Managing resources

What are the geological features in the designated marine protected area?

The geological formations are dominated by limestone features created by the presence of major faults. A number of bays and inlets characterise this region, with typical semicircular coves and blue clay slopes.

To the southern part of the area one finds a different characteristic feature, namely escarpments formed of blue clay marl, overlaid with strata of upper coralline limestone. To the south of Ìnejna Bay, the coastline changes to sheer vertical cliffs of lower coralline limestone. These lead straight down into the sea.

The shape of the seabed is varied. Two rocky shoals are found in the area, one adjacent to Ras il-Wahx and another at Ras il-Pellegrin. Other features of the area include gentle slopes and steep drop-offs, as well as semi-submerged caves to the southern part of the area.

And what about the biological features?

A rich and diverse array of flora and fauna can be found in the area between Rdum Majjiesa and Ras ir-Raheb. The area supports a representative selection of all major biotopes occurring around the Maltese islands namely assemblages associated with: Posidonia oceanica meadows; hard substrata; fine sands with mud; coarse sands with mud and stones and pebbles.