Diving Master Plan for Malta. Dive Site Report 21: Manoel Island Gzira

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1 Dive Site Report 21: Manoel Island Gzira Version 1: December 2010

2 Report Reference: Adi Associates Environmental Consultants Ltd, Diving Master Plan for Malta,. San Gwann, December 2010; v + 15pp + 1 Appendi. Please consider your environmental responsibilities before copying this Report i

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4 Quality Assurance Diving Master Plan for Malta December 2010 Report for: Malta Tourism Authority Revision Schedule Rev Date Details Surveys by: 00 Dec 2010 Submission to Client Andrea Pace, Yury Zammit Report Authored by: Yury Zammit Junior Consultant Approved by: Adrian Mallia Managing Director File ref: F:\ADI\Master Plans\Malta Diving Master Plan\Dive Site Reports\Report 21-Manoel Island.doc This document has been prepared in accordance with the scope of Adi Associates appointment with its client and is subject to the terms of that appointment. It is addressed to and for the sole and confidential use and reliance of Adi Associates client. Adi Associates accepts no liability for any use of this document other than by its client and only for the purposes for which it was prepared and provided. Ecept as provided for by legislation, no person other than the client may copy (in whole or in part) use or rely on the contents of this document, without the prior written permission of Adi Associates. Any advice, opinions, or recommendations within this document should be read and relied upon only in the contet of the document as a whole. The contents of this document do not provide legal or ta advice or opinion. Adi Associates Environmental Consultants Ltd 2010 Kappara Business Centre 113 Triq Birkirkara San Gwann SGN 4197 Tel. / Fa: info@adi-associates.com Web: iii

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6 CONTENTS Introduction...1 Description of site...2 Access...2 Land use...2 Relevant development proposals...3 Site Usage...5 Eisting facilities...5 Proposed interventions...6 Permit requirements...11 Simplification of procedures...11 Timing and Priorities...12 Conclusion...15 FIGURES Figure 1: Location of site...1 Figure 2: Access point E1 and E2...2 Figure 3: Safety hazards...4 Figure 4: Parking facilities...5 Figure 5: Eisting facilities...7 Figure 6: Proposed interventions...9 Figure 7: Plan showing designated areas in the vicinity of the proposed interventions TABLES Table 1: Rankings for Manoel Island Gzira...5 Table 2: Permit requirements Table 3: Prioritised interventions APPENDICES Anne 1 Data card v

7 DIVE SITE REPORT 21: MANOEL ISLAND (GZIRA) INTRODUCTION 1. Manoel Island is mostly known for its military architecture (Fort Manoel). However the island also has something to offer to the diving industry mainly through the wreck of the X127 Water Lighter. This First World War lighter was sunk after an attack during the Second World War. The wreck has traditionally been known as the Coralita barge, yet following research by David Mallard it was discovered that the famous wreck at Manoel Island was in fact an X127 Water Lighter. 2. The surrounding area is currently in disuse even though some restoration works are underway in the close vicinity and the approaches to the dive site will form part of the Manoel Island Redevelopment Project currently underway by MIDI plc. For food and beverage outlets and diving facilities one has to go to Gzira. Parking facilities are available on site yet in an informal setup. Gzira is a touristic location. Manoel Island is located within the locality of Gzira (see Figure 1). Figure 1: Location of site 1

8 DESCRIPTION OF SITE Access 3. The access points are located net to the former Manoel Island Lazaretto Quarantine Hospital and just below Fort Manoel. Access to the dive site is through the informal parking area just below the walls of Fort Manoel. There are two entry points: E1 is accessed from a flight of steps whilst E2 is accessible over an uneven rock surface (See Figure 2). Figure 2: Access point E1 and E2 Land use 4. The surrounding area is a mainly known for its yacht yard. The area has a huge potential for tourism mainly through the presence of the restored Fort Manoel. The area is in great need of regeneration, which is one of the aims of the ongoing MIDI project, which has already rehabilitated Fort Manoel. 5. The area only has an informal parking area. The area is around 90 and 30 metres from the access / eit points E1 and E2 respectively. 6. There are various safety hazards mainly rusted metal protruding from the bare rock. 2

9 Relevant development proposals 7. Industry feedback 1 highlights an increasing concern that this site is effectively becoming privatised because access to the dive site is controlled by security guards who manage the site on behalf of the developers of the Manoel Island Project. Although access is generally given, the requirements for documentation (passports, ID cards, driving licences etc) is increasing, which is acting as a deterrent against the use of the site and to gain access to the public foreshore. 8. The Manoel Island Project proposes restoration and rehabilitation of Fort Manoel and surrounding structures for use as a casino, offices and residential units (see PA07964/05). A marina and breakwater are also proposed above the site of the wreck of the X127 Water Lighter (PA03254/03). Both these Full Development Permit applications have not yet been undecided by the Malta Environment & Planning Authority. 9. The marina and breakwater elements of this project could significantly limit access to this popular dive site in the future (on grounds of maritime safety and further degradation of water turbidity). The etension of the marina in this area would also contradict North Harbours Local Plan Policy NHCV03, which seeks to protect the area for coastal access and covers most of this dive site (see Figure 7 below). The policy states: NHCV03 Protection of the Coast and the Marine Conservation Area Within the designated natural coastal areas as indicated in the relevant Area Policy Maps, no urban development will be permitted. In addition, all efforts will be made in order to retain or reinstate these designated areas in their natural state. MEPA will however consider; i. Minor interventions on the natural coastal areas that are required in order to provide for necessary access for sea craft, provided that such interventions do not detract from the character of the designated natural coastal areas; and ii. Minor interventions that would improve public access and use of the coast provided that these interventions are of a temporary nature, are totally reversible, and provided that they do not detract from the character of the designated natural coastal areas. Furthermore, development that may result in damage or loss of coastal/marine habitats or species, and/or of cultural, natural or other important features will not be permitted within the coastal zone or in a 1 Report on Public Consultation, Master Plan to Support a Sustainable Diving Strategy in Malta. Adi Associates. November

10 location likely to negatively affect the Marine Conservation Area candidate site as identified through the Structure Plan. 10. Since this Development Planning Application was submitted, the wreck of the X127 Water Lighter together with the nearby Hospital Palazzo Vecchio and associated wards have been Scheduled under the Environment and Development Planning Act, Given the scale and significance of the Manoel Island Project in relation to this Dive Site, it is considered important that the MTA together with appropriate representatives from the diving industry lobby MEPA and Government to highlight the significance of this shore dive site for the industry. It provides access to one of only a few sheltered wreck sites, making it a suitable alternative dive site during adverse weather conditions. 12. This type of development pressure also highlights the potential benefits associated with official designation of dive sites in the contet of future Marine Protection Areas, development planning pressures and marine management issues generally. Figure 3: Safety hazards 13. The rehabilitation of the former hospital site could provide an opportunity for a refreshment area, toilets and other facilities that are currently lacking on the islet 2 Scheduled through Article 81 of the Environment and Development Planning Act See Government Notice 1225/10 published on 10 th December 2010 (as amended by GN1260/10 published on 21 st December 2010). The wreck of the X127 Water Lighter is Scheduled as a Class B Site of Archaeological interest (with 50 metre buffer zone) together with nearby buildings including the Isolation Hospital Palazzo Vecchio (Grade 1) and the Isolation Hospital Wards of the Knights and British periods (both Grade 2). 4

11 Site Usage 14. In 2005, a survey carried out by Adi Associates revealed that Manoel Island was the 11 th most popular dive site in Malta. 15. Based on the online questionnaire undertaken for this Master Plan, Manoel Island Gzira was ranked overall the 14 th most popular dive, see Table 1. Table 1: Rankings for Manoel Island Gzira Overall popularity 14 th Overall shore dive 13 th Overall dive eperience 33 rd Novice divers 11 th Eperienced divers 23 rd Best wreck dive 14 th Best technical dive 17 th Best cave dive 37 th Best marine life 40 th Eisting facilities 16. The site offers practically no facilities for divers. The informal parking area is around 30 to 90m from the entry points. The nearest fuel filling station is found at Gzira, just off the islet s access bridge (within 1km from the dive site). The nearest dive centre is also located in Gzira. Figure 4: Parking facilities 17. Entry point E1 is found at the side of the Lazzaretto Quarantine Hospital. The entry point is a flight of stone steps. A giant stride is required to enter the sea. This entry point is directly linked to a street but it requires resurfacing. In the case of entry point E2, one has to walk over bare rock and uneven surfaces. Having descended a flight of steps one has to walk over the sloping bare rock. 18. Figure 5 shows the location of the eisting facilities. 5

12 19. Further details on this dive site are available in the Data Card in Anne 1. PROPOSED INTERVENTIONS 20. Some minor interventions are required at this site to improve it for diving purposes. It must be emphasised that most dive-related facilities can double-up for use by other recreational users, e.g. swimmers, hikers, etc. The proposed interventions are shown in Figure 6 and include: Provision of signage; and Provision of a handrail (at entry point E2). 6

13 Figure 5: Eisting facilities 7

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15 Figure 6: Proposed interventions 9

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17 Permit requirements 21. The entire list of interventions required to upgrade this Dive Site is reproduced in Table 2 below. The locations for the proposed interventions are shown in Figure 5. Detailed engineering proposals, complete with drawings, are outside the scope of this Master Plan but will be required before specific interventions are implemented. 22. Subject to MEPA s agreement, a number of these proposals may be allowed through the Development Notification Order (DNO) process. Table 2 identifies the permissions required for the various interventions proposed. Table 2: Permit requirements Reference Intervention Permits required E2 Install a new hand rail DNO Required leading to possible DPA if works deemed to required Planning Permission Why? DNO Class 4 RE: Proposed interventions are within 30 metres of the Grade 1 Scheduled Fort Manoel. General Provision of signage Assure a secure access (long-term) Ditto above. Requires further lobbying by the MTA and representatives from the Diving Industry to highlight the significance of this shore dive site and ensure that future development proposals (particularly in the contet of the Manoel Island Project) do not jeopardise access from the shore and the setting of the wreck of the X127 Water Lighter. Simplification of procedures 23. The need for DNO and DPAs for minor infrastructure is evident at this and many other dive sites. One of the recommendations of the Diving Master Plan for Malta is that dive sites are formally designated in order to recognise the importance they provide for the dive community and the need to ensure potentially ecologically damaging activities are controlled at these locations. The benefits of formal designation are that their status can be acknowledged in the contet of: Local Plans; Environmental Monitoring Plans for Marine Protection Areas (as required through the Habitats Directive); The Marine Strategy Framework Directive; and The Water Framework Directive. 24. The Master Plan recommends that MTA seek amendments to the DNO to allow for a simplification of procedures for genuine diving related infrastructure, once dive sites are designated. 11

18 Timing and Priorities 25. The priorities set out below are specific for this dive site. In this case, access is crucial especially in light of the current developments on the islet. Before implementing any interventions, the current popularity and the potential of the dive site need to be considered so that precedence is given to the highest ranking sites. 26. The interventions are prioritised in Table The priority ranking is based on the importance of the intervention in providing: A safe and hazard-free environment; Improved facilities that would facilitate the sport and enhance the diving eperience; and An improved and visibly upgraded environment. Table 3: Prioritised interventions Reference Intervention Priority E2 Install new hand rails Medium General Provision of signage Medium Assure a secure access (long-term) High 12

19 Figure 7: Plan showing designated areas in the vicinity of the proposed interventions 13

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21 CONCLUSION 28. This report has outlined the interventions required to upgrade the onshore facilities for the Manoel Island dive site. These interventions would bring about a visible improvement to the Site; however, it must be pointed out that the approaches to the dive site (subject of this report) are only one aspect of the dive eperience (albeit an important one that gives the tourist the first impression of the site). Equally important are the underwater environment and the quality of the dive itself. 29. The quality of the underwater environment can be improved by: Undertaking regular monitoring of the sea bed to identify interventions that need to be made; Undertaking regular clean-ups of the sea bed (and providing adequate waste disposal containers on shore to promote safe and proper disposal of waste); Establishing some form of management structure for the site (this can be amalgamated with other sites in the vicinity); and Controlling fishing activity in the area. 30. It is also important that any new facilities provided are constructed of appropriate materials that can endure the harsh conditions of the marine environment, and that the facilities, and the general area, are regularly maintained to ensure that the efforts made are enjoyed in the long term. To this end, a maintenance programme that covers all the dive sites should be put in place and performance standards and criteria established to ensure that the right service is being delivered. 31. Given the particular coastal development pressures associated with the Manoel Island Project, it is recommended that early negotiations are sought to ensure this important shore dive site and the wreck of the Water Lighter X127 remain accessible. 15

22 Anne 1 Data card

23 MALTA DIVING MASTER PLAN On-Shore Facilities Inventory of Malta Dive Sites Ref. No. MDS 021 Dive Site: Lighter X127 Manoel Island Locality: Gzira Current Status: NIL Proposed Status: Officially designated Dive Site Nearest village: Gzira Boat Dive Shore Dive Distance to nearest village: Distance to nearest Police Station: Distance to nearest Health Centre: Distance to nearest diving school / air filling station Distance to nearest fuel / service station: Within 500m Within 1km Within 2 km Over 2 km Within 500m Within 1km Within 2 km Over 2 km Within 500m Within 1km Within 2 km Over 2 km Within 500m Within 1km Within 2 km Over 2 km Within 500m Within 1km Within 2 km Over 2 km Approach Roads: Arterial Road Distributor Road Local Access Road Other Road / Track Off-road Parking Area: Available Formal Informal Dedicated parking spaces for divers Against payment Free of Charge Facilities available on site: Telephone Toilets Showers Life-saving post First Aid Post Site information

24 MALTA DIVING MASTER PLAN On-Shore Facilities Inventory of Malta Dive Sites Ref. No. MDS 021 Telephones On site Within 100m Within 500m Within 1 km Over 1 km Mobile Reception None Poor Intermittent Good Very Good Bars/Refreshments Areas: On site Within 100m Within 500m Within 1 km Over 1 km Security features on site: None Site cleanliness: Presence of tar residue Animal waste Small litter Medium Litter Large Litter Mooring facilities: None (anchoring) Single point moorings Tie-up buoys Managed moorings Pontoons Quays Suggested level of diving qualification / eperience: Beginner Open Water Advanced Open Water Technical Presence of Onshore Hazards: Yes No Type of Hazard: Sharp rocks Slippery Surfaces Uneven surfaces Accumulated litter Unsuitable structures Other Hazard information Steel structure Number (and name) of entry/eit points: 2 E1 Stairs E2 Rocks

25 MALTA DIVING MASTER PLAN On-Shore Facilities Inventory of Malta Dive Sites Ref. No. MDS 021 Entry/Eit Point: Distance of parking area to entry point: E1 Stairs <5m 5-20m 21-40m 41-70m m >100m Access to water: Stairs Giant stride from Quay/Rock Slope Slipway Ladder Walkway Rocks Eit Points: Rocks Rock-cut steps Hand Rails Slope Slipway Ladder Steps Entry/Eit Point: Distance of parking area to entry point: E2 Rocks <5m 5-20m 21-40m 41-70m m >100m Access to water: Stairs Giant stride from Quay/Rock Slope Slipway Ladder Walkway Rocks Eit Points: Rocks Rock-cut steps Hand Rails Slope Slipway Ladder Steps