Saturday, 21 October, 2006

Trammel fishing nets and spear fishing are two local fishing methods that should be monitored much more closely, BICREF would like to stress that it is not only artificial reefs or wrecks that need safeguarding but also natural reefs and coastal regions still allowing marine biodiversity to resist and proliferate.

It is many years that BICREF has been advocating on the need of monitoring and control of fishing activities around areas such as Filfla. This it has been doing itself for years on a voluntary basis, but it is time national support is given for such dedicated efforts for the benefit of all. The importance of promoting sustainable fishing methods and rates are essential for both local fishermen that make a living from this activity and various other sea-users including divers that wish to observe and enjoy local marine diversity.

With the limited resources the Maltese Islands have to go by, it is essential that serious considerations be given to these issues.

In this regard, BICREF also promotes scientific monitoring of local marine biodiversity and the promotion of conservation research in order to try to allow present and future generations to be able to use and enjoy what nature provides free of charge.

BICREF, The Biological Conservation Research Foundation's website www.bicref.org.