The biological conservation research foundation (BICREF) is very active in marine and coastal biodiversity surveys and scuba-divers and snorkelling and sailing enthusiasts assist in its long-term marine biodiversity data collection.

Biodiversity research is fundamental to BICREF, as it believes that many of the uncontrolled local development activities, with their negative environmental impact, may well be the cause of misinform-ation, gaps in local biodiversity knowledge and the lack of awareness of the importance of biodiversity to life on and around our islands.

Biodiversity research efforts may pave the way to a better understanding of how the incredible network of living organisms have adapted through time and will be affected by the increasing and synergistic environmental changes around us.

In particular the BICREF Scuba Biodiversity Project that has run this year with sponsorship from the international AWARE Foundation, has led to renewed and increased assistance on the part of most local scuba schools.

Of these, Sea Shell Dive Centre, Oxygene, Subway, Neptunes, H20, Nautic Team, Dive Shack and Gozo Aqua Sport, have given the greatest assistance. By supporting this project, they have also given a good example to both tourists and locals to better appreciate and assist in conservation research projects that may fill the gaps in local knowledge of our marine biodiversity.

These centres, schools and clubs have also found a perfect ally in their marine experience in collaborating with BICREF, as various curious animals unknown to them have been identified and clearly described by BICREF’s experienced researchers.

BICREF also collaborates with various scuba schools in the planning of educational courses on marine biodiversity and conservation. It is also positive to note that various scuba centres have offered partial sponsorships to BICREF to undertake its own underwater research. With tourists and locals increasingly fascinated by our underwater world, it is also a responsible gesture to give something back to the same nature that gives so much to us all.

Research, monitoring and awareness are fundamental to any conservation planning and management.

For further details contact: [email protected] or write to: BICREF, PO Box 30, Hamrun.