Many may be surprised to learn that Fin whales or Sperm whales can be found in Maltese waters. However, through many years of dedicated research and awareness, this surprise has been decreasing, and a greater appreciation of Malta’s biodiversity has been picking up. Prof Adriana Vella is a dedicated field scientist who has greatly contributed […]

Molecular genetics research to aid effective biodiversity conservation At times species do not get recognised for their distinct genetic and biological importance in nature, and get lost in the midst of other similar species. Such similarly looking cryptic species are very common among certain groups of species, such as insects, but may be also present […]

The Biological Conservation Research Foundation (BICREF) continues to work to increase local and regional awareness to increment know about our wildlife to be able to safeguard it for future generations. One project that was launched in the year 2002 (EcoTourism Year) with the support of Project AWARE, to allow SCUBA divers and snorkeler in Maltese waters […]

SOS Marine life! Conserve Natives & Control Aliens Mediterranean marine biodiversity is under threat due to the introduction of almost 1000 non-indigenous species with new species continuously being spotted. Their entry into the Mediterranean is mostly facilitated by shipping activities from the Atlantic and the Red Sea. The Conservation Biology Research Group at the University […]

It took a little invisible virus to upset humans’ routines and lives, making us fearful and sick, changing surrounding environments and giving space to nature while reducing pollution. We see dolphins, sharks, and other wildlife all over the world approach the coasts more easily but also terrestrial species seem to wander more freely without getting […]

Alien Species Reporting for Conservation Science: Lionfish and any other strange species. If you are an interested and dedicated environmentalist or simply wish to contribute toward local conservation research of our indigenous species you may wish to contact us, BICREF at bicref@gmail.com or the University’s Conservation Biology Research Group, led by conservation biologist, Prof Adriana […]

The World Marine Mammal Conference in Barcelona (December 2019), gathered 2700 participants from 95 different countries mostly linked to research and conservation of marine mammals. The Barcelona Declaration: Together for Marine Mammal Science and Conservation of Marine Mammals calls for commitment in a number of key principles and a pledge of three specific goals: Key […]

Oceans are home to a vast diversity of marine life and generate a considerable amount of ecosystem goods and services that are fundamentally linked to human demands and well being, making our seas both ecologically and economically valuable. Yet the complexity of marine biodiversity and its resources are usually under-estimated with several marine habitats being […]

BICREF for Climate Change and Biodiversity Conservation   15th March 2019 The Biological Conservation Biology Research Foundation, BICREF is appealing to youths, adults, companies, NGOs and governments to focus on what really matters for humanity’s common future:   Biodiversity = Life on Earth Clean Environments that function, mitigate change and recycle.   Ignoring anthropogenic effects […]

Research Results Presentations of the Marine Conservation Project in Southern Italy – Dec. 2019 The project results sharing seminar was organised in December 2019 in Calabria after presenting research outcomes on bottlenose dolphins in the Ionian Sea study area at the World Marine Mammal Conference in Barcelona.  Prof Adriana Vella, was invited to address the […]