(SI) OCEANOGRAPHY

Improve knowledge on the processes that drive the dynamics and evolution of marine and coastal systems, aimed at a proper use and management of these environments 

Understanding oceans dynamics

Coastal and ocean observations and modelling

CIMA is a multidisciplinary centre of excellence of marine and environmental research. CIMA engages with society to implement important decisions about Blue and Green Growth at the national and international level, and thus contribute to the delivery of Sustainable Development Goals. The mission of CIMA is to deepen scientific knowledge of marine and environmental systems, to support and encourage innovation, and to provide training. CIMA integrates two main research areas: Ocean and Coastal Dynamics and Environmental Systems and Resources.

Our main research topics are: (1) zoobenthos with a special emphasis on species as well functional diversity, (2) biology, ecology and ecophysiology of benthic invertebrates with a special emphasis on non-indigenous species and anthropogenic pressure (3) innovative aquaculture with a special emphasis on recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) and invertebrates. We work in the field, mainly in coastal waters, and conduct laboratory research based on an experimental approach.

https://www.um.edu.mt/r/research/mgss/researchthemes

Validation of satellite measurements (radar altimetry) using in-situ data.
Satellite Oceanography

• Marine dynamics (hydrodynamic modeling; wind wave modeling; coastal hydro- and morphodynamics; statistical analysis and risk assessment)
• Acoustic remote sensing (hydroacoustics; acoustic identification of objects; seabed mapping; biomass estimation)
• Satellite remote sensing (methodology and applications to the Baltic Sea; surface temperature, pigments, primary production, etc.)
• Marine optics (optical properties of sea water, phytoplankton, suspended matter etc.)

Biology and ecology of marine zooplankton in boreal waters (e.g., Baltic Sea) and polar regions (both the Arctic and the Southern Ocean). Arctic and Antarctic marine ecology, with a special focus on zooplankton (genetics, population dynamics, distribution patterns, and regime shifts).

The Physical Oceanography Research Group (PO-Res.Grp) of the University of Malta has a long track record of participation in joint collaborative projects in some cases as lead partner such as in the case of the Interreg Italia-Malta CALYPSO projects which led to the operational HF radar network for the Maltese Islands and the Malta-Sicily Channel. Through these projects strong links exist with both local and regional stakeholders. It is also a partner in several European and Mediterranean networks including MonGOOS (the GOOS Regional Alliance for the Mediterranean) and MedGLOSS.

• Behavioural, physiological and biochemical diversity of benthic invertebrates
• Structural and functional diversity of benthic communities in the Gulf of Gdańsk
• Non-indigenous species in the southern Baltic Sea (distribution and spreading,  adaptation to new environment and monitoring methods)