Bicref expects role in marine conservation

The Biological Conservation Research Foundation (Bicref) said it expected to be consulted and involved in any local marine conservation issue, especially in connection with the planning and management of marine conservation areas.

The environmental non-governmental organisation, which promotes scientific conservation research and awareness with particular focus on the marine ecosystem, said it was looking forward to constructive communication with the Malta Environment and Planning Authority and the Environment Ministry in the near future. Bicref said that in its correspondence with both Mepa and the ministry, it made its extensive local experience in both offshore and coastal marine work available, to ensure that informed decisions could be taken.

The need for a properly selected, monitored and managed marine conservation area could no longer be ignored, it said.

Bicref has been at the fore on matters concerning the local marine environment. Through its efforts, it increased public awareness on the impact of various marine activities and developments including the tuna penning development and the lack of proper assessments, the Mgarr ix-Xini bay alteration in Gozo and the over-exploitation of marine resources around the Maltese coasts.

Equally important were its efforts towards increasing awareness on eco-tourism and for effective protection of marine biodiversity, including both offshore and coastal organisms.

Bicref may be contacted at P.O. Box 30 Hamrun.

http://sites.keyword.net/bicref/