BICREF praises MEBA board`s `improved attitude`

After two years of intense local awareness and follow-up of the tuna penning developments around the Maltese coasts, BICREF (the Biological Conservation Research Foundation) has expressed its satisfaction at the greater majority of the MEPA board voting against these developments for the important reasons outlined in BICREF`s features, interviews and discussions.

BICREF said the board members who voted against the Benghajsa tuna penning were to be congratulated not only for having weighted wisely the pros and cons of the development, but for being able to do so against MEPA`s own environment directorate`s advice.

BICREF hopes that this outcome may send out the message that more rigour in local environment assessments and monitoring will be required before exploiting a natural habitat or resource.

This improved attitude by the MEPA board promises well for future improved public consultation exercises and environmental consideration, the foundation said.