More sand? Malta exploring beach nourishment from underwater deposits

Malta is exploring whether sand lying beneath the seabed can be used to replenish beaches threatened by coastal erosion.

Daniel Fenech, an official within the Public Works Department, told a recent conference that coastal erosion through natural forces like rainfall, wind and waves is a growing challenge. 

“While traditional responses involved the construction of structures like breakwaters, these were often temporary solutions and sometimes even accelerated sediment loss by disrupting the natural movement of sand,” he warned.

As a result, Malta is now exploring a more sustainable and innovative approach that involves the identification of underwater sand deposits that can be safely returned to shore, a process known as beach nourishment.

"This method aims to restore and maintain beaches in a controlled and environmentally responsible manner,” he said.

Beach nourishment forms part of the Sandland project, a collaboration between Maltese and Sicilian public authorities and academic institutions that involves the identification of Relict Marine Sediment Deposits (RMSDs) in selected offshore areas of Sicily to be used for sustainable beach nourishment in both Sicily and Malta.

The project is being led by the University of Catania and also includes the University of Malta, the University of Messina, and the University of Palermo.