The Malta Independent on Sunday
Molecular genetics research to discover species and aid effective biodiversity conservation
At times species do not get recognised for their distinct genetic and biological importance in nature, and get lost in the midst of other similar species. Such similarly looking cryptic species are very common among certain groups of species, such as insects, but may be also present among other groups of organisms, including fish.
Recent studies, led by Prof Adriana Vella, PhD (Cambridge), the Conservation Biology Research Group of the Department of Biology, University of Malta (CBRG-UM) in collaboration with the NGO BICREF, have discovered the actual species distinction between the Painted Comber (Serranus scriba) found in Maltese waters and what was considered the same species in the Eastern Atlantic Ocean.
This case highlights how the efforts of the CBRG-UM’s continue to be at the fore in developing the use of innovative genetic methodologies to better understand local, regional and global biodiversity paving the way for effective management. The discovery is another of the various scientific outputs from the 60,000 Euros, BioCon_Innovate University of Malta Grant for Research Excellence, awarded to Prof Vella.
This important investigation and finding, which contributes to the updating of marine fish species lists, has been published in the peer-reviewed scientific journal ZooKeys.
Prof Vella’s CBRG-UM was set-up to focus on wildlife conservation biology using diverse research tools and techniques, including molecular genetics and genomics to investigate biological diversity from genes to ecosystems. Diverse species of local, regional and alien distribution have been identified genetically for the first time by this ongoing research. The CBRG-UM has been contributing to local and European projects since 1998 placing Malta on the map in relation to wildlife genetics and genomics for conservation.
The established expertise and knowledge of the CBRG-UM on an increasing number
of terrestrial, freshwater and marine species have contributed to local and foreign students’ education and projects, apart from numerous scientific publications. This necessary and avant-garde de novo genomics research supplies accurate understanding of the biodiversity that provides for the economically important and life-sustaining goods, services and ecosystem functioning.
The urgent need to safeguard the fast depleting natural resources and wildlife depends on such ongoing research efforts to support efficient management and target the new EU 2030 Biodiversity Strategy to avert Earth’s sixth era of mass extinction induced by humans. In fact the species identified in the recently published work may have become extinct before being confirmed as a distinct species, requiring specific assessment and management.
This research on Serranus species, obtained its samples from fishermen to avoid having to sacrifice specimens for research, as specimens were already caught through the fishing industry. This also allows for better fisheries knowledge aiding sustainable fishing management in the future.
ZVART is a new initiative taken by Vassallo Group of Companies to mark their 75th anniversary being celebrated this year.
ZVART, an acronym for Zaren Vassallo Art (initiative) encourages companies within the group to invest in pieces of art to adorn property owned by the group or property in which the group is currently operating.
The initiative was launched by group chairman Nazzareno Vassallo last December during a short ceremony in which a painting of Mr Vassallo’s later brother and former shareholder, Guzeppi Vassallo, by Mosta artist Dione Borg, was unveiled at Villa Amodeo, the office of the group chairman.
Learning Works, the education arm of the group, was the first company within the group to participate in this initiative. On the 2nd anniversary of its incorporation on 4th February the company inaugurated a work of art by renowned ceramist Paul Haber titled ‘Gaining Strength…’. This piece comprises coiled forms partly glazed with layers of thick stoneware glaze. It was one of the exhibits in the seventh edition of ArtCeram 2020, which was held last year in the city of Sèvres, France. It was also exhibited in the Colours of Malta at the Mairie du Louvre town hall, right opposite the Louvre Museum in Paris, in 2018. The exhibition was curated by art critic and collector Olivier Plique.
When unveiling the piece in the presence of artist Paul Haber and his wife Joan, group Chairman Nazzareno Vassallo stressed that the aim of ZVART is to adorn all group property with works of art by local artists over a period of time. In this way the group would not only be supporting local art but also enriching its properties across all its subsidiary companies. He remarked that the name of the piece -‘Gaining Strength’ - is very appropriate because it reflects the group’s strategy to gain strength with each and every step it took over the last 75 years. It also ties in nicely with the fact that Learning Works is growing into a robust education institution offering a variety of accredited programmes in different areas and which will be spreading further its wings in the coming years.
Learning Works CEO Charlo Bonnici, who is also the chairperson of ZVART, explained that as a company, which is also licensed as a Further and Higher Education institution, Learning Works wanted to make a significant contribution to the scheme because it also believes in sending out the message that art and the appreciation of art is intrinsically connected to the intellectual growth of the individual.
Other works of art have been commissioned by the different companies within the group which will be unveiled in the coming months as part of the group’s 75th anniversary programme.
SYMBOLISM
Generosity and elevation of the mind
Peace and sincerity
Warrior or martyr; Military strength and magnanimity Truth and loyalty
Hope, joy and loyalty in love
Constancy or grief
Royal majesty, sovereignty and justice
Worthy ambition
Patient in battle and yet victorious
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