul’s Bay is part of Ambjent Malta’s ongoing commitment to enhancing marine biodiversity and restoring the ecological integrity of Malta’s coastal and underwater habitats.

Paul Debono, Director of Communications at Ambjent Malta stated, “Marine Awareness Week and related activities -- such as the boat tours and cleanups -- not only contribute to the preservation of our marine environment but also serve as an ideal platform for the entity to connect and engage with the public through educational and recreational activities. Throughout these events, information was provided by Ambjent Malta’s team on the importance of safeguarding the local marine environment and the valuable work the entity has carried out to preserve it, for the benefit of the community and future generations.”