Yachtsmen taking part in the Rolex Middle Sea Race have been asked to note and photograph any dolphins or whales they see during the race.

They will be assisting conservation biologist Adriana Vella and the Biological Conservation Research Foundation (Bicref) in a National Cetacean (dolphins and whales) Project, which has been running since 1997. Dr Vella said that the yacht crews had been invited to take a detailed record of all dolphin and whale sightings, together with photographs for proper identification.

Each sailing boat has been supplied with a folder with forms to fill and a pocket camera sponsored by Fotovision.

The most hard-working and successful crew in this endeavour will be awarded a prize sponsored by the Westin Dragonara Resort.

The Middle Sea Race sees boats racing from Malta, round Sicily and back.

The National Cetacean Project has been running for four years. Information gathered during the race will complement scientific field research undertaken by Dr Vella. It will be available for the Mediterranean cetacean research community and conservation action plans.

Species sighted during previous races have included sperm and fin whales, and bottlenose and striped dolphins.

Bicref can be contacted at PO Box 30, Hamrun.