Merkanti Reef

Merkanti Reef, also known as Mercanti Reef, is found at St. Julian's, Malta. Its exact location is between the shores of Palazzo Dragonara and the Hilton Resort in St Julians. In the waters, huge concrete blocks were laid at the bottom of the sea to block seawaves. With this aid over time an artificial reef was formed, hosting a significant variety of marine biodiversity.[1]

The Merkanti Reef

The reef leads to a sandy seabed between 15 and 20 meters off the shore. Water sports activity take place on the spot, especially jet skies during the summer months and therefore divers are advised to use marker buoy.[2][3]

On 29 July 1955, the passenger ferry MV Star of Malta ran aground on the reef and capsized, resulting in the deaths of one crew member and one passenger.[4]

In 2005, a study by the Adi Associates revealed that the Merkanti Reef was the 26th most visited diving site in Malta. The Malta Environment and Planning Authority (MEPA) lists the reef under 'Protection of the Coast and the Marine Conservation Area' designated at level 3 area of ecological importance.[1]

References
  1. "Diving Master Plan for Malta : Dive Site Report 18: Merkanti Reef : Paceville Version 1". Mta.com.mt. December 2010. Retrieved 2015-09-21.
  2. "Dragonara Point". malta.greatestdivesites.com. Retrieved 2015-08-23.
  3. "Sliema - Merkanti Reef". Malta Startpages. 17 March 2014. Retrieved 2015-09-21.
  4. Buchanan, John (10 February 2009). "A brief history of the Star of Malta". Times of Malta. Archived from the original on 17 January 2020.


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