Eco Diving

Which species lie hidden in marine vegetation? Why are algae and seagrass very different? Which species lie buried in the sand or hidden below overhangs and in crevices in the rock? Do scuttled wrecks serve as ideal artificial reefs? How do the various marine organisms feed and reproduce? What lives on the dimly lit seabed and in dark caves?  Did you know that flowering plants are abundant underwater? Did turtles ever nest in Malta? Which species of marine mammals occur around our islands?

Divers will have the opportunity to have the answers to these and many other questions unravelled during eco dives organised by the IES. Eco Diving is a new concept to the local scene that has been recently introduced by the IES to give local and foreign divers the opportunity to learn more about the Mediterranean Marine Environment.  Divers can now enjoy dives in the clear Maltese waters and at the same time learn about marine life and habitats. 

Discover the inconspicuous creatures you have often missed and learn about the many underwater features you have overlooked.  Contribute to sustainable diving and environmental awareness by acquiring information on how to reduce adverse impacts on the marine environment.  Appreciate the importance of marine biodiversity and its conservation.  Enjoy discussions on marine ecology with our biologists and share your knowledge with other divers.  Be part of our exciting new eco diving activities!

The IES is giving you a unique opportunity to learn and become acquainted with marine life and habitats of the Mediterranean.  Each Eco Dive consists of a pre-dive talk on marine life and habitats that characterise some of the best dive sites around the Maltese Islands, each of which has its characteristic suite of physical and biological features.  The eco dive is then followed by a 'question and answer' session during which divers will have the opportunity to forward queries on species, habitats and other marine environmental features encountered during the dive, and receive an informative response from our marine biologists.

Dive sites include:

• Cirkewwa

• Wied iz-Zurrieq

• Grand Harbours

• Rdum Majjiesa to Ras ir-Raheb marine protected area

• Dwejra (Gozo)

• Mgarr ix-Xini (Gozo)

To learn more about our Eco Dives or to participate in an Eco Dive, kindly contact us.

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News and Notices

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Upcoming courses in 2008

Following the successful response to our introductory course on local terrestrial flora, fauna and habitats held earlier this year, the IES is holding an intermediate course titled '"Wildlife and Habitats of the Maltese Islands II'.  This course will be held during the period 17 - 26 November 2008.

Courses

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The IES offers a number of short courses related to the environmental sciences. Long-term degree/diploma courses are not available at present.

Research

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The IES is committed to research on the environmental sciences, with a special focus on ecology and the natural sciences.

Past activities

Seminars for local fish farm operators and staff. 

The seminars included lectures on basic aspects of underwater marine life and habitats, fish farming and monitoring of fish farm activities.

Recent activities

Wildlife and Habitats of the Maltese Islands I

This introductory course on local flora, fauna and habitats was organised by the IES during the period 18 - 27 June 2008.

Introduction to EIA

The IES organised a two-day  course on 24 and 25 June 2008, as the first of a series of courses on environmental assessment.

EIA and SEA: past, present and future

The IES organised this two-day seminar on 8 and 9 April 2008 which was held at the Coastline Hotel.

Siġar Indiġeni Maltin

The IES organised an evening course during the period 11 - 13 February 2008.  Due to the high demand for this course, it was repeated during the period 18 - 20 February 2008.

EIA Review Training Seminar

The IES and Sherwood Sustainability & Environmental Associates (UK) organised a one day seminar titled: ‘Environmental Impact Assessment, Review Training’.  The seminar was held on 7 November 2007 at the Coastline Hotel and was repeated the following day on 8 November 2007.

Training seminar for beach workers

29 October 2007

A half day seminar which was held in Maltese, comprised one of the activities that the MTA undertook as part of the process to designate two local inlets as blue flag beaches.

Eco Diving Launch

3 August 2007

Eco Diving, a new concept for the local scene, was launched at the Coastline Hotel in the context of offering an innovative diving activity for those who wish to learn more about the Mediterranean marine environment.

Basic Marine Biology I

This course, which was held in May 2007 and repeated in September 2007, included lectures on various aspects of the marine environment, and field and laboratory sessions.

Dwejra Tower Information Panels

Information panels on the Marine Protected Area at the Dwejra Heritage Park in Gozo, were compiled, designed and sponsored by the IES for Nature Trust.

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