University launches Spot the Alien Fish campaign

The University of Malta has launched a citizen science campaign dealing with non-indigenous fish species.

Headed by Prof Alan Deidun, and with the co-operation of the International Ocean Institute, the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, local eNGO Friends of the Earth and the Italian National Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA), the ultimate aim of the campaign is to monitor in the long-term any population changes of the selected alien fish species within Mediterranean waters. It is part of an informal trans-boundary observation network on alien marine species established between Malta, Tunisia and Sicily.

The campaign follows the successful Spot the Jellyfish campaign which was first launched in 2010.

Posters featuring photographs for a total of 32 fish species have been distributed to all local fishermen and SCUBA diving clubs

Posters featuring photographs for a total of 32 fish species which have entered the Mediterranean through the Suez Canal or through the Straits of Gibraltar have been distributed to all local fishermen and SCUBA diving clubs.

The selected 32 fish species have either been recently recorded in Maltese waters or are as yet unknown from the same waters but have been recorded from contiguous regions, such as Sicily and Tunisia.

The poster gives indications on the point of entry of each fish in the Mediterranean, whilst also identifying the toxic and the venomous species.

Photos of caught or observed fish individuals, even if not included in the poster, should be sent to [email protected]. Alternatively, contact can be made over the phone on 79604109 or  22926888.

The selected 32 fish species have either been recently recorded in Maltese waters or are as yet unknown