A punctuated or darkspotted flatworm (Maritigrella fuscopunctata) has been discovered in local waters during ongoing marine surveys by the Conservation Biology Research Group of the University’s Department of Biology.
The species is a typically Indo-Pacific organism that has not been reported as an alien in the Mediterranean Sea before. It is probable that it has been spreading in the Mediterranean from the Red Sea. Studies on the species, together with various other species that the group has been working on, will be scientifically published in the coming months.
The group, led by Adriana Vella, has been undertaking coastal and offshore marine biodiversity research for the past 20 years and was involved in setting up the Malta National Biodiversity Platform to promote the study local biodiversity at ecosystem, species, population and genetic levels. The latter is considered a fundamental requirement for all countries to safeguard their local biodiversity and its goods and services for future generations.
Some local marine species are noted to be drastically decreasing in numbers while others, such as the flatworm, are appearing as alien species
Long-term data of Maltese biodiversity is essential to understand changes in marine life. To date, the group has studied various species down to the necessary population and genetic level, including sharks and rays, turtles, dolphins and whales, fish species including bluefin tuna, molluscs and jellyfish.
Both typical local species as well as new species constituting local sea life have been studied. Some local marine species are noted to be drastically decreasing in numbers while others, such as the flatworm, are appearing as alien species.
The local research group has found support from fishermen, scuba divers, the Armed Forces of Malta, the Malta Maritime Authority, Civil Protection and sailing crews and others who forward their observations and experiences out at sea to complement its long-term scientific field research. Another entity assisting this effort is the Biological Conservation Research Foundation (Bicref), an environmental NGO that encourages its volunteers to contribute to ongoing conservation projects linked to both terrestrial and marine species and habitats.
For further information e-mail Dr Vella at adriana.vella@um.edu.mt.