Notices to Mariners issued in Govt. Gazette 21,200

The Ports and Yachting Directorate, Transport Malta, notifies that the Conservation Biology Research Group of the University of Malta is conducting research on marine biodiversity within the Central Mediterranean Region around the Maltese Islands (from coastal to offshore) in respect of:

1. Dolphins, whales and turtles,

2. Sharks, rays,

3. Jellyfish blooms,

4. Alien species sightings or caught during fishing.

Mariners are requested to cooperate and support the research by reporting immediately after sightings, to the following:

Email: Prof. Adriana Vella on (adriana.vella@um.edu.mt)

SMS/phone on mobile/WhatsApp: +356 9942 9592

Additionally, thanks to support by the NGO BICREF, one may also send information using the fill-up form from (http://bicref.org.mt/notices-to-mariners/)

The information required includes the following:

a) Date and time of observation,

b) Number of dolphins/whales/turtles/sharks/blooms of jellyfish/alien species,

c) Location of sighting (including GPS coordinates if possible),

d) Photos/videos whenever possible to allow for identification of the species.

The participation of mariners in this long-term initiative is very much encouraged and necessary to ensure regular updates supporting the monitoring of Maltese waters to devise an early warning system for bathers and to assist in Mediterranean-wide marine conservation.