Surely as the first to assist scientific work undertaken both coastally and offshore around the Maltese Islands, the Biological Conservation Research Foundation (BICREF) has an important voice against local neglect or abuse of our marine environment.

With valid projects such as the SCUBA/snorkel Biodiversity project initiated last summer and still ongoing this year in collaboration with dedicated SCUBA centres, greater awareness and biological knowledge of our coastal biodiversity is being achieved. Surely with more participation by increasing numbers of instructors and scuba schools this environmental awareness effort may involve both local and tourist divers and snorkelers year round. The more we know the different species in our natural environment the better we will manage to safeguard this intricate biological network for future generations.

As Ecotourism year has only just been left behind, one should not forget the good accomplishments of this brainstorming year toward improving our tourism keeping in mind our delicate natural environments. Toward this BICREF and its Ecotourism Award by the Ministry of Finance allowed for the production of six documentaries "EcoMalta" which will be shown again for the amusement of locals and tourists, on both Net TV (Saturdays at 10.30pm and Sundays 5.45pm) and Super One (Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5.15pm) from the beginning of September. BICREF members dedicated much time to the production of these documentaries so as to unravel the local natural beauty we should all be proud of and struggle to protect with every means possible.

BICREF's assistance to research undertaken even away from our coasts and focusing on the 25mile zone we call "conservation area" has allowed its members to see with their own eyes the wilderness and vulnerability of our seas. Breathtaking views of whales or dolphins side by side with floating garbage bags and fuel discharges reminding us that humans can affect environments not seen by the public eye. Should far from sight be far from heart or responsibility? BICREF has worked toward increasing local and international awareness toward our need to appreciate all the life forms our Mediterranean Sea has in its cradle. Toward this goal, BICREF has involved all sea-users from fishermen to sailing racers. The strongest example of this is the Rolex Middle Sea Race project undertaken since 2000 with the collaboration of the Malta Royal Yacht Club (project sponsored by the Westin Dragonara Resort) in assisting conservation research undertaken in the Maltese Islands. A vital step forward toward better understanding the more difficult to study marine species, such as whales and dolphins, sea turtles, sharks, and Blue fin tuna.

Local awareness projects have also involved exhibitions and talks of organisms and biodiversity not often seen in our every day busy routines! The most fascinating of these being the one on "Dolphins in Maltese territorial waters" which have marveled many locals and tourist who believed our waters were deprived of such vulnerable species. Such projects are still at the heart of BICREF's awareness work since experience has shown that more people see, the more they can appreciate in order to be able to want action for protection. The Save our Seas Campaign in collaboration with Planet Sea is another winning effort demonstrating how so many individuals (at least 9000 signatures for the SOS petition) look forward at seeing much more done for our sea's protection before it is too late.

With the increasing environmental demands, scientific monitoring and accurate awareness will need to increase further. Toward this BICREF is determined to put more effort. This will be possible with help coming from the general public and the business/private sectors as well.

Through the use of a new dinghy and proper engine sponsored by MECCA and General Softdrinks - Kristal water, BICREF will be able to increase its assistance in marine conservation research and awareness. The interesting updates of such research will allow for discussions and views of our natural environment as weekly slots from next October in the Net TV program Siesta by Clare Agius, who will be inviting BICREF to bring to the watching public, marine and environmental issues for the interest of many.

In a nutshell, for BICREF members, seahorses to dolphins are not only wonderful creatures that have been created to inspire us all to how immensely beautiful our blue planet is, but are indeed important parts of a dynamic network that sustains life around our coasts. As such they need to be allowed to survive to give their biological contribution.

Malta has signed numerous conventions and agreements that bind us and local authorities to take action toward effective conservation of our seas and the vulnerable species dwelling there. Scientific conservation research and accurate awareness is an important step toward allowing local authorities to take the long-lasting step for marine conservation areas and conservation management. BICREF has strongly been working toward this goal and looks forward in seeing such conservation areas, the ultimate human contribution to nature conservation, become reality.