EcoSphere Foundation

Site-Specific Research for the Mediterranean Sea

a. Environmental Conditions:

  • Water Temperature: Ranges from 15°C in winter to 27°C in summer, ideal for Mediterranean marine life.

  • Salinity: Stable at ~38 PSU, supporting diverse species.

  • Depths: Optimal depths for deployment are 10-30 meters, providing sufficient sunlight for photosynthesis and coral growth.

b. Local Biodiversity:

  • Coral species such as Cladocora caespitosa thrive in Mediterranean waters.

  • Fish species: Groupers, wrasses, sea bream, and damselfish.

  • Invertebrates: Octopuses, sponges, and sea urchins contribute to ecosystem health.

c. Existing Artificial Reef Projects in Malta:

  • P29 Patrol Boat: Sunk in 2007 near Čirkewwa, now a mature artificial reef supporting marine life.

  • MV Rozi Tugboat: Deployed in 1992, another successful habitat for biodiversity.

  • Um El Faroud: A scuttled oil tanker near Wied iż-Żurrieq serves as a thriving reef and dive site.

4. Carbon Sequestration Potential

a. Primary Carbon Capture:

  • Seagrasses: Sequester up to 10 tonnes of CO₂ per hectare annually. Planting native species like Posidonia oceanica on shallow platforms boosts carbon capture.

  • Algae and Biofilms: Rapid carbon fixation occurs on textured surfaces of platforms.

b. Secondary Carbon Capture:

  • Sedimentation: Organic matter from marine life contributes to carbon storage in nearby sediments.

  • Marine Biodiversity: Fish and invertebrates facilitate carbon cycling through the biological pump.

5. Proposed Deployment Sites in Malta

a. Čirkewwa:

  • Proximity to existing artificial reefs like the P29 Patrol Boat and MV Rozi enhances tourism appeal.

  • Suitable seabed conditions with depths of 10-30 meters.

b. Marsaskala (Zonqor Point):

  • Home to previous artificial reef projects, including tugboats St. Michael and 10.

  • Accessible location for monitoring and maintenance.

c. Qawra:

  • Identified for potential artificial reef development with favorable seabed characteristics.

  • Environmental assessments required to ensure compatibility with local biodiversity.

6. Estimated Cost

a. Initial Planning and Approvals:

  • Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA): €50,000 (Consider collaborating with academic or research institutions to conduct EIAs at reduced costs or as part of funded research projects.)

  • Permits and regulatory compliance: €20,000

b. Construction:

  • Floating ring fabrication (materials and labor): €50,000 (Consider simplifying the design or using less expensive materials to reduce costs.)

  • Modular platforms (6 platforms): €150,000

  • Anchoring systems: €20,000 (Investigate simpler anchoring methods or shared anchoring points for multiple platforms to reduce costs.)

  • Solar-powered lights and electrical systems: €15,000

c. Deployment:

  • Transportation and installation: €40,000

  • Coral transplantation and seagrass planting: €20,000

d. Monitoring and Maintenance:

  • Monitoring equipment and sensors: €15,000

  • Annual maintenance: €10,000

Total Estimated Cost: €305,000 (£256,000)

7. Benefits of the Reef System

a. Economic Benefits:

  • Tourism Boost: The artificial reef system serves as a new dive site, attracting divers and eco-tourists, thereby boosting local tourism revenue.

  • Fishing Industry: By supporting marine biodiversity, the reef helps replenish fish stocks, benefiting local fishermen.

  • Research and Education: Provides opportunities for academic research and environmental education, potentially bringing in funding and partnerships.

b. Ecological Benefits:

  • Habitat Creation: Offers habitats for Mediterranean species like Cladocora caespitosa, groupers, and wrasses, enhancing biodiversity.

  • Carbon Sequestration: Supports marine vegetation and algae that absorb CO₂, contributing to climate change mitigation.

  • Ecosystem Restoration: Helps restore damaged marine ecosystems by providing substrate for coral and algae growth.

c. Comparison to Other Artificial Reefs:

  • Innovative Design: Unlike traditional artificial reefs (e.g., scuttled ships), this system is modular and adjustable, allowing for precise ecological enhancements and adaptability to changing sea levels.

  • Eco-Friendly Materials: Uses pH-neutral, eco-friendly substrates to minimize environmental impact, unlike older methods involving metal or non-biodegradable structures.

  • Carbon Capture Focus: Integrates seagrass and algae planting specifically for carbon sequestration, which is not typically a feature of most artificial reefs.

d. Pros vs. Cons:

  • Pros:

    • Customisable and modular design for specific ecological needs.

    • Provides additional benefits like carbon sequestration.

    • Minimal long-term maintenance compared to larger structures like shipwrecks.

  • Cons:

    • Higher initial cost compared to simpler artificial reefs.

    • Requires careful planning and monitoring to achieve desired outcomes.

    • Limited scalability unless costs are reduced.

8. Implementation Timeline

Phase 1: Planning and Approvals (0-6 months)

  • Conduct site-specific environmental impact assessments.

  • Secure permits from Malta’s Environment and Resources Authority (ERA).

Phase 2: Construction (6-12 months)

  • Fabrication of the floating ring and modular platforms.

  • Installation of solar-powered lights and anchoring systems.

Phase 3: Deployment (12-15 months)

  • Deploy reef system at the selected site.

  • Begin coral transplantation and seagrass planting.

Phase 4: Monitoring and Maintenance (Ongoing)

  • Regular inspections of structural integrity and ecological progress.

  • Data collection for carbon sequestration and biodiversity impact.