Scope of Maltese marine conservation research efforts widening

Dolphins, whales, turtles, sharks, rays and other marine biodiversity have been the dedicated long-term and year-round research focus of the Conservation Biology Research Group (CBRGUM) at the Department of Biology, a University of Malta statement read.

“Adriana Vella, lead researcher of CBRG-UM, has seen her 100,000km2 research area around the Maltese Islands expand over 20 years of research to areas in Greek waters and around southern Italy, where projects have been possible through her supervision.

“Though most of these animals are not easily seen by the general public and necessary conservation work on these species is very costly in terms of both time and funds, they still deserve protection as they are an essential part of marine life.”

“CBRG-UM researchers are out there themselves for hours and days on end to gather the muchneeded data and this has been carried out by Prof. Vella and her team of researchers, including BICREF NGO volunteers using boat and plane surveys.

“Through this extensive experience, she has also managed to inspire and supervise work in other Mediterranean regions where no previous conservation research on cetaceans had been carried out before. Additionally, being asked by foreign students to come over to the University of Malta for their MSc/PhD research work or internships under her supervision also reflects the spreading interest in acquiring the scientific skills for this demanding but useful conservation research,” the statement read.

“Locally, there has been support in this work as people forward their own sightings out at sea and contribute toward long-term and focused conservation efforts that have been ongoing since 1997. Thanks are therefore also due to fishermen, yachtsmen, the AFM, maritime Transport Malta and general public.

“The valuable work being achieved by the Conservation Biology Research Group at the Department of Biology may effectively address conservation plans and measures for endangered species through scientific knowledge based on thorough long-term data sets. The integrative research methods adopted, where relationships between genetics, ecology, fisheries and environmental conservation management are considered, allow the disciple of conservation biology to pick up the vital momentum necessary for the current urgent needs.”