Call to monitor coastal regions

The Biological Conservation Research Foundation (Bicref) has agreed with scuba divers that trammel fishing nets and spear fishing should be monitored much more closely.

It went further however, stressing that besides artificial reefs or wrecks, natural reefs and coastal regions should also be safeguarded to allow marine biodiversity to proliferate.

On Monday, The Times reported that dive centre owners were appealing to the authorities to outlaw fishing over popular wreck sites after divers reported encountering nets which put them in danger. The foundation said it had been advocating the need of monitoring and control of fishing activities around areas such as Filfla for many years.

Although it had been doing this itself on a voluntary basis, it was time for national support to be given, it said. The importance of promoting sustainable fishing methods and rates was essential for local fishermen and various other sea users, including divers, who wished to observe and enjoy local marine diversity.

www.bicref.org