BICREF is organising a series of educational seminars in June. The first will be on 9 June at the Park Hotel in Sliema and is open to the public, especially those interested in becoming active in the area of marine conservation and awareness, such as the work done by BICREF’s members.

In celebration of World Ocean Day on 8 June, these seminars will deal with marine topics ranging from Bluefin tuna conservation in the Mediterranean to the sustainable management and protection of threatened marine species large and small: from the majestic Mediterranean whales to the incredible seahorses. Climate change and its effects on biodiversity, and marine-related ecotourism and conservation, are other current topics that will be covered. The presentations will be accompanied by descriptions of the research methods that are used while undertaking BICREF work around the Maltese Islands.

Apart from the opportunity to learn and discuss these relevant marine topics and issues, looking at them through local and European developments (such as the Green paper on EU maritime policy), BICREF will also describe some of its ongoing research and awareness projects.

One new project this year is the “ECO aware and care seafood restaurants” which involves finding out how sensitive local seafood restaurants are to the species they use and the importance and demand for these species in relation to their awareness of the species’ vulnerability in our seas. Indeed, BICREF is also encouraging local seafood restaurants to join in conservation research and awareness to improve the sustainability of their cuisine.

To book a place at the seminar on 9 June, contact BICREF by email to [email protected] or write to BICREF, PO Box 30, Hamrun.