Nearly 19 Tonnes Of Marine Debris Removed From Local Waters

Almost 19 tonnes of marine debris have been removed from the seabed through an ongoing collaboration between the Malta Airport Foundation and the Calypso and Atlam sub-aqua clubs.

The partnership began in 2020, when the first joint underwater clean-up efforts were organised. Since then, seabed clean-ups have become an annual initiative led by the Malta Airport Foundation, with the latest activities taking place in Marsaskala and Isla this summer.

Around 40 volunteers took part in the two recent clean-ups, collecting 2.9 tonnes of waste from the seabed. The items recovered included several tyres, approximately 85 kilos of rope, discarded fishing nets, plastic waste and large pieces of metal.

Among the more unusual objects found underwater were a peppered cheeselet still inside its wrapper, a cat statuette and a keyboard.

A regular participant in the clean-ups and experienced diver said that areas commonly used for swimming generally contain less debris, reflecting growing public awareness about the importance of protecting the marine environment. However, port areas continue to contain waste that has accumulated over several decades.

The seabed clean-ups form part of the Malta Airport Foundation’s wider efforts to protect Malta’s seas, safeguard marine life and preserve the underwater heritage that contributes to the islands’ identity.

Other initiatives supported by the foundation include sponsoring two Seabins to help collect marine litter, producing underwater documentaries showcasing Malta’s marine environment and supporting Heritage Malta’s work on the Xlendi deep-water archaeological park.

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