Report for Year 2 Research the Observational Study of Elasmobranch Species in the Sea Around the Island of Filfla, a Special Area of Conservation by Sharklab-Malta

Report for Year 2 Research The observational study of Elasmobranch species in the sea around the island of Filfla, a Special Area of Conservation by Sharklab-Malta.

Image ©Sharklab-Malta

The observational study of Elasmobranch in the sea around the island of Filfla would not have been possible without the required permits being issued by the Environment Protection Directorate of the Malta Environment and Planning Authority and Transport Malta. Sharklab-Malta would like to thank those persons involved as without the permits and additional support this long term research project would not have been possible.

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Report for Year 2 Research The observational study of Elasmobranch species in the sea around the island of Filfla, a Special Area of Conservation by Sharklab-Malta.

Report Index  Introduction  Methodology and research  Research restrictions  Dates of observational studies during the first year  Zone descriptions  Zone observation frequency  Identified species during observational surveys  Species information and sighting details for the second year of observational research  Species information and sighting details - Common Stingray – Dasyatis pastinaca  Species information and sighting details - Marbled Torpedo Ray – Torpedo marmorata  Species information and sighting details – additional species observed  Biodiversity within the sea around the island of Filfla  Problems  Planning for the future

Common Stingray – Dasyatis pastinaca

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Introduction

Sharklab-Malta is a registered NGO in Malta and its members are all volunteers, there are no paid members of the organisation. This research has been made possible only through self funding. All participants have paid for their own dive gear rental where needed as well as the hire of diving gases and additionally the cost of boat usage. It is hoped that Sharklab-Malta may be able to secure some future funding for this research, which will allow the possibility of more frequent and a greater range of research during the next number of years, but until then we will continue to self fund this research.

Sharklab-Malta members and its supporters are dedicated to learning more about the state of Elasmobranch (sharks, skates and rays) within the waters of the Maltese islands and in the case of this project, within the waters which surround the protected island of Filfla. Through sharing the findings it is hoped that we can ensure that a better management strategy can be adopted as necessary to ensure the long term survival of Elasmobranch species within Maltese waters. It is through this dedication and determination that this long term observational study has been started.

The second year of research is aimed at consolidating the results from year one research to continue to confirm that Elasmobranch do indeed inhabit or travel through this area. Through the research we aim to gather further details of the species, habitats preferred and locations within the protected areas and log the time of year and frequency of these sightings.

Sharklab-Malta received the permit/approval from the Environment Protection Directorate of the Malta Environment and Planning Authority to continue this observational study on 20th May 2013. The aim of the 1st year of research was to study through observation and image capture any species of Elasmobranch (sharks, skates and rays) residing or travelling through the protected area surrounding the island of Filfla as well as generating a basic mapping system to allow for repetitive research throughout all 12 months of the year and to act as a foundation for future research. Year 2 set out to continue this to attain a better picture of the presence of Elasmobranch as well as continue to map habitats.

Findings of this observational study can be used to assist in the future management and protection of vulnerable species of Elasmobranch identified within the sea around the island of Filfla as well as act as an indicator to the success of this marine protected area. Through the study many other marine species were observed and the records of these can also be utilised for implementing a more complete plan to safeguard the biodiversity around the Maltese islands and within its waters.

Over the duration of the 2nd Years permit 20th May 2013 until it’s expiry on 19th May 2014, through a combination of diving and snorkelling, members of Sharklab-Malta and supporting divers and snorkelers carried out 34 observational visits to the waters surrounding the island of Filfla.

During the second year of study two separate species of Elasmobranch were confirmed as present within the study area and a further five species were seen but images were not clear enough to be submitted as definitive proof within this report. Combining the results of year 1 and 2 a total of 8 individual species of Elasmobranch have been observed as part of this ongoing study.

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Methodology and Research

For the second year of research the research methodology remained unchanged. The organising team continued to coordinate all research activities and data collected during the observational studies.

Initial studies of the Bathymetric maps created by AIS Environmental Limited together with Envision Mapping Ltd of the UK as part of the 2006 series of detailed surveys organised by MEPA were used to highlight the potential areas of interest.

Sharklab-Malta continued to use the created 6 zones system to create a simple and effective way of recording sightings and data and to ease planning for research activities within the immediate area of the island. The 6 zones were taken from the shoreline of Filfla to a depth of 40 metres (the limit for recreational divers).

The Bathymetric maps created by AIS Environmental Limited together with Envision Mapping Ltd of the UK below were taken from the Acoustic and Video report as part of the 2006 series of surveys and were used to highlight the variable topography around Filfla. The maps indicate many different potential habitats and were used to determine potential search areas.

The swath bathymetric data have been transformed into contours of 5 m intervals, which have been coloured according to the Legend.

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The swath bathymetric data have been transformed into a digital elevation model (DEM) which is shown in plan view with an illumination point vertically above Filfla.

The DEM is shown from a virtual position due south of Filfla and with illumination due north.

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The Bathymetric maps taken from the 2006 report, highlighted the fact that the topography and types of significantly different habitats available to Elasmobranch included a wide range of close shelves, boulder zones, caves, and drop offs to the open pelagic area surrounding the island. Through the planned research Sharklab-Malta included some of these areas of interest in the initial research plans.

The zoning system designed for simple initial data collection based on the 2006 survey bathymetric map.

2 3 The zoning covered approximately 300m from the shore to the 40 metre bathymetric and was 1 divided into 6 similar sized zones. 4 Using this simple zoning method any 6 Elasmobranch sightings could be very easily 5 identified and the zone detail highlighted for further research. The zoning allowed for a general overview of the waters immediately surrounding the island.

In order to cover a wide area of each zone per survey, the format for each dive followed a basic pattern with the exception of Stork Rock. The dive boat anchored along the centre line of the zone at an average depth of 10 metres. From the boat a team would follow a looping route from the boat out into the deeper water and then return in a loop back to the boat as illustrated below.

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During observational surveys where there were multiple teams, several looping routes from the boat into deeper water and back to the boat were followed and then sightings discussed and noted to ensure duplication of results did not occur as illustrated above.

This simple method of covering a large area worked well and will be repeated for future surveys. This method also allows for repeatability which is essential to have accurate records of sightings within each of the zones.

Research restrictions

As stated previously within the report, 34 dives/snorkels were undertaken as part of the 2nd year of research, there had been plans to undertake many more but the weather played a major factor in the completion of a full 12 month study with occasions when strong North Westerly and Westerly winds made trips offshore impossible. Researching offshore is very much dependant on the weather and when the wind is greater than Beaufort 4, the safety of participants becomes a major factor.

Sadly as a self funded project on occasions we also had to cancel planned trips due to insufficient participants to cover the boat costs. This is one of the limitations of a self funded project.

Sharklab-Malta is continuing to working hard to engage with external supporters/sponsors to ensure more frequent research can be achieved. Sharklab-Malta is also looking at the use of a smaller boat which can be launched closer to the island to allow for single survey dives when the weather is favourable to increase the amount of data which can be obtained for this long term project. This should be reflected in future reports as part of this observational study of Elasmobranch in the seas around the island of Filfla.

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Dates of observational studies during the second year of research

Sharklab-Malta visited the sea around the island of Filfla on the following dates to undertake dive and or snorkel observational studies. All dives were completed using the specific zoning plan.

Each of the observational dives averaged 1 hour in duration and each team of observers was equipped with at least one camera capable of taking still images and video. Snorkelling was limited to the shallower waters around the main island and around the smaller island of Filfoletta. As with the divers each group of snorkelers took a camera to capture images of the area and marine life, specifically looking for evidence of Elasmobranch.

 23rd June 2013  7th July 2013 th  10 July 2013 On each date, 2 observational studies were performed, th  15 July 2013 equating to a total of 34 observational studies. In most st  21 July 2013 cases opposite zones were studied so the probability of th  28 July 2013 duplicating the record of a species during the survey was  3rd August 2013 reduced.  8th August 2013  15th August 2013

 18th August 2013 10 out of 17 trips to the island of Filfla produced positive  7th September 2013 records of Elasmobranch.  th 11 September 2013  24th September 2013  27th October 2013  17th November 2013  13th April 2014  12th May 2014

The initial plan for research in order to collect data to cover the whole 12 month cycle was based on a minimum of 3 trips per month, which would equate to 6 observational studies per month, allowing for study in each of the 6 zones. As you can see from the above list of dates, the original plan of visits did again not transpire due to a combination of strong winds and rough seas preventing many planned trips from going ahead.

This was an important factor as although the study period was over 12 months in fact we were not able to visit every month. For future research again we need to plan how to get the minimum number of trips per month to really have a more comprehensive understanding of what Elasmobranch are doing throughout the whole year in the sea around the island of Filfla.

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Zone Descriptions

The simple zoning system was used to determine all observational study activities allowing for repeatability and more accurate recording of data. Additionally 500 metres from the back of Filfla on the edge of zone 5 is 2 3 a rocky spike known as Stork Rock. This area was also 1 observed during the studies. 4 The choice of zone for each series of observational 6 5 activities was often dependent on the sea conditions and wind direction. Being offshore the waters around the island of Filfla can be subject to strong and changeable currents, this had to be taken into account for each dive/snorkel.

Zone 1: This zone includes the shallow waters beside the main island as well as the edges of Filfoletta and has a seafloor made up of boulders, sand and blue clay. A steady sloping seafloor extends to large boulder fields and at a depth of 30 metres a large sandy area is present. A boulder ridge leads out from Filfoletta into deeper water and is an ideal place to find a wide assortment of marine life.

Zone 2: This zone includes the shallow waters beside the main island where large boulders lay from the historical usage of the island for military target practise and amongst these are old ordinance. As you head out into deeper water mainly boulders covered with sea grasses are present with gravel and sandy areas between the boulders. At around 25 m – 30 m a large sandy area is present and this area slopes away to beyond recreational diving limits quickly.

Zone 3: This zone is very similar to zone 2 with the addition of a large boulder ridge leading down from the main island into deeper waters. Sand and gravel fill areas between the boulder fields extending down to an open sandy area extending through zone 2, out into deeper water. This zone is very prone to the effects of strong currents passing over the boulder ridge.

Zone 4: This zone again begins with a boulder strewn shoreline with a wide variety of ordinance visible amongst the boulders. Sandy areas and gravel areas fill between the boulders and a reef extends from the corner of Filfla into deeper waters. At the outer edges of this zone are steep drop offs and a large sandy/gravelly area extends into depths beyond 40 metres.

Zone 5: This zone is a steeply sloping boulder area with ordinance between with large expanses of sand extending from the shallow waters around the edge of the island down to a large sandy area at approximately 25 metres. On the right hand side of this zone the reef lifts from the seafloor covered in a variety of sea grasses and then drops away into very deep water. On the outer edge of this zone extends the reef which leads to Stork Rock.

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Zone 6: This zone is a mixture of boulder areas close to the island, there is an area which we have come to refer to as the sandy valley. This sandy valley extends between Filfla and Filfoletta from approximately 8 metres down to 15 metres and is surrounded by reef and boulders on either side. The edge of this zone where it meets Filfoletta drops off significantly with a sheer limestone wall from 5 metres to 25 metres and is very prone to the effect of strong currents travelling between the two islands and the open waters beyond.

Stork Rock: This underwater rock pinnacle is located approximately 500 metres away from Filfla and is beyond the edge of zone 5 heading out towards the open sea. The pinnacle is approximately 6 metres below the surface. On the island side of Stork Rock the reef drops away, a mixture of sea grasses and Posidonia covering this area gradually dropping away beyond recreational limits and continues then to rise up to the meet the sandy areas at 25 metres at the bottom of zone 5. On the outer side the reef continues to drop away beyond recreational limits rapidly. Diving here is particularly hazardous due to strong currents.

During the coming years as part of the research, we aim to map the zones in much more detail, generating simple but detailed maps showing the difference in substrate type and depths. This will enhance the studies of Elasmobranch habitat preferences and will also assist understanding this area in much more detail. The mapped areas can also serve as a baseline of information for future studies of other species of marine life and to monitor changes in the habitat through environmental factors.

Zone observation frequency

There were a number of factors we had to take into consideration when selecting which zone was to be studied, such as wind direction and currents. At times it was sometimes not possible to determine this until we arrived at the island. The original plan was to study each zone at least once per month, with the minimum number of trips to the islands therefore being three. Due to factors as described earlier in the report this was not always possible.

Below is the frequency of study per zone:

Zone 1 – was observed 2 times Zone 2 – was observed 5 times Zone 3 – was observed 5 times Zone 4 – was observed 6 times Zone 5 – was observed 5 times Zone 6 – was observed 5 times Stork Rock – was observed 7 times

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Identified species during observational surveys

A number of Elasmobranch species were seen during the second year of the observational surveys and as during the first year on multiple occasions in different zones around the island but interestingly only for a certain period of the year. Continuation of these studies will hopefully show if a true pattern exists or if in fact the presence is more spatially random.

Below is the list of Elasmobranch species identified during the first year of observational studies in the sea around the island of Filfla and confirmed with pictorial evidence of their presence:

Marbled Torpedo Ray – Torpedo marmorata (Linnaeus, 1758) Common Stingray – Dasyatis pastinaca (Linnaeus, 1758) Common Eagle Ray – Myliobatis aquila (Linnaeus, 1758)

And the species observed but no pictorial evidence during the first year of observational studies:

Pelagic Stingray – Pteroplatytrygon violacea (Bonaparte, 1832) Roughtail Stingray – Dasyatis centroura (Mitchill, 1815) Lusitanian Cownose Ray – Rhinoptera marginata (Geoffrey Saint-Hilaire, 1817)

......

Below is the list of Elasmobranch species identified during the second year of observational studies in the sea around the island of Filfla and confirmed with pictorial evidence of their presence:

Common Stingray – Dasyatis pastinaca (Linnaeus, 1758) Marbled Torpedo Ray – Torpedo marmorata (Linnaeus, 1758)

And the species observed but no pictorial evidence during the second year of observational studies:

Roughtail Stingray – Dasyatis centroura (Mitchill, 1815) Lusitanian Cownose Ray – Rhinoptera marginata (Geoffrey Saint-Hilaire, 1817) Common Eagle Ray – Myliobatis aquila (Linnaeus, 1758) Bull Ray -- Pteromylaeus bovinus (Geoffrey Saint-Hilaire, 1817) Giant Devil Ray -- Mobula mobular (Bonnaterre, 1788)

As you can see from the above lists in total 8 different species of Elasmobranch have been identified as being present within the protected waters around the island of Filfla, during the first two years of research. Although less observational trips were undertaken during the second year of research, more species were identified and data recorded. Only the Pelagic Stingray - Pteroplatytrygon violacea (Bonaparte, 1832) was not observed during the second year of study. Due to the nature of travel and preferred swimming depths nearly all of the species not clearly captured on camera are primarily mid-water travellers, which make taking quality pictures very difficult.

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Identified species images during the second year of observational surveys

Image ©Sharklab-Malta

Common Stingray - Dasyatis pastinaca (Linnaeus, 1758)

Image ©Sharklab-Malta

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Image ©Sharklab-Malta

Marbled Torpedo Ray - Torpedo marmorata (Linnaeus, 1758)

Image ©Sharklab-Malta

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Species information and sighting details for the second year of observational research

Common Stingray – Dasyatis pastinaca (Linnaeus, 1758)

The common Stingray is a species of stingray in the family Dasyatidae and is found throughout the Mediterranean Sea. It typically inhabits sandy habitats in coastal waters up to a depth of around 200 metres, often burying itself in the sediment for defence and when it is not foraging for food. It is by far the most frequently sighted species within the waters around Filfla preferring sandy substrates. It has been seen regularly throughout the 2 years research.

Description of the species

Common Stingray -- Dasyatis pastinaca

The common stingray has a diamond shaped pectoral disc slightly wider than long and a tapering whip like tail with a venomous stinging spine. The stinging spine is located 1/3rd of the way down the tail. The colouration of the dorsal surface is generally solid brown but varies between grey – olive green. The ventral surface is usually white with a thick margin often grey/brown.

The Common Stingray preys on a variety of bottom dwelling invertebrates, mainly crustaceans but also feeds on polychaete worms, molluscs and small fish. This species is ovoviviparous and females bear 4-9 young per year in shallow water after a gestation period of around four months.

In the Mediterranean males mature at a total length of around 43 cm with a disc width of 22 cm and females mature slightly larger, at around 46 cm total length and a disc width of 24 cm.

The Common Stingray was the most frequently observed Elasmobranch within the sea around the island of Filfla and was seen predominately within the sandy areas. This ranged from depths of 5–10 metres close to the island and also on the large sandy areas at a depth of 25- 30 metres.

On many occasions this species was observed concealed in the sand as the following images show:

Image ©Sharklab-Malta

Image ©Sharklab-Malta Common Stingrays – Dasyatis pastinaca hiding under the sand but observed by Sharklab researchers

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During the second year of research over 50 observations of Dasyatis pastinaca were recorded, allowing for some great pictures of this species concealing itself under the sandy substrate as well as swimming. A mixture of juveniles and adults were seen throughout the second year of research, with juveniles ranging in size from approximately 25-30 cm disc width and adults around 40-45 cm disc width.

We were also able to document and record several video sequences showing the undulating swimming motion of this seemingly abundant ray. The videos taken will be compiled and used for educational purposes in the future.

Observations of Dasyatis pastinaca were recorded in zones 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6 with juveniles staying in the shallow waters bordering the main island and adults mainly distributed in the deeper waters beyond a depth of 20 metres.

Images of the Common Stingray – Dasyatis pastinaca from the 2nd year of observations

Image ©Sharklab-Malta

Common Stingray - Dasyatis pastinaca (Linnaeus, 1758)

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Image ©Sharklab-Malta

Common Stingray - Dasyatis pastinaca (Linnaeus, 1758)

Image ©Sharklab-Malta

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Image ©Sharklab-Malta

Common Stingray - Dasyatis pastinaca (Linnaeus, 1758)

For the second year running it seems that the waters around the island of Filfla seem to provide a good habitat for this species of stingray, with the high number of sightings recorded. Further research will aim to identify if the island of Filfla is also an area where they reproduce. So far insufficient data has been gathered to prove this one way or the other and with the research limited to only a fraction of the planned observation time it is too early to draw any conclusions.

Further studies will also aim to identify if there are seasonal variations in observations of numbers of juveniles against adults and if they inhabit the island throughout the whole year or use the island for only a limited time within the 12 month cycle. In order to investigate the mix of juveniles and adults we will be looking to more accurately scale the size of individuals.

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Species information and sighting details for the second year of observational research

Marbled Torpedo Ray – Torpedo marmorata (Linnaeus, 1758)

The Marbled Torpedo Ray is a species of electric ray in the family Torpedinidae and can be found in the coastal waters around the Mediterranean Sea. It is often sighted in the shallow waters around the coast of the Maltese Islands. The most common of all of the electric rays around Malta, this species has the ability to discharge an electrical charge, which it uses for hunting and for defence. Reaching a maximum total length of 100 cm this is a relatively small species of Ray. To date this has been the only member of the Torpedinidae family so far observed within the waters surrounding the island of Filfla.

Description of the species

Marbled Torpedo Ray – Torpedo marmorata

The Marbled Torpedo Ray – Torpedo marmorata is known to inhabit rocky and sandy habitats and can often be found amongst sea grass beds in shallow to moderately deep water ranging in depth from 10-30 metres, although it has been recorded at a depth of 100 metres in the Mediterranean Sea. The pectoral disc is nearly circular and it has a muscular tail with two similar sized dorsal fins and a large caudal fin. The Marbled Torpedo Ray gets its name from the light and dark brown marbled colouration on the dorsal surface with the ventral surface creamy white in colour.

Image ©Sharklab-Malta

Marbled Torpedo Ray – Torpedo marmorata

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This species of ray is a solitary and is mostly nocturnal, spending the day concealed under sand or deep within sea grass areas. Feeding primarily on small fish it is an ambush predator, waiting for prey to get close and then “jumping” from its hiding place giving bursts of electricity to stun. Once the prey is stunned it is manoeuvred under the disc to the mouth. This species can also extend its jaw allowing it to consume a variety of sized prey including mackerel, bogue, damselfish, mullet and crustaceans.

The Marbled Torpedo Ray is an ovoviviparous species and mating is believed to take place from November to January where the female produces a litter of between 3-30 pups, every other year after a gestation period of 9-12 months. The young measure 10-14cm in length when born and have fully functioning electrical organs which they can use for defence and hunting.

Image ©Sharklab-Malta

Marbled Torpedo Ray – Torpedo marmorata – revealed in the sand at a depth of 28 metres

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The Marbled Torpedo ray was the second most sighted Elasmobranch during the observational dives in the sea around the island of Filfla. Observations were made of this species on 2 different occasions in zone 1 and 5. All of the observations of the rays were within a depth range of 15-35 metres and one of the rays was actively foraging, while the second sighting was of the ray concealed initially under the sand. The species was confirmed after carefully revealing its hiding place.

For the second year running most of the observational study dives took place during daylight hours when this species is normally believed to be resting concealed by substrate. It was therefore interesting to see that within these waters they are also active during the day. These observations took place in July and August.

Image ©Sharklab-Malta

Marbled Torpedo Ray – Torpedo marmorata – foraging near to Stork Rock

Image ©Sharklab-Malta

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Image ©Sharklab-Malta

Marbled Torpedo Ray – Torpedo marmorata concealed under the sand

Image ©Sharklab-Malta

Marbled Torpedo Ray – Torpedo marmorata revealed from under the sand

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Species information and sighting details for the second year of observational research

During the observational studies in the sea around the island of Filfla five species of Elasmobranch were observed, unfortunately pictorial evidence to confirm their presence was not obtained. It is for this reason that they do not have a specific section within this report.

The species which were observed were: Roughtail Stingray – Dasyatis centroura (Mitchill, 1815) Lusitanian Cownose Ray – Rhinoptera marginata (Geoffrey Saint-Hilaire, 1817) Common Eagle Ray – Myliobatis aquila (Linnaeus, 1758) Bull Ray -- Pteromylaeus bovinus (Geoffrey Saint-Hilaire, 1817) Giant Devil Ray -- Mobula mobular (Bonnaterre, 1788)

The Roughtail Stingray was observed in the deeper water of zone 4; this large species of stingray was also observed in a similar area during the first year of research. After being observed for a few minutes it swam off into deep water beyond recreational diving depths. It is hoped that further research in these deeper areas over the next few years will allow for detailed images to be captured.

The Lusitanian Cownose Ray, Common Eagle Ray and Bull Ray were all observed in midwater only on one occasion, each on different dates. The Giant Devil Ray was seen near the surface as we left after an observational trip on the one nautical mile border, but disappeared before pictures could be taken. These species have been observed in a variety of locations around the Maltese islands and it is not surprising that they have been present in the waters around Filfla as the abundance of food is more plentiful. Unfortunately without detailed images being taken within the marine protected area, they can only be included in this report as observed only. It is hoped during future research we will be able to capture images of all species seen, for a more comprehensive report.

It is believed that more species of Elasmobranch are present in the sea around the island of Filfla and it is hoped that with the continued research we will be able to confirm their presence and location. Some species such as those in the family Rajidae are most likely only active during periods of low light. Future research plans will include more early morning, evening and night based research dives to try to record these additional species.

Although no shark species have been observed during the initial studies undertaken by Sharklab-Malta, the location and habitats suggest that this is an ideal location for a number of species to be present. The study to date has been mainly focused on the waters within a 300-500 metre distance from the island with the exception of some dives around Stork Rock and a limitation on depth of 40 metres.

Further research will take place in the same locations as the first year so we can build a comparative study, month on month and year on year, but we will also be taking the research into deeper waters over the coming years. These deeper dives will extend to between 60 metres and 100 metres and will be purely technical in nature. Hopefully through these deeper dives, they will reveal more insights into the species of Elasmobranch which live or travel through this area.

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Biodiversity within the sea around the island of Filfla

As a marine protected area for a number of years, there is an expectation that the amount of marine life should be significantly different and diverse to that of the waters of the larger islands of Malta and Gozo. In reality the range of species is sadly similar with only a few exceptions. Only a few individual species including the Damsel fish, Parrot fish and Moray eel seem to be significantly more abundant and of a greater size to those found by the two main islands.

However we should not be too discouraged as the waters around Filfla are by far clearer and the habitat more breathtaking and undiscovered than anywhere else around the Maltese islands, through capturing images of this amazing place we are able to share what we are observing and recording on a regular basis.

There now follows a small gallery of images of marine life and images of the diverse habitats which have been captured during the second year of observational studies around the protected waters around the island of Filfla.

A Common Stingray – Dasyatis pastinaca forges on the sandy area within zone 4

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An old shell sits rusting between boulders in the clear shallow waters bordering the island, evidence of the past when the island was used for target practise during and after World War 2 24 – Sharklab-Malta VO/0298 Observational Elasmobranch Study within the Protected Waters around Filfla Report for Year 2 – 2013/14

Divers explore one of the many swim through’s, following the reef between Stork rock and the main island of Filfla.

A small group of Striped Mullet – Mullus surmuletus

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One of the most regularly sighted predators within the waters around the island of Filfla is the Mediterranean Moray eel –Mureana helena, often seen free swimming between boulder fields hunting.

When not free swimming, this predator is often found waiting concealed ready to ambush prey.

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Mediterranean Moray eel – Mureana helena

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Barracuda – Sphyraena sphyyraena

Damsel Fish – Chromis chromis

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A shell from the past, sits amongst boulders

A diver exploring one of the many overhangs An Bucchichi Goby - Gobius bucchichi

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Damsels highlighted by the sunlight breaking through the clear waters

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A school of Salaema – Sarpa salpa foraging for food amongst the boulders

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Problems

Again throughout the second year of research evidence of illegal fishing activities have been observed. Discarded fishing nets often entangled on the boulders waiting to catch the unfortunate that might get entangled, longlines with multiple hooks still attached snagged on boulders and draped across the reef. We would estimate that approximately 2000 metres of lines have been recovered since Sharklab-Malta commenced the observational study within the waters around Filfla. It is a sad fact that as quickly as we remove one line another appears.

A tangle of diguarded line and hooks is regularly removed from around Filfla by members of Sharklab-Malta

Unless more significant enforcement is made to protect this amazing area and the marine life inhabiting its waters, we are going to continue to see an area which should be bountiful and abundant continue to suffer and the number of fish and marine life continue to deplete. Action is needed sooner rather than later.

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Planning for the future

The second year of research concluded with 34 successful observational visits within the waters around the island of Filfla.

This is still just the beginning of the research and we now have a much better idea of the habitat within the zones and are becoming familiar with areas where Elasmobranch have been observed. We can only move forward from here and continue to observe and record these amazing animals. Through this research we are beginning to understand some of the dynamics and through this we hope our research work can secure a bright future for the species which call this area home and to those which seek temporary refuge here.

We will continue to monitor and observe and record the six zones as well as continuing to study the waters around Stork Rock, we will also be extending the range to incorporate technical dives. The technical divers will explore the outer areas of the marine protected area within a depth range of 60-100 metres. Maybe in these areas we will see some very special Elasmobranch and in future reports be able to share these finds.

For more information on the work and research of Sharklab here in Malta you can contact us by sending a mail to: [email protected]

This report was compiled by:

Greg Nowell Founder and Research permit holder on behalf of Sharklab-Malta

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