MSFD Initial Assessment Significant Pollution Events
Significant Pollution Events 1.1 Introduction As an island state in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, Malta’s coast and marine waters are at risk from pollution incidents, either accidental or operational, involving vessels calling at Malta’s ports, anchored in waiting and bunkering areas or navigating international shipping routes past the Maltese coastline. Certain land based installations, such as fuel storage installations located on the coast or with coastal/sea-based connections for transfer of products, also constitute an element of risk, while in the future, drilling for oil extraction in Malta may present additional risks. This report provides a review of the data available to date in relation to pollution incidents occurring in Malta during the past 25 years, focusing on the 12 year period 1999 – 2011, with a view to assess status of the marine environment in terms of this pressure, in line with the requirements of Article 8 of the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive. 1.2 Relevant Legislation and/or Management Transport Malta is the current National Competent Authority in matters concerning marine pollution preparedness. The Authority is responsible for policy and regulation of transport by land, sea and air, including merchant shipping, ports and marinas. Other authorities and entities that also have a role include the following: Armed Forces of Malta – in relation to the receipt and dissemination of incident reports, and preliminary investigation/surveillance Civil Protection Department – in view of its remit regarding emergency response Malta Environment and Planning Authority – in view of its remit regarding environmental protection and regulation of land based installations.
[Show full text]