Research on invasive alien seaweeds in Maltese waters and their impact  on native marine biota and their habitats will be supported by the 2017 edition of the International Ocean Institute’s (IOI) Elisabeth Mann Borgese Bursary.

The green algae of the genus Caulerpa recently introduced in Maltese waters is becoming locally invasive.

The research project, entitled  The Ecology of Potentially Invasive Alien Macroalgae in Maltese waters, is being conducted by Therese Ellul, a postgraduate research student at the University of Malta’s Department of Biology, and is focusing on a recently introduced green algae of the genus Caulerpa. This is becoming locally invasive and may be having an impact on some marine ecosystems of high biological and socio-economic importance, including meadows of Posidonia oceanica, commonly known as Neptune grass.

Any equipment purchased with the bursary funds to conduct the research will be donated to the University to be used by other researchers.

During the ceremony to award the 2017 bursary held at the IOI office at the University’s Msida campus, it was announced that the research project undertaken by Stefano Moncada, that was supported by 2016 bursary, had been successfully concluded this month.

The research project, entitled ‘Climate coping strategies, economic well-being and sustainability in vulnerable coastal communities’, was mainly aimed at identifying the coping strategies adopted in reaction to climate variability and change, and to discuss their implications for economic well-being and long-term sustainability. The bursary is named after IOI founder Mann Borgese in recognition of her considerable achievements and is financed by the institute in appreciation of the University’s support as the host of the IOI headquarters.

For more information, e-mail ioihq@ioihq.org.mt or visit the website below.

www.ioinst.org