Ċirkewwa Marine Park, Cirkewwa Marine Park, Triq il-Marfa, Mellieħa (2026)

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Cirkewwa Marine Park, Triq Il-Marfa

29/03/2026

Your beloved Cirkewwa Marine Park is getting a well earned upgrade in the coming weeks and months, so please bear with us as parts of the Park are segregated at a time for renovation. There will always be two entrances open as well as the facilities for your continued support throughout the process, except for a few days for tarmac replacement in several weeks time.
We are working with the contractors to keep the Park open and running for you all to continue dives!
Thanks so much in advance for your support.
We will keep you updated as best we can.
Big thanks to Infrastructure Malta, Transport Malta, the Gozo Channel, and the Malta Tourism Authority as well as the contractors for the collaboration to make this happen.
See you on site!

15/12/2025

🦀 Mediterranean Shore Crab: The agile coast crawler!
(𝘊𝘢𝘳𝘤𝘪𝘯𝘶𝘴 𝘢𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘶𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘪; MT: Granċ tax-xatt Mediterran)
Quick, hardy, and always on the move, the Mediterranean shore crab thrives in the intertidal zone, darting between rocks and seaweed as waves crash around it.
🧬 What exactly is it?
The Mediterranean shore crab is a small crustacean perfectly adapted to life along rocky shores. It has a broad, flat carapace, strong claws, and legs built for swift movement both in water and on land.
📏 Size & shape
Adults usually measure up to 6–7 cm across the carapace. Their colour ranges from greenish to brown, often mottled to match the surrounding rocks and algae.
🌊 Where can you find it?
Found along Mediterranean coasts, including Malta, in the intertidal zone where waves meet the shore. It hides under rocks, in rock pools, or among algae during low tide.
🍽 What does it eat?
An opportunistic feeder, it eats algae, detritus, molluscs, worms, and any small animals it can catch, playing a key role in keeping coastal ecosystems balanced.
💡 Cool facts
They can tolerate a wide range of salinities and temperatures, allowing them to survive in estuaries, lagoons, and tidal pools. Their agility makes them tricky to catch, they can scuttle sideways at impressive speed.
⚠️ Look, don’t disturb!
While common, they are part of a fragile ecosystem. Flipping rocks or disturbing their hiding spots can harm both crabs and other small marine life.
📸 Spotting a Mediterranean shore crab during a coastal walk or snorkel is a reminder of the resilience and adaptability of life along the shoreline.
(The Cirkewwa Marine Park is managed by .trust.malta and supported by )
Thanks to: Fishes And Other Marine Animals by Mark Anthony Falzon, Patrick J. Schembri for the great information!

24/11/2025

🐟 Parrotfish – The reef’s colourful grazer!
(Sparisoma cretense ; MT: Marżpan)
The parrotfish is a common and friendly sight in Maltese waters, recognised for its
beak-like mouth and lively colours. This active grazer helps control algae and adds a
splash of vibrance to rocky reefs and seagrass meadows.
🧬 What is it?
A medium-sized fish with a parrot-like beak formed by fused teeth, perfect for
scraping algae off rocks. Juveniles are light grey with darker edges on the scales.
Mature males are vivid dark saffron with a yellow-edged tail, while females and
smaller fish are brownish-grey with pale blotches.
🔍 Habitat & lifestyle
Found from 3 m to about 50 m deep in the Eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean,
including Malta. Prefers rocky areas with drop-offs, boulders, and Posidonia
seagrass beds. Often seen in small groups, gliding with a smooth flapping motion as
they bite off chunks of algae (and sometimes bits of rock, producing sand). Most
individuals are around 15 cm long, but they can grow up to 50 cm.
🌙 Behavior
Diurnal, approachable, and peaceful. In summer, especially abundant in shallow
rocky zones among large boulders. Plays an important ecological role in keeping
reefs clean.
⚠ Are they dangerous?
Not at all, the only thing they attack is algae.
🎨 Colours
Light grey juveniles with dark scale edges, striking saffron males with yellow tail
edges, and brownish-grey females with pale blotches.
(The Cirkewwa Marine Park is managed by .trust.malta and supported by
)
Thanks to: Fishes And Other Marine Animals by Mark Anthony Falzon, Patrick J.
Schembri for the great information!

17/11/2025

🐍 Mediterranean Moray: The secretive reef hunter!
(𝘔𝘶𝘳𝘢𝘦𝘯𝘢 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘢 ; MT: Morina)
Sleek, sinuous, and armed with sharp teeth, the Mediterranean moray is one of the
most iconic predators lurking in Malta’s rocky reefs.
🧬 What exactly is it?
The Mediterranean moray is a large eel-like fish belonging to the family Muraenidae.
It has a long, muscular body without pectoral or pelvic fins, covered in thick,
scaleless skin with a distinctive spotted or mottled brown and yellow pattern.
📏 Size & shape
Can grow up to 1.5 m long, with an average size between 60 cm and 1 m. Its body is
cylindrical at the front and laterally compressed towards the tail, perfect for sliding
into narrow reef crevices.
🌊 Where can you find it?
Common in the Mediterranean Sea, including around Malta, Gozo, and Comino.
They inhabit rocky bottoms, caves, and wrecks, usually from shallow waters down to
about 80 m, spending most of the day hidden and emerging at night to hunt.
🍽 What does it eat?
A nocturnal ambush predator feeding on fish, crustaceans, and cephalopods. Its
powerful jaws and backward-pointing teeth ensure prey has little chance of escape.
💡 Cool facts
Despite their fearsome appearance, morays are shy and avoid contact with divers.
They breathe by opening and closing their mouths, which can look threatening but is
simply a way to pump water over their gills.
⚠ Look, don’t disturb!
A cornered moray can bite in self-defence, so it’s best admired from a respectful
distance while it peers from its rocky lair.
📸 Spotting a Mediterranean moray in Malta’s waters is a memorable moment,
revealing the wild beauty of the Mediterranean’s hidden predators.
(The Cirkewwa Marine Park is managed by .trust.malta and supported by
)
Thanks to: Fishes And Other Marine Animals by Mark Anthony Falzon, Patrick J.
Schembri for the great information!

10/11/2025

🐟 Grey Triggerfish: The bold reef guardian!
(𝘉𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘴 𝘤𝘢𝘱𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘤𝘶𝘴 ; MT: Ħmar)
With its tough skin, oval shape, and determined gaze, the Grey Triggerfish is one of
the most fascinating residents of our Mediterranean waters.
🧬 What exactly is it?
The Grey Triggerfish is a marine fish from the Balistidae family. It has a laterally
compressed body, small but powerful mouth with sharp teeth, and a unique “trigger”
mechanism in its first dorsal fin. When threatened, it locks this fin into a rock or
crevice, making it almost impossible to pull out.
📏 Size & shape
Usually 20 cm, but can reach 60 cm. Strong, oval-shaped body covered in tough,
sandpaper-like skin. Colour ranges from grey to greenish, often with blue hues or
fine patterns.
🌊 Where can you find it?
Grey Triggerfish live near rocky bottoms, reefs, wrecks, or sandy areas close to
structure. Around Malta, Gozo, and Comino, they can be spotted between 10 and
100 m depth, often curious about divers but also ready to keep their distance.
🍽 What does it eat?
They are skilled hunters of hard-shelled prey, feeding on sea urchins, crustaceans,
molluscs, and even starfish. They blow jets of water into the sand to uncover hidden
food.
💡 Cool facts
Males build and guard nests during breeding season, becoming highly territorial.
Their “trigger” spine is so strong it can wedge them in place, safe from predators.
⚠ Look, don’t disturb!
While they can be curious, nesting males may defend their territory aggressively.
Observing from a respectful distance is the best way to enjoy their presence.
📸 Spotting a Grey Triggerfish on a dive is a treat, a glimpse of the strength and
character that thrives beneath the Mediterranean waves.
(The Cirkewwa Marine Park is managed by .trust.malta and supported by
)
Thanks to: Fishes And Other Marine Animals by Mark Anthony Falzon, Patrick J.
Schembri for the great information!

04/11/2025

Calling all users and supporters of the !

Next week, we at the Cirkewwa Marine Park are hosting a 'Thank You' gathering to all of our stakeholders and park users to close the season.

There will be some updates on what is new at the Park, renovations happening over the winter period, as well as a launching of the Coastrust Local Action Group, and how you can be part of it.

Then we will provide some free food and drinks and we can chill and catch up about the season past and plans ahead.

We look forward to celebrating the season with you!

Registration form in the comments! Fill in to join us!

Cirkewwa Marine Park is managed by Nature Trust Malta and supported by the Malta Tourism Authority.

15/09/2025

🐟Common Stingray: The hidden flatfish with a sting!
(𝘋𝘢𝘴𝘺𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘴 𝘱𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘤𝘢; MT: Boll)
Flat, calm and buried in the sand, the common stingray is easy to miss. But don’t get
too close. If it feels threatened, it can strike back with a poisonous and painful sting.
🧬 What exactly is it?
The common stingray is a cartilaginous fish related to sharks. It belongs to the
Dasyatidae family and lives close to the seafloor. It prefers soft sandy or muddy
habitats and usually stays hidden beneath a thin layer of sand, waiting for food to
pass by.
📏 Size and shape
Typically around 30 cm across, but some individuals can grow even larger (60cm).
Its diamond-shaped body is flat, and its long tail ends in a sharp, venomous spine
used only for self-defense.
🎨 Camouflage expert
Its sandy brown coloration blends perfectly with the seabed. Only its eyes and
spiracles (breathing holes) are visible when buried, helping it stay hidden from
predators and prey alike.
🌊 Where can you find it?
The common stingray lives in the Mediterranean Sea, the Black Sea, and the
eastern Atlantic Ocean, from the North Sea down to the African coast. It usually lives
at depths between 5 and 50 meters, but can go as deep as 200 meters. Often found
alone, lying motionless and well hidden.
🍽 Feeding habits
This stingray feeds mostly at night, hunting for worms, crustaceans, molluscs and
small bottom-dwelling fish. It also scavenges dead fish when available.
⚠ Is it dangerous?
Not aggressive, but if disturbed, it can defend itself with a sting from its venomous
spine. The injury can be very painful and cause swelling. For your safety and for the
stingrays, always look where you step when swimming or walking in shallow sandy
areas.
📸 A shy and elegant bottom-dweller, the common stingray is a true master of
stealth. Spotting one is a rare and rewarding experience for careful snorkelers and
divers.
(The Cirkewwa Marine Park is managed by .trust.malta and supported by
)
Thanks to: Fishes And Other Marine Animals by Mark Anthony Falzon, Patrick J.
Schembri for the great information!

01/08/2025

Today is Marine Protected Area Day and we celebrate all of the amazing MPAs out there, doing great work!

Marine Protected Areas are essential for us to hit the ‘30 by 30’ goal of protecting at least 30% of the ocean by 2030. Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) offer a multitude of benefits, including biodiversity conservation, enhanced fisheries, and climate change mitigation.

MPAs act as havens for marine life, promoting the recovery of fish populations and protecting vulnerable habitats. Furthermore, MPAs can boost tourism, provide educational and research opportunities, and contribute to the cultural and spiritual well-being of coastal communities

Our beloved Ċirkewwa Marine Park - nestled inside the Marine Protected Area Żona fil-Baħar madwar Għawdex, offers one of those havens.

Here are some facts about the Marine Park:

High Ecological Value:
Ċirkewwa Marine Park is recognized for its diverse geomorphological features, healthy Posidonia oceanica meadows, and various species of conservation importance.

Natura 2000 Designation:
The park is part of the Natura 2000 network, a European network of protected areas established to conserve biodiversity.

Management and Protection:
The park is managed by Nature Trust Malta, supported by the Malta Tourism Authority, and a management plan is in place to support responsible management, raise awareness, manage pressures, and prevent illegal activities.

No Stopping Zone:
A "No stopping zone" has been designated to protect divers and marine life on the wrecks within the park.

Zoning System:
The park aims to implement a zoning system to manage different areas for specific uses, similar to other marine protected areas

Since the start of the project there have been many positive improvements, mostly due to the strong collaboration between the stakeholders involved. Follow us for more information and regular events and updates or drop by for a visit, walk, dive or snorkel!

Thanks to all who are involved!

Ċirkewwa Marine Park is managed by Nature Trust - FEE Malta and supported by the Malta Tourism Authority .

28/07/2025

🐟 The Garfish: The silver needle of the Mediterranean! 🇲🇹
(𝘉𝘦𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘦, MT: Imsella)

Long, slim, and fast like an arrow! The garfish is a sleek and slender fish often seen in the shallow waters around Malta, Gozo, and Comino. It swims just beneath the surface, which makes it tricky to spot from above.
Nicknamed the “needlefish,” it has a long pointed beak full of tiny teeth : a true shallow-water predator!

🔍 How to recognize it?

Very elongated body, like a dart

Long, beak-shaped mouth (elongated jaws)

Blue-green metallic back, shiny silver flanks

Transparent fins, slightly forked tail

Average length: 30–50 cm, but can grow up to 90 cm!

A shimmering arrow gliding through the sea!

🌊 Where does it live?

Very common in Malta, especially from late summer

Found near the surface, in coastal waters or sheltered bays

Prefers shallow, calm areas, often close to beaches

Often swims in small groups

👀 How to spot it?

Glides quietly under the surface, often at sunrise or sunset

Best way to observe it: snorkel and look up toward the light

Very fast and hard to approach closely!

🍽️ What does it eat?

It’s an active predator

Feeds mainly on small fish (sardines, anchovies, young fry)

Hunts using its narrow shape and sharp beak

⚠️ Is it dangerous?
❌ Not at all, it's completely harmless to humans.
Just be careful not to harm it with boats or while swimming.

Tip: If you’re snorkeling around Malta, keep an eye on the surface, you might see this silver dart speeding by !

(The Ċirkewwa Marine Park is managed by Nature Trust - FEE Malta and supported by Malta Tourism Authority )

21/07/2025

🧡 The Orange Star Coral: A glowing treasure of the Mediterranean! 🇲🇹
(𝘈𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘴 𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘺𝘤𝘶𝘭𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘴, MT: Qroll tad-dell)

Bright, fiery, and unforgettable! This stunning coral is a true jewel of the Mediterranean Sea. It is endemic to these waters, which means it can’t be found anywhere else in the world.
A favorite among divers exploring Malta, Gozo, and Comino, it lights up rocky walls and underwater caves with its intense orange glow.

🔍 How to recognise it?

Each colony is made up of many small individuals living together. Each one lives inside a small cup-shaped limestone structure. Together, they form a colony that can reach up to 30 cm wide. The bright orange polyps extend their short tentacles at night to feed, then retract during the day, revealing the hard orange skeleton. Young colonies have spaced-out polyps, while older ones appear more compact.

🌊 Where does it live?

This coral loves shady cracks, rocky walls, and underwater caves. It is mostly found between 15 and 50 meters deep but can live from the surface down to 70 meters. It avoids cold waters and is completely absent from the northern Mediterranean. It usually grows in dark places but can live in brighter areas if the current is moderate.

🌱 What is its role?

It’s a carnivorous coral. It captures tiny planktonic organisms using its tentacles. Unlike tropical corals, it doesn’t rely on sunlight or symbiotic algae (zooxanthellae). That’s why it can survive in dark environments like caves.

⚠️ Is it dangerous?

❌ Not at all. It’s completely harmless to humans but extremely fragile. Touching it can damage the polyps or break its delicate skeleton.

🦶 Advice:

Be careful with your fins when swimming near walls or caves. A single kick can destroy years of coral growth.
📢 A fiery star of the sea, to admire, not to touch!

Thanks to @ for the photos.

The Ċirkewwa Marine Park is managed by Nature Trust - FEE Malta and financially supported by Malta Tourism Authority

18/07/2025

Join us for the next event – a Ċirkewwa Marine Park Snorkelling Tour!

This month we are back in the sea! This time for some close encounters!
Starting on land we will first get an introductory talk from the Site Manager and Marine Biologist Maria Cutajar, who will give an overview of the Ċirkewwa Marine Park project and the marine flora and fauna you might see, then a briefing on snorkelling before we get kitted up and in the sea. We will head out for two trips, with the locations being weather dependent. Taking in the local and alien species present in the Marine Park, from close ups of the vast array of algae and flora and their hiding hole dwelling fauna friends, to the wide open areas where you'll be surrounded by shoaling fish, all with the backdrop of a varied habitat and diverse seafloor landscape.
With this being a conservation area, the diversity and abundance is high and there is so much to see! Even rarer species you might not catch in other areas.

Looking forward to sharing it with you all!

Meeting Place: Cirkewwa Marine Park - Management Office (Divers area)

Meeting time: 08.30am

Duration: Approx 3 hours

Cost: This event will be by donation to the Ċirkewwa Marine Park thanks to the support from the Malta Tourism Authority. Details on how to donate are confirmed on registration.

Registration: Please find the registration form link below in the comments. This form needs to be filled in to confirm your spot (Spots are limited)

Please note: Your participation in this event is at your own risk, and all claims against the Ċirkewwa Marine Park are waived.

Sponsored by Malta Tourism Authority and managed by .trust.malta

Ċirkewwa Marine Park

29/03/2026

15/12/2025

24/11/2025

17/11/2025

10/11/2025

04/11/2025

15/09/2025

01/08/2025

28/07/2025

21/07/2025

18/07/2025

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