By Emma Borg
Malta鈥檚 first fixed ocean observatory has been officially launched 3.7km off the coast of the Grand Harbour, providing researchers and authorities with a powerful new tool to monitor marine and weather conditions in real time. The observatory, named BLUE, Blue Long-Term Underwater Exploration, is a high-tech buoy equipped with a series of sensors that collect continuous data on oceanic and atmospheric conditions. The information is then shared with researchers and public agencies to support environmental monitoring and research. 鈥淏LUE will be feeding data continuously,鈥 said ERA Unit Manager Mirianne Rizzo. 鈥淚t will help us predict and define the sustainable needs of our waters. Above all, it鈥檚 a clear example of how science and policy can work hand in hand.鈥 The project forms part of the 鈧17 million LIFE IP RBMP initiative led by the Energy and Water Agency (EWA). BLUE itself was procured at a cost of 鈧330,000 under the same programme. However, Dr Gauci noted that this amount only covered the launch, and ongoing use of the observatory requires further funding. Annual maintenance is estimated at 鈧30,000, with annual insurance costs adding another 鈧20,000. The team is currently seeking investors to ensure the observatory鈥檚 continued operation. Looking ahead, Dr Gauci and his team hope to develop the project further by launching a web service and equipping BLUE with cameras and air quality sensors. The initiative is possible thanks to the University of Malta as well as government entities such as ERA, EWA, Transport Malta, the Armed Forces of Malta (AFM), the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage, the Malta Communications Authority, and the Continental Shelf Department.