Ducks to be relocated to protect endangered species at il-Maghluq

The maritime sector of rain-water control and flooding management within the Department of Works and Infrastructure of the Transport Ministry is implementing a number of measures. In a collaboration with MEPA, the measures aim to improve the environmental condition of a special conservation zone that is part of the Natura 2000 sites in Marsascala.

The zone known as il-Maghluq contains a lagoon, which is one of the few habitats of its kind on the island, and hosts a number of flora species that are both restricted and vulnerable.

The area is also one of the few coastal habitats which hosts Killifish (Aphianus fasciatus), which is an endangered species.

The introduction of domestic birds that live in the area created a numer of issues that have led the protected site to deteriorate. One of the measures includes the relocation of the birds that inhabit the area.

The uneaten food and droppings are polluting the water in the area, and they are also creating unpleasant odours. Furthermore the eggs and uneaten food can also attract mice to the area.

The birds will be quarantined and tested for infectious diseases and those certified as healthy will be relocated to the Duck village at Manoel Island.

The government said that a rat infestation control would then be initiated in il-Maghluq.

In a statement, the government explained that the construction of Triq il-Qaliet in the 90s and the natural accumulation of materials is causing a lack of circulation in the waters of the area. This lack of circulation is in turn causing oxygen shortages in the water and a rise in salinity and temperature of the waters particularly in the summer months.

"All of these factors are having very negative impacts on the vulnerable populations of Killifish,” the statement reads.

 The ministry is expected to carry out an appropriate assessment in the coming weeks to identify the removal of some materials from the area and what the effects of such a move would be.

“The pipes that connect the lagoon to the sea are also being cleaned to increase circulation in the area,” the statement adds.