https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/94029 2026-04-24T02:13:07Z 2026-04-24T02:13:07Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/94328 2022-04-25T14:18:42Z 2021-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Assessing the air quality derived from marine traffic in the central Mediterranean and Malta Abstract: This study focuses on air pollution resulting from marine vessels following routes within the the Central Mediterranean region. In particular, the concentrations of carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and sulphur dioxide (SO2) are considered. The analysis is carried out on remotely-sensed data obtained through the high-resolution and state-of-the-art TROPOMI sensor on board the SENTINEL-5P satellite that forms part of the COPERNICUS constellation. The air pollution data is correlated with the density of passenger ships, fishing boats, as well as cargo and tanker vessels obtained from the official EMODnet Human Activities portal and which was recorded over the same time period and spatial extent. A total of 31 months between 2019 and 2021 are considered. Custom Matlab scripts are implimented and used to process the deluge of files that are then visualised by QGIS. The region considered is centred around an area with a high volume of cargo and tanker traffic and with minimal contamination from land-based sources. Statistical analysis and regression models are fitted to the data in order to quantify the relationship between vessel density and pollution concentration. As evident from the presented information, NO2 concentrations clearly follow the vessel route patterns. On the other hand, there is less confidence in the dependence of SO2 and CO levels. This could be attributed to the MARPOL Annex VI regulations that were recently introduced. Description: M.Sc.(Melit.)

2021-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/94112 2022-04-22T05:08:40Z 2021-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Management of xeric grasslands to improve connectivity for stenotopic biota Abstract: Xeric grasslands are hotspots of biodiversity in the Maltese islands and are important habitats for many species of farmyard birds and butterflies. Grasslands are of interest to the European Union, given their importance at ecosystem scale, and so are protected under the European Habitats Directive and the European Birds Directive. Despite their importance, little is known about the state of and prospects for local xeric grasslands. In view of this, this study aimed to devise possible management strategies through expert interviews. Interviews were conducted to identify threats to and pressures faced by grasslands, as well as their state and the impact of pressures on these. The primary stakeholders identified and interviewed were local farmers, non-governmental organisations, scientists and policy makers. Key points emerging from the interviews included the need to rely less on the Common Agricultural Policy’s agri-environmental measures as well as lack of awareness regarding the importance of xeric grasslands in the Maltese Islands. The need for baseline data on indicator species and for an awareness-raising campaign were also highlighted. Interview responses were also used to identify Ras il-Pellegrin in Mġarr as a grassland that could potentially be used for demonstration purposes, to show how such xeric grasslands could be managed locally. Using satellite imagery and ground truthing, management recommendations for this site were identified, with these including measures to maintain the connectivity of the site to the nearby Lippija plateau, and implementing a scheme to subsidise farmers to leave grassland verges to improve connectivity at the southern part of the site. A hands-off restoration strategy is recommended, given that grasslands form through secondary succession. It is further recommended that baseline data be compiled to allow monitoring, and that indicator species such as farmland butterflies are used as a measure of success. It is also critical that local communities are engaged in such restoration efforts, to encourage a sense of belonging with the site. Description: M.Sc.(Melit.)

2021-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/94093 2022-04-20T13:59:47Z 2021-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Investigating ecological corridors and barriers to movement : a species approach for conservation Abstract: Ecological corridors are crucial for the survival of species; they facilitate movement between different areas within a species’ home range, whilst aiding genetic exchange across the metapopulation, thus maintaining viable their populations. Despite their importance, maintaining corridors for conservation purposes is no easy task, largely because of conflicts-of-use and related impacts, mostly resulting in habitat loss and fragmentation. This study takes a species-approach towards understanding ecological corridors across specific areas in the Maltese islands. The species selected for this study are the blue rock thrush, Monticola solitarius (Linnaeus 1758), the Old-World swallowtail butterfly, Papilio machaon melitensis (Eller, 1936) and the Mediterranean chameleon, Chamaeleo chamaeleon (Linnaeus 1758). These three faunal species are noteworthy, being of ecological significance, charismatic, and protected under different legal instruments. This study focuses on telemetry, wherein radio tags are affixed to a voucher specimen from each of the aforementioned species to follow their respective movements over an approximate period of two weeks of field monitoring. Appropriate permits were acquired from respective official agencies. The sites of release include Mdina, Comino and Buskett respectively. P. m. melitensis tagged individuals were recorded to undertake a short sea crossing between the islands of Comino and Gozo, subsequently, each making their way to the northern side of Gozo. Each butterfly is estimated to have covered a minimum distance of approximately 16.6 km in 17 days. C. chamaeleon was noted to remain within a woodland habitat without crossing into adjacent garrigue-dominated karst, with the tagged male demonstrating the most vagility from the monitored sample. Not enough data was collected for M. Solitarius to establish movement patterns due to complications which arose during field sessions. Based on present findings, the study proposes a number of recommended measures for ecological connectivity within the local context for the different target species researched Description: M.Sc.(Melit.)

2021-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/94090 2022-04-20T13:59:10Z 2021-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Identifying landscape quality objectives for the Maltese Islands Abstract: Malta is currently the only signatory state which has not yet ratified the European Landscape Convention (ELC). This is notwithstanding evident pressures on local landscapes and the implications of these for the quality of life of their residents. In light of this, this research project aimed at investigating local residents’ perception of their local landscapes, with the goal of identifying landscape quality objectives (LQO), as required by the ELC. The study will also explore the feasibility of implementation of the identified LQOs locally and whether there is support amongst policy makers to work towards these. A mixed methods approach was adopted. Data was collected through questionnaires targeted towardsresidents from selected urban (Buġibba and Sliema) and more rural localities (Mġarr and Qrendi), as well as through expert interviews with professionals working in related fields. Quantitative and qualitative findings exhibited widespread dissatisfaction with landscape quality by residents across the four study areas. The development and construction sector were highlighted as having had a particularly negative impact on the transformation of local landscapes. Results also highlighted the need for increased greenery and public spaces to improve landscape quality. The study confirms the urgent need for the ratification and implementation of the ELC in Malta, coupled with improvement of local public participation platforms. Description: M.Sc.(Melit.)

2021-01-01T00:00:00Z