INTRODUCTION :

 Conservation Awareness.

  To whom it may concern:

  Due to recent developments, to further increase the local marine coastal conservation approach amongst Kingfishers members, whose aims are to organize local shore competitive angling, on a catch and release bases. A meeting was set up with The Marine Coastal Conservation Research Project. The project is maintained by Dr Adriana Vella, Ph.D (Cantab), at the University of Malta to find ways how to register and log data with respect to local marine life. It has been progressively noticed that the amount of fish stocks in our harbors, creeks and coastal waters have diminished quite drastically over the last few years. This is apparent in the amount of fish caught during sessions of competitive matches held along our shores. It is of concern to all involved that some kind of action should be taken in the near future. Notably is the amount of gill nets lowered in our harbors and ports, this drastically effects fish stocks to the extent that all sizes of fish are caught and killed mostly so during the breeding months of the year. Also of concern is the amount of untreated sewage dumped into our ports.

To improve awareness Dr Vella, was invited to speak with Kingfisher members of her ongoing conservation research on marine biodiversity and of how kingfisher members could assist in this serious and necessary endeavor through our hobby activity. The meeting proved very interesting and fruitful to the point that Kingfisher members have decided to work in collaboration with Dr Vella and her research assistants. Assisting conservation research is an important investment in future knowledge and improved management of recourse exploitation and enjoyment. Dr Vella rightfully stressed the need for increasing our appreciation and respect for all our natural resources. Kingfisher members appreciate the fact that conserving local biodiversity is a must not only for local hobby fishing but for maintaining life in our seas and therefore members are looking forward to participate in ongoing research programmes undertaken by dedicated scientists, such as Dr Vella, that have the needs of the environment and humans working in harmony at heart.

Dr Adriana Vella, has often expressed the need for improvements in the way natural resources are considered and managed locally. Conservation work is not to be undertaken when it is too late but on the contrary should be undertaken with human activity that may affect the natural equilibrium.

Regards

Steve Johnston

Kingfisher President.