Malta 2006 Season

The main aims of the project were to carry out a preliminary survey of the seabed in the general area indicated by our local partners. On the basis of the survey results it was envisaged that future projects could be planned so as to garner more information through subsequent detailed operations and surveys. 

Project Operations
In order to achieve the abovementioned aims, the Trust deployed first deployed a Kongsberg multibeam system so as to obtain bathymetric data of the area. Furthermore a small ROV was deployed so as to visually inspect the area of study.

Finds
Although the multibeam survey did not reveal any targets that may be of cultural value it did provide a clear idea of the seabed topography on which to plan further remote sensing surveys. On the other hand, the ROV inspection revealed an area in which ancient amphorae were present on the seabed datable to the 3^rd and 2^nd centuries BC.

Future Work
Aurora plan to return to Malta in 2007 with specific technologies for the mapping of small objects that are spread over the seabed in the area.