Ambjent Malta has urged the public to collaborate in reducing marine pollution, having collected 1.5 tons of marine debris in a marine clean-up.

The entity celebrated World Ocean Day on 8 June, by coordinating a marine clean-up activity in collaboration with NGO Calypso SAC, with the support of Transport Malta who provided protection for the divers involved in the clean-up.

Ambjent Malta said that in general, marine pollution is more prevalent in harbours, organising the clean-up to continue improving the conservation status of marine habitats outside the Marine Protected Areas network.

In total, around 1.5 tons of marine debris, consisting mostly of metal and rubber objects, have been collected. Many of the metal objects have been recycled in line with the principles of circularity.

Conducting regular marine clean-up routines since 2000, Ambjent Malta has collected approximately 4 tons of marine debris in Malta’s Marine Protected Areas composed of mostly plastic and fishing-related items.

The clean-up efforts have been carried out in collaboration with the Professional Diving and Scuba Diving Association (PDSA) in Malta, covering various locations such as Fekruna, Sirens, Wied iz-Żurrieq, Ghar Lapsi, Anchor Bay, Comino (Marsalforn and Xlendi).

Ambjent Malta is urging the public to avoid littering, as 70% of marine pollution originates from land, and remove any marine debris while at sea or along the coast.

It also urged people to notify the relevant authorities when encountering protected marine life, such as turtles, dolphins, or fish entangled in plastic/fishing gear, as marine litter (especially fishing-related items) can harm marine life when entangled or ingested.

Ambjent Malta urged private volunteer organizations and local councils to join forces in environmental endeavours to protect our coastal areas.