HSBC-Earthwatch research fellows to assist in conservation projects

The Biological Conservation Research Foundation (Bicref) said it has received the support of 10 HSBC-Earthwatch research fellows who will assist in BICREF's local and regional conservation research and awareness projects.

The HSBC-Earthwatch fellows will apply the techniques they have learned in their Earthwatch field work experience abroad to local BICREF work.

They are Robert Mallia, Celine Schranz, Eugene Schembri, Marian Ellul, Nathaline Camilleri, Natalino Xuereb, Reuben Fenech, Doreen Balzan, Mark Bencini and Michael Cassar.

One of the events these fellows will be contributing to is the ongoing annual BICREF seminars on biodiversity and conservation in spring and summer, covering topics ranging from marine mammals and marine biodiversity to coastal and conservation area biodiversity on land, climate change and anthropogenic impacts on flora and fauna.

This will be followed by the participation of the HSBC fellows in various long-term BICREF projects including coastal and marine biodiversity surveys and the research of endangered species including cetaceans (dolphins and whales) and turtles and elasmobranchs (sharks and rays).