Tuesday, 02 January, 2007

In its routine scuba surveys, BICREF is repeatedly encountering human impacts on local marine life. Trammel or any other net use and disposal at sea need urgent consideration around Maltese coasts as these are endangering local marine creatures. Though many marine species are legally protected, very little to no monitoring or enforcement is in place on a regular manner around the Maltese Islands to make sure that indeed such species are really being protected in their habitat.

With local sustainable development and biodiversity conservation targets, it is not acceptable to note that still very little is done by local authorities on these issues.

Finding, marine organisms entangled in accumulations of nets on our sea bed, is no rare episode (see photo. Prevention of further damage is urgently required, while restoration of our sea beds need to be considered too.

Slipper lobster - Scyllarides latus
(Photo by Anna Degiorgio)

What will we leave as our marine natural heritage to our children and grand children?

While clean up events try to instill in these children the need to prevent waste accumulation, authorities need to show that indeed a healthy marine environment is a serious matter for all with the implementations of relevant conservation measures.

Any one wishing to assist BICREF with its long-term marine monitoring project is welcome to contact: BICREF, PO Box, 30 Hamrun or bicref@gmail.com.
For further information on some of BICREF's research and awareness activities visit www.bicref.org.