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Malta's largest seagrass restoration effort reaches 530 m² in Qawra Point

The restoration of Malta's underwater meadow has reached another significant milestone. Between 7 and 9 October 2026, the Oceanography Malta Research Group (OMRG) at the University of Malta successfully carried out a new Posidonia oceanica transplantation exercise off Qawra, bringing the cumulative area targeted for restoration to approximately 530 m² — the largest seagrass transplantation effort undertaken in the Maltese archipelago to date.

The latest intervention builds upon previous restoration activities conducted in collaboration with the MEDSEA Foundation and was undertaken within the framework of Blue South Med, a project collaboration supported by WWF Mediterranean.

The operation targeted a newly identified area of dead matte, consisting of the remains of a former Posidonia oceanica meadow. Located at approximately 11 metres depth, the site was selected to minimise exposure to storm-induced disturbances, incorporating lessons learned from monitoring previous transplantation efforts. This adaptive approach aims to improve the long-term survival and establishment of transplanted seagrass.

The transplantation was led by Prof. Alan Deidun, from the Department of Geosciences within the Faculty of Science at the University of Malta, and coordinated by RSO Alessio Marrone, with the support of Laura Prieto and Samuel Bauermeister.

Underwater operations were facilitated by the Watercolour Diving Centre, whose logistical and diving assistance contributed to the successful completion of the exercise.

The activities were also supported and overseen by Marta Curmi, representing the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA), Andrea Bellia, Advisor to Minister Hon. Miriam Dalli, and Clifford Borg, representing Ambjent Malta.

Commenting on the intervention, Alessio Marrone highlighted its scale and significance, saying "during this latest exercise, we transplanted approximately 200 m² of seabed, securing more than 1,800 Posidonia cuttings and giving them the opportunity to develop roots and progressively establish a new meadow. The experience gained from previous interventions has been instrumental in refining our restoration techniques and selecting more favourable environmental conditions for their long-term survival."

Prof. Deidun remarked the importance of restoration actions for this habitat and said that Posidonia oceanica is an endemic Mediterranean seagrass forming one of the region's most valuable marine habitats. Its meadows support biodiversity, provide nursery grounds for numerous marine species, contribute to carbon sequestration and protect coastlines from erosion.

However, these ecosystems remain threatened by human activities, particularly anchoring and other forms of physical seabed disturbance. Their naturally slow recovery makes active restoration an important complementary conservation measure.

With 200 m² added to the 330 m² previously transplanted, the Qawra restoration site now encompasses approximately 530 m², representing an unprecedented cumulative transplantation effort in Maltese waters.

The achievement highlights the importance of continued collaboration between scientific institutions, environmental organisations and national authorities. Nevertheless, transplantation represents only the beginning of the recovery process. Long-term monitoring will be essential to assess cutting survival, root development and the progressive establishment of a healthy seagrass meadow.

Through this latest initiative, the University of Malta and its partners reaffirm their commitment to the science-based restoration and protection of Malta's marine ecosystems.