The Oceanography Malta Research Group (OMRG), within the Department of Geosciences at the University of Malta, is dedicated to understanding the ocean through continuous and rigorous measurement of key environmental parameters. This scientific commitment is driven by one fundamental reality: the ocean is changing, and those changes have far-reaching consequences for ecosystems, economies, and societies, especially for island nations like Malta.
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Monitoring a Dynamic System
The ocean is not static. It is a dynamic, interdependent system that responds to both natural and human-induced influences. Rising sea surface temperatures, shifting salinity levels, ocean acidification, declining oxygen concentrations, and changes in current patterns are all indicators of broader climatic and environmental trends. Monitoring these parameters is essential for detecting early signs of ecological disruption and understanding the mechanisms driving these changes.
OMRG employs a range of advanced oceanographic instruments to gather data on:
- Sea temperature
- Salinity
- Dissolved oxygen levels
- pH (acidity)
- Phytoplankton and plankton concentrations
- Current velocities
- Air pressure and humidity
This data is not collected in isolation. It feeds into larger modelling systems and collaborative networks, allowing for the analysis of long-term trends, seasonal variations, and responses to extreme weather events.
Local Relevance, Global Impact
For Malta, surrounded entirely by the Mediterranean Sea, oceanographic research is not just a scientific endeavour: it is a national imperative. The ocean influences the country’s climate, coastal infrastructure, biodiversity, food security, and economic sectors such as tourism and fisheries.
- Understanding how marine conditions are evolving helps inform national policies on:
- Climate change adaptation
- Marine Spatial Planning (MSP)
- Biodiversity conservation
- Pollution mitigation
- Disaster preparedness (e.g., storm surge and flooding)
This is especially relevant in the context of increasing climate variability, which brings heightened risks of extreme events such as heatwaves, sea-level rise, and flash floods.
An Applied and Educational Approach
OMRG not only carries out research, but it also trains the next generation of oceanographers. Through the MSc in Applied Oceanography, the group provides students with hands-on experience in data collection, remote sensing, oceanographic instrumentation, and modelling. The programme integrates theoretical knowledge with fieldwork, including instrument deployment, offshore data collection, and research placements abroad.
Furthermore, public engagement initiatives such as Spot the Jellyfish, Spot the Alien Fish, and Spot the Alien promote citizen science, empowering the public to contribute to marine monitoring efforts while raising awareness of invasive species and broader ecological shifts.
A Source of Knowledge in a Time of Uncertainty
In a world increasingly defined by uncertainty: climatic, ecological, and geopolitical, the ocean remains both a source of risk and a reservoir of solutions. Comprehensive, continuous measurement is key to unlocking that potential. It enables us to observe subtle but critical changes, develop predictive models, and inform policies that safeguard our marine environment.
Through its research, teaching, and outreach, the Oceanography Malta Research Group continues to play a central role in enhancing Malta’s resilience to environmental change and deepening scientific understanding of one of the planet’s most vital systems.
Find out more about what the group of researchers are up to by following them .
