Thesis Abstract and Dissertation Abstracts
Sustainability of Conservation Areas: Marine and Terrestrial perspectives
Abstract Category: Science
Course / Degree: MSc Environmental Planning and Management
Institution / University: University of Malta, Malta
Published in: 2003
The study aimed to provide an account which identifies a means of monitoring protected sites with a holistic approach so as to assess their biological and economical sustainability with a planning, management and conservation point of view. The study was based on two case studies namely Ghajn Tuffieha (North West Malta) and Ramla (Gozo).
The study involved analysis of various studies previously undertaken in the two sites and a research involving a biodiversity study of both marine and terrestrial fauna and flora of the two sites together with an anthropogenic study involving beach population counts.
The procedures all involved non-destructive techniques which were indispensable due to the conservation nature of the study.
The vegetation survey involved the laying of three transects at Ghajn Tuffieha and five transects at Ramla. Results indicate that the impacts are higher for terrestrial flora at Ghajn Tuffieha which exhibited a lower species richness than in Ramla. This may be due to past anthropogenic activities including offroading.
The algal surveys in both sites involved the laying of six transects, three on each side of each beach. This was carried out so as to identify the main species in the area which may have an influence on the fish communities present.
The marine macrofauna survey was carried out to identify the communities present in the two sites. This was carried out using two techniques, namely pointcounts and horizontal transects. Results indicate that while there are numerous species common to both sites, Ramla exhibits a lower species richness than Ghajn Tuffieha. A difference was also observed in the abundance and species diversity between morning and evening readings of the latter which may be attributed to anthropogenic factors, namely a larger presence of bathers in the afternoons rather than the morning, most especially at Ghajn Tuffieha.
All the results were then analysed to identify the regions in the two sites under greatest anthropogenic pressure so as to identify a means of control that is beneficial to the biodiversity present but also sustainable economically, keeping in mind that both areas are popular tourist bathing areas.
An interview was carried out with the Director of the GAIA foundation who manages both sites and several problems were identified, amongst them, economic issues.
Thesis Keywords/Search Tags:
marine, conservation areas, sustainability, biodiversity
This Thesis Abstract may be cited as follows:
Agius Darmanin S. (2003) Sustainability of Conservation Areas: Marine and terrestrial perspectives; Unpublished MSc Thesis. Malta: University of Malta
| Thesis Images: | |
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Ramla Bay Gozo (click to enlarge) |
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Ghajn Tuffieha Bay Malta (click to enlarge) |
Submission Details: Thesis Abstract submitted by Sandra Agius Darmanin from Malta on 02-May-2004 21:36.
Abstract has been viewed 3573 times (since 7 Mar 2010).
Sandra Agius Darmanin Contact Details: Email: sandra@bioclix.org
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