Background The uncontrolled expansion of maritime activities such as fishing poses a significant threat to slow-reproducing cetaceans and turtles. In the EU Habitats Directive, the loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) and the common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncates) are listed as Annex II species of Community interest whose conservation requires the designation of special areas of conservation (SACs). The sizes of the populations of the loggerhead turtle and the bottlenose dolphin in Malta’s waters and coastal areas that are essential to them are as yet unknown. Nonetheless, it is considered that Malta provides a strategic position for the conservation of these flagship species, because of its central position in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea and because of the presence of habitats that are important to at least some of the life stages of these animals. Malta therefore has a legal obligation to propose Natura 2000 network sites of Community importance (SCIs) for these species. In the third Natura 2000 marine biogeographic seminar, held in Brindisi, Italy, in June 2010, Malta was encouraged to carry out the necessary scientific studies that are required before it can declare proposed sites (pSCIs), for these species, as required by the Habitats Directive. Objectives The project’s main objective is to identify the relevant marine areas for the loggerhead turtle and the bottlenose dolphin, in order to designate marine SCIs within Malta's 25 nautical mile Exclusive Fishing Zone (established in 1971). Specific objectives are: To carry out scientific studies in marine areas in order to declare pSCIs for the loggerhead turtle and the bottlenose dolphin, as required by the Habitats Directive; To obtain data on the target species in order to permit the evaluation of their conservation status and contribute towards the identification of areas essential to their life and reproduction. These sites will be proposed as pSCIs for eventual inclusion in the Natura 2000 network; To contribute towards narrowing current knowledge gaps relating to the Maltese marine environment, via boat-based observations and surveys of cetaceans, turtles and other notable marine fauna; and To assess the conservation status of migratory Annex IV species. Expected results The main quantified expected results are: A complete inventory of important areas for the loggerhead turtle and the bottlenose dolphin up to 25 nautical miles, through a combination of modelling of available oceanographic data and boat-based observations; A technical report detailing the overall inventory of these important areas including full details and maps of each site; The designation of the relevant sites identified through this project as SCIs forming part of the Natura 2000 network in line with Malta’s obligations and its jurisdiction within the duration of the project; and Wide publicity of project actions to raise awareness about the conservation of marine mammals and reptiles in Malta and how Malta is working to achieve its international obligations.