Although the sea covers 80%of the earth’s surface, less is known about what goes on below its surface than is known about the moon and yet it exerts enormous influence on life. The sea provides the world’s prime source of high-quality protein: 14-16% of the animal protein consumed world-wide; over one billion people rely on seafood as their primary source of animal protein.

Research into population trends of various species of seafood is pointing to a global collapse of seafood species by 2048. Such a collapse would occur due to pollution and overfishing, threatening oceanic ecosystems, according to some researchers. A major international scientific study released in November 2006 in the journal ‘Science’ found that about one-third of all fishing stocks worldwide have collapsed.

Din l-Art Helwa will be holding a one day Conference at the Intercontinental Hotel, St. Julian’s on the 25 March 2011 to investigate the state of the world’s fisheries. Nine prominent personalities representing different stakeholders will be making presentations on various relevant subjects including pollution, overfishing, tuna ranching, aquaculture research, Marine Protected Areas and the EU Common Fisheries Policy.

George Pullicino will make an introductory speech, Dr Victor Axiak will chair the Conference while the speakers will include ex-EU Commissioner Dr Joe Borg, the Marine Biologist Dr Alan Deidun, Dr Andreina Fenech Farrugia from the Fisheries Control Department, Dr Robert Vassallo Agius from the Malta Aquaculture Research Centre, Dr John Refalo representing Azzopardi Fisheries, the journalist Ms Caroline Muscat, Dr Stanley Farrugia Randon author of a number of books on marine matters and a keen amateur fisherman. There will also be two panels during which the floor will be open to the public for participation. Discussions are expected to be lively and debate is invited.

Tickets for the conference on 25th March can be booked by email at info@dinlarthelwa.org, by telephone on 21220358 or by visiting the NGO’s offices at 133, Melita Street, Valletta. The conference will start at 0900 with registration at 0845, and will end at 1600. A coffee break and lunch is included in the price of 25 Euros

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