In 1995, the Government of Malta commissioned Mr G. Murray Reid, an apiculture expert from New Zealand, to review the state of beekeeping activities in Malta at the time. The author makes it clear from the get-go that beekeeping in the Maltese islands is important for its economy (direct production of goods and pollination), and this sector should be supported by the government in the best way possible. Beekeeping has a long history on these islands, and prior to the importation of other honey bees, it was solely based on the local stock of honey bees found here. At the time of writing of this report, the endemic status of the Maltese honey bee (Apis mellifera ruttneri) was yet to be officially discovered. So much so that it is erroneously referred to as "the black and sometimes aggressive Western European bee Apis mellifera". Here the referred Apis mellifera is another subspecies of honey bee found on continental Europe. The official characterisation of the Maltese bee as a unique subspecies took place some two years later (Sheppard et al., 1997). The isolated nature of our island nation shaped the uniqueness of our biodiversity. Evolutionary mechanisms selected for traits which made the Maltese endemic bee (A. m. ruttneri) to withstand local biotic and abiotic conditions.
Misconceptions on the Maltese bee facilitated the importation of foreign honey bees, mainly for commercial purposes. The negative impact of imported foreign honey bees and apicultural products in the Maltese market is highlighted in the report as a challenge to both beekeeping and the sale of honey. This challenge remains persistent some 28 years later.
With the introduction of foreign honey bees, a serious and direct threat to Maltese bees materialised. When two or more different subspecies of honey bees are found in the same area, the process of hybridisation (genetic mixing) ensues, causing genetic pollution in the native population. This directly causes the dilution and eradication of beneficial characteristics that make local bees superior over any imported race in terms of long-term honey production and resilience to disease/pests. Going forward, this process also makes them less able to adapt to harsher environmental conditions. This mixing has caused some of our honey bees to even change in the way they look; from black dark abdomens, to having yellow stripes, a characteristic of foreign bees. The endemic Maltese flora and fauna, being isolated, are intrinsically more sensitive to extinction due to their limited distribution. Mixing directly makes the beekeeping sector less sustainable, a serious concern considering their importance to both local agriculture and ecosystems.
Our isolation from the mainland puts us in a more advantageous position to protect our borders from diseases and pests. Instead, we open our gates to a plethora of pests and diseases, a scenario which could have been, and still be, avoided. The accidental introduction of Varroa destructor (a parasitic mite which feeds on honey bees) in 1992, wreaked havoc locally. Following this catastrophe, a considerable amount of Italian honey bees were imported from New Zealand to compensate for colony losses. However, Reid reports that these imported colonies were not always successful, with imported honey bees showing bad adaptations to the Maltese climate. Even with regards to Varroa, the Maltese bees fared better showing significantly less absconding behaviour when treated, to the contrary of foreign honey bees. In the face of adversity, all these remarks point to the favourable characteristics of our own honey bee. The author goes as far as proposing a review of the laws governing the importation of both bees and products, with the main objective being restriction. This is indeed a possible prospect if our politicians have the willpower to act!
The need for more cooperation between all stakeholders in the sector is highlighted by the author of this report. And still to this day, we do not exploit enough our advantages as a small country. Any action should be actively aimed at prioritising collective effort, to move forward as a united front. Only through discussion and the facilitation of cooperation can Maltese and Gozitan beekeepers conquer the numerous challenges they are facing and strive together to make beekeeping sustainable.
Any policy enacted should be based on research and aim for long-term objectives. Back then, the author recommended a national survey to evaluate the health status of bees in Malta, as well as a serious surveillance programme against diseases. This urgent need still echoes to this very day.
Practically, all recommendations from this report, published almost 30 years ago, are still relevant to this day. Simply put, this means that very little action has been taken since to safeguard the sustainability of local beekeeping. The key to this is as clear as day; the holistic conservation of the Maltese bee. Stakeholder education, legislation in favour of the Maltese bee subspecies, surveillance to better control imports and continuous auditing of beekeeping activities are the pillars which would positively transform this sector and protect our Maltese bee from further genetic contamination and erosion.
The Maltese people have long given their backhand to a majorly underrated treasure surrounding us; a unique and rich biodiversity. We simply need to look around and recognise its intrinsic value, before it becomes lost, forever. The need to take action today has become more important than ever!
Dylan Farrugia and Abner Joe Buttigieg are co-founders and administrators of the Foundation for the Conservation of the Maltese honey bee, a VO set up to holistically conserve and promote the endemic Maltese honey bee. Follow their Facebook and Instagram accounts to keep updated with any new developments.