The Rolex Middle Sea Race, which started on Saturday, is again contributing to the collection of valuable data on dolphin and whale sightings, with crew members being rewarded for the most detailed information and photos of sightings, Bicref, the Biological Conservation Research Foundation, said.

The task is being carried out in collaboration with the Malta Yacht Club. Bicref has been collecting data from the race since 2000.

The data supplements the Cetacean Scientific Field Research Project launched by conservation biologist Adriana Vella in 1996. Dr Vella has been running this cetacean field research project with additional assistance from the Malta Maritime Authority, the Armed Forces of Malta and Bicref.

The foundation said that while some may question the usefulness of cetacean conservation research and management, many others appreciated the need for it, not only as a basic requirement for species listed in local, regional and international legal notices and agreements, but also as a necessary contribution to monitoring the seas' condition.

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