The project involves the upgrading of the vessel manoeuvring area, including dredging of the fairway, and the construction of a slope protection berm in order to ensure the stability of the beach at Pretty Bay. The aim of the monitoring exercise is to supervise the impact of the maintenance and capital dredging works on the surrounding areas, including Pretty Bay, and on areas adjacent to the Freeport and in the residential area of Birzebbuga. In particular, the monitoring is designed to address noise disturbance and the impact on water quality and ecology. Possible changes to sediment layout and composition and the impact of the works on any archaeological heritage in the area are also being monitored.