Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1387622
14 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 27 JUNE 2021 NEWS JAMES DEBONO A 305-berthing space over 35,000sq.m of seabed at Kalkara was given the go-ahead on con- dition that concrete anchors are located 2m away from protected and endangered coral colonies. 500 concrete anchors con- nected by 29 catenary beams will be necessary to support the 305-berthed boats. A benthic survey of the area found that although the area is sparsely colonised by marine habitats and has a low biodi- versity, it still hosts 12 colonies of the protected Mediterra- nean Pillow coral (cladocora caespitosa). The study warns that if the placement of the con- crete blocks and heavy moor- ing lines is not guided to avoid damage to the coral colonies, the impact would be of major significance. Sunlight levels are also expect- ed to decrease as a result of the densely packed arrangement of moored boats. But since the harbour waters are normally turbid, with light reaching the colonies already diffused, the shading impact of the vessels on the protected species is not expected to result in their oblit- eration. The report considered the re- location of the coral colonies but concluded that this is too risky and that interference could result in damage to the colonies. The report rec- ommends that scu- ba divers be pres- ent on site during the placement of the concrete blocks near the colonies, to prevent damage to the protected species. In its clearance for the marina project, the Envi- ronment and Re- sources Authority ordered that envi- ronmental mon- itors are on site during the placement of the said concrete block, as well as a monitoring report with pho- tographic evidence that the col- onies have been safeguarded. A compliance certificate will only be issued after the said monitor- ing report is approved by ERA. The Mediterranean Pillow Coral is listed in the IUCN Red List as an endangered species. This species forms the only true coral reef in the Mediterranean Sea. The coral's polyps have a ma- roon colour and are around 5mm in diameter and form cushion-shaped colonies, in symbiosis with algae. They produce deposits of cal- cium carbonate, which form the calciate structures in which they live. It is the largest stony coral in the Mediterranean, reaching up to 50cm in diameter. The pillow coral has an average gen- eration length of about 30 years. The yacht marina project is be- ing justified by Transport Malta as a way of creating a uniform mooring arrangement for boats, which are presently anchored in a random and haphazard man- ner. But Transport Malta has al- so acknowledged that the pro- ject will increase the number of large boats berthed in the inlet, and may result in the "increase the over- all number of boats moored in the area." In October 2020 the Superintendence for Cultural Heritage had expressed its concern on about the intensity and formal layout of the mooring bays, call- ing for "a more organic layout to minimise the impact on views within this area of high scenic value." 12 colonies of protected corals found in Kalkara ERA clearance for 305 berths only on condition that coral colonies in Kalkara creek are safeguarded A benthic survey of the area found that although the area is sparsely colonised by marine habitats and has a low biodiversity, it still hosts 12 colonies of the protected Mediterranean Pillow coral Transport Malta will create a marina with 500 concrete anchors that must be placed under ERA supervision