https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/6275 2026-04-15T14:38:37Z 2026-04-15T14:38:37Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/10996 2018-07-16T10:36:42Z 2015-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Yacht marinas in the grand harbour of Malta : environmental impacts and regulations Abstract: Current developments in the yachting industry highlight the potential for further yacht marinas around the island of Malta. However, marinas come at a cost of possible environmental impacts. This research focuses on three yacht marinas located in the Grand Harbour area and examines the management practices that are in place to minimise potential environmental impacts. The research covers the construction, operational and functional aspects of these three marinas. The results of this study provide an overview of the various mitigation measures undertaken by relevant authorities and marinas. Interviews undertaken with marina personnel and relevant authorities provide information on the environmental impacts that could arise and how these are targeted. Furthermore, observations conducted at the marinas provided first hand insight on the pressures and impacts that could arise and the measures in place to mitigate such events. The water tests showed a number of water quality parameters from the three marinas within the harbour area. The management systems adopted in the marinas are identified and provide background on how potential environmental impacts can be tackled. Apart from the environmental impact, the changes and development occurring in the locality of the yacht marinas are also considered. The discussion of the impacts revolves around the results obtained, other previous studies and related literature. Whilst yacht marinas are given instructions by relevant authorities, further guidelines and manuals for procedures would greatly benefit the current situation. With the development of marinas, relevant regulation, careful management, as well as long-term maintenance, is required to reduce potential environmental impacts and planning is needed to reduce avoid environmental impacts. Description: B.SC.(HONS)EARTH SYSTEMS

2015-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/6389 2015-11-13T02:06:03Z 2015-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: The public perception of sharks in the Maltese islands Abstract: Shark populations worldwide are in decline and conservation efforts can be hampered by negative perceptions of sharks amongst the general public. This research aims to examine perceptions of sharks amongst the Maltese population, taking into account both views of the general public as well as those of members of a shark conservation-oriented Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), Sharklab Malta. A survey (n=156) containing both quantitative and qualitative questions was distributed to these two subgroups so as to determine nature relatedness and attitudes towards sharks, as well as influences on these attitudes. Results were then analysed using SPSS. The results of this research indicate that, in the case of both subgroups, individuals who had first-hand experience with sharks perceived sharks to be less threatening than individuals with no such experience. Furthermore, the media had an effect on whether sharks were perceived to be important ecosystem components by the general public subgroup. Gender seemed to have no significant effect on how sharks were perceived, except that women who are members of Sharklab are more likely than men to perceive sharks as threatening. The results of this research suggest that shark conservationoriented NGOs could focus on providing experiences with sharks to the general public so as to improve conservation efforts, and that factual and non-sensational shark-related media could also help to combat negative shark stereotypes. Description: B.SC.(HONS)EARTH SYSTEMS

2015-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/6388 2015-11-13T02:06:39Z 2015-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Basic resilience assessment principles with reference to the Pembroke Natura 2000 site Abstract: This study was undertaken to assess the resilience of the Pembroke Natura 2000 socio-ecological system (SES) against observed disturbances and unpredictable shock events. The site is rich in ecological, geological and historical heritage and its importance has been recognized through the European Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) with its inclusion in the Natura 2000 network. A Resilience Assessment was carried out to assess system variables, components, main issues and governance of the focal system, and furthermore to analyse interactions between multiple scales and at different levels. Although broadly based on the Resilience Assessment framework, as defined by the Resilience Alliance, the study also adapted the methodology of the only other previous Resilience Assessment to have been conducted in the Maltese Islands; both studies were conducted at similar scales and with similar limitations. Following a review of seminal resilience theory literature, data was gathered through analysis of a number of aerial photographs of the site taken at different times and through interviews with key system stakeholders. Due to lack of historical data, difficulties were encountered in trying to identify possible thresholds and the system’s proximity to such thresholds. However, several insights that are relevant to the site’s management were nevertheless obtained. Disturbances caused by human activities have been identified as the main source of change within ecological processes of the focal system, but current management strategies are either not able to limit these disturbances, or else, financial constraints of site managers result in lax enforcement. Furthermore, decisions are taken at a national level through the Malta Environment and Planning Authority (MEPA), which decreases the extent to which management strategies are context-specific and increases reaction time. Overall, the focal system is believed to be quite resilient to change; however some sub-systems within the focal system may be considered vulnerable. These include sub-systems adjacent to the road and which are subject to daily trampling due to vehicular access and sub-systems in which alien species have been introduced. Sub-systems dominated by garrigue were considered to be stable; however there is a risk that these become vulnerable if further disturbance occurs. Description: B.SC.(HONS)EARTH SYSTEMS

2015-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/6387 2018-07-16T11:05:10Z 2015-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Gozitan farmers : sustainable agricultural practices with regards to soil erosion Abstract: The agricultural sector in Gozo is very important for the development of the island’s economy and food production. Soil erosion seems to be evident in the Maltese Islands and agriculture is becoming even more exposed to this threat which can become even more serious unless some sort of improvement is done. Sustainable agricultural practices can be the answer to reduce the affects that soil erosion has on local agriculture. However, these practices need to be implemented adequately by promoting them to farmers and helping them understand how they can put them into action. The aim of this dissertation was to get a better understanding of Gozitan farmers’ perceptions on sustainable agricultural practices and to investigate if they are willing to improve their methods to minimize soil erosion. Moreover the RUSLE equation was used to estimate the potential soil erosion from selected locations around Gozo. Farmers were interviewed and the potential soil loss was determined for 9 locations around the island. Results indicated that the local farmers recognize the fact that soil erosion can be a threat to them and they are willing to enhance their methods by opting to sustainable agriculture. Moreover the RUSLE equation results showed that erosion may vary from one place to another and if farmers opt to sustainable practices, erosion can be reduced. Description: B.SC.(HONS)EARTH SYSTEMS

2015-01-01T00:00:00Z