The marsh is subject to regular and severe anthropogenic disturbance. The site is easily accessible and is a popular recreational area with holidaymakers. Encroachment by vehicles is frequent and results in regular disruption of the upper layers of sediment.
This favours the proliferation of weed species in preference to slower growing specialists and may also damage the resting stages of organisms present during the aquatic phase. Frequent bonfires contribute to such disturbance. .
Plant species commonly found at Ghadira include the Golden Samphire (Inula crithmoides), the Maltese Sea Chamomile ( Anthemis urvilleana), the Tree Mallow (Lavatera arborea), Spiny Chicory (Cichorium spinosum) and Twiggy Glasswort (Salicornia ramosissima).
Opposite top: Lowest vegetated transect. bottom:Golden Samphire bush
