This year, led by our resident Marine Biologist, we are launching our eco department – Ritual Eco – and undertaking a number of projects in order to give back to our marine environment. Our seas are abundant with unique species and habitats that form the marine ecosystems. This underwater world is not only beautiful, but vital to the health of the planet. Through conservation, research and education we aim to do our part in helping to protect our local seas. Alongside our initiatives, we are also launching a series of curated courses for anyone looking to gain experience, enhance their training, or simply deepen their understanding of the conservation of our precious marine environment. Keep reading to learn more about our projects and browse our new courses.
Our projects:
Seagrass conservation
Posidonia oceanica is a vital species and habitat that is found only in the Mediterranean. It cleans our seas, protects our coastlines, and creates a sheltered nursery habitat for juvenile fishes. Despite its contributions to both land and sea, as well as its abundance, it is often overlooked. We will be conducting health assessments, and demonstrating replantation methods used to restore meadows around the Mediterranean. Through teaching people about the fascinating biology, importance, and conservation of seagrass we hope to bring a spotlight to this incredible species.
Turtle conservation
Nature Trust FE Malta and Gozo do incredible work in protecting sea turtles around the Maltese islands. They rescue and rehabilitate injured turtles before releasing them once they are recovered and healthy. Throughout the turtle nesting season, Nature Trust’s team of volunteers and staff patrol the beaches night and day to check for nesting mothers. We will regularly join these patrols to support their round-the-clock protection for the turtle nests. Additionally, our educational programmes will bring awareness to the threats sea turtles face and help share the incredible impact of Nature Trust’s conservation work over the years.
Invasive species monitoring research project
We are collaborating with the Marine Ecology Research Group of the Department of Biology of the University of Malta in order to collect data for an ongoing research study. We will be carrying out monthly surveys of specific dive sites around Gozo with the purpose of monitoring the spread of invasive species. Invasive alien species are prevalent in the Mediterranean, and their presence can put pressure on the sensitive native populations. The data we collect as part of the study will allow for analysis of their abundance patterns; identifying what factors may drive further spread, and assess the areas, habitats and species that could be most at risk.
In addition to our three main projects, we will also be doing regular community outreach; organising cleanups, visiting schools and collaborating with other local environmental organisations. Raising awareness about the marine environment is essential to conservation. Whether it’s understanding the complex ecosystem interactions or simply recognising local fish species, this kind of knowledge drives a deeper connection to the marine world. This engagement leads to care, and through these efforts we hope to help inspire a sense of stewardship amongst divers and the wider community.
Our courses:
Another key aspect of conservation is connecting communities and the public, not only with the environment itself, but also with the projects and efforts dedicated to protecting it. That is why we have created a range of courses that allow anyone, with any level of experience, to actively get involved with our conservation projects and learn about the marine life of the Mediterranean.
Discover Conservation – one day course
(Diving and non-diving option available)
Spend the day with our Marine Biologist on this one-day discovery course in marine conservation. We will introduce you to some of our local fish species, teach you the fundamentals of seagrass biology, and guide you through conservation work being done in Gozo and Malta. You will get a chance to snorkel (or dive) through Gozo’s underwater habitats, observing first hand how the marine species interact and live together as one ecosystem. The day also includes a visit to Ramla il-Ħamra, an historic nesting site for sea turtles in Gozo. Depending on the time of year you may be lucky enough to see a turtle nest or two and meet hard-working volunteers of Nature Trust who work night and day to protect the nests. We will guide you through the techniques and procedures used to protect mother turtles and their nests, giving you a firsthand look at the dedication and effort behind this vital conservation work.
Marine Conservation Experience – 3 day course
For a more in-depth experience of marine biology and conservation, consider our 3 day programme. This is designed to deepen your understanding while providing opportunities to develop practical skills and engage with the environment.
Itinerary:
Day 1: Native and Invasive fish species.
A combination of classroom based sessions and a scuba dive workshop will introduce you to fundamentals of fish identification. You will learn where different species like to live and how to recognise them based on physical and behavioural characteristics. We’ll also explore the impact of invasive species in the Mediterranean—where they come from, how they affect the native ecosystems, and the methods we are using to monitor and track their spread.
Day 2: Turtle conservation.
Discover the biology and evolution of Mediterranean turtle species and explore the history of turtles in Gozo and Malta; from how their populations have changed to following the stories of Nature Trust’s rescued turtles. Visit the beach where turtles lay their eggs to experience the procedures that are used for the nest patrols. There may also be an opportunity for you to join our Marine Biologist for a full patrol shift, either to check for potential nests or to guard existing ones, this is an opportunity usually only open to registered local volunteers with Nature Trust.
Day 3: Seagrass ecology and conservation
Discover the crucial role of Posidonia oceanica seagrass meadows in supporting Mediterranean ecosystems. You’ll learn about their ecological importance and the threats they face before joining our Marine Biologist on a dive to practice seagrass health assessments and replantation techniques. This is a truly eye opening experience that will transform your perspective on one of the Mediterranean’s most vital and fascinating, yet often overlooked habitats.
The Turtle conservation and Fish identification days include access to the relevant SSI Ecology Specialty Courses. Their online learning resources provide an additional scope of the subjects through a global lens and you will be certified on these courses through the SSI system.
If you’re short on time but interested in a specific topic, each section of this three-day course can also be taken individually. Let us know your interests, and we’ll happily tailor a course to fit your schedule!
Marine Research and Conservation training programme
Minimum 2 weeks
If you are an aspiring Marine Biologist or looking for practical conservation experience with expert training, we have a tailored course that is just for you.
Led by our in-house Marine Biologist, a qualified HSE and scientific diver, this intensive training programme will equip you with the experience and skills needed to conduct underwater research.You will take an active role in all the practical aspects of our eco projects, combining fieldwork with dedicated workshops and comprehensive theory sessions to deepen your understanding of Mediterranean ecosystems and the importance of conservation.
The course will progressively refine your diving and research techniques, ensuring you are fully prepared before you join our invasive species data collection dives. You will perfect a range of survey skills used in conservation and monitoring programmes, while contributing valuable data to the ongoing research study.
Participation in this course requires you to be at least Rescue Diver (or equivalent) and we recommend a minimum of ~25 logged dives. Since the survey methods require working close to the sea floor, strong buoyancy control is essential to protect fragile benthic habitats and also maximize your learning experience.
If you don’t yet meet the minimum requirements we can provide training prior to the course so don’t hesitate to get in touch if you are interested.
Contact us to discuss your options and learn more about our programmes.
With the launch of Ritual Eco, we will work to support the network of environmental organisations while also making our own unique contribution conserving our island’s unique marine ecosystems. 2025 is just the beginning and we look forward to having you join us on this important journey.
