The conservation status of S. melitensis is “not evaluated” according to the Global Biodiversity Information Facility , and does not appear listed within the Red List of the IUCN. It is listed as threatened in the Red Data Book of the Republic of Malta. It is protected in Malta as an endemic species through Regulation 26 of Subsidiary Legislation 549.44 Flora, Fauna And Natural Habitats Protection Regulations. As it is a strictly protected shrub under national legislation, the species may not be pruned, cut or uprooted unless a permit by the authority for the environment has been granted. Additionally, as a Maltese genetic resource, access and utilization of the plant for research and/or development purposes is allowed if in possession of a permit by the authority responsible for the implementation of Subsidiary Legislation 549.111 Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits arising from their Utilisation Regulations. Salsola vermiculata is listed as a common fodder crop in Annex I of the International Treaty for Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture and is subject to provisions for facilitated access under the Treaty's multilateral system of access and benefit sharing; as S. vermiculata is a common crop, this elevates S. melitensis to the status of crop wild relative thus meriting special attention for conservation and sustainable development within the context of the Second Global Plan of Action for Plant Genetic Resources for Food and agriculture, as well as the Voluntary Guidelines for National Level Conservation of Crop Wild Relatives and Wild Food Plants.
