Bootcamp Highlights: Fieldwork in Xemxija Bay
The University of Malta’s MSc in Applied Oceanography is renowned for its hands‑on approach. The recent bootcamp, held in June, highlighted Xemxija Bay—a popular coastal spot in Malta—where students assessed tourism, fishing, and aquaculture pressures on the marine environment.
Over three intensive days, participants collected and visualised oceanographic data. They used instruments from the Department of Geosciences, including Secchi disks, CTDs, satellite‑tracked drifters, water samplers, and BRUV (Baited Remote Underwater Video). This fieldwork gave students direct exposure to methods used by marine science professionals worldwide.
Key Measurements and Metrics Gathered
- Water temperature, salinity, and conductivity — essential indicators of surface water health.
- Dissolved oxygen and pH levels — critical for assessing habitat suitability.
- Chlorophyll concentrations — a proxy for primary productivity.
- Bloom health of Posidonia oceanica meadows, through established metrics such as leaf density and sea‑weed coverage.
Students also completed a beach‑profile and sand‑granulometry session at Golden Bay. Here, they learned to map beach profiles, measure grain‑size parameters, and sample microplastics, giving them a rounded perspective of coastal dynamics.
Hands‑on Learning Experience
The bootcamp is led by experienced faculty: Dr. Adam Gauci, Dr. Anthony Galea, Ms. Audrey Zammit, Mr. Alessio Marrone, Ms. Katiuscia Petrosillo, and Mr. David Ramirez. The program is coordinated by Prof. Alan Deidun. Their guidance ensures that every activity, from deploying a Secchi disk to analyzing CTD data sets, meets the high standards of marine research.
From Classroom to the Sea: Why Xemxija Bay Matters
Xemxija Bay’s diverse uses make it an ideal case study for applied oceanography. Tourism brings dense visitor populations, fishing activities affect local biodiversity, and aquaculture has implications for nutrient loading and sedimentation. By studying these interactions, students practice the multidisciplinary analysis required to manage Malta’s unique marine environments.
Assessing human impacts in real time reinforces the importance of rigorous data collection. Students learn to present findings in a way that can inform policy, support conservation, and advance scientific knowledge.
How to Become Part of the Program
Interested in contributing to marine science and gaining field experience? Applications for the next intake are now open. The MSc in Applied Oceanography invites aspiring marine scientists to apply through the University of Malta’s online portal. The program combines theoretical coursework with practical field projects like the Xemxija Bay bootcamp.
For more details about course structure, research opportunities, and career prospects, visit the official program page.
Take the Next Step
Apply to the MSc in Applied Oceanography today and start making a difference in Malta’s marine environment.
Learn more about our programmes and how they integrate fieldwork, data science, and environmental policy.
Share your experiences and questions in the comments below – your insight could guide future students.
Explore related research and success stories from the University of Malta to see what’s possible when science meets the sea.
