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Animal-related
Injuries relevant to the Maltese Islands - Marine  The marine
environment
is characterised by a wide diversity of animal species that need to
survive
in a highly competitive hazardous environment. This has resulted in the
development
of defense or hunting mechanisms involving venom by a number of marine
species
which can have a significant effect on humans. The species diversity,
together
with the heavy human presence at coastal sites during the summer
months,
accounts for the relatively frequent human encounters with these
species.  The
Maltese Islands - Geography [needs Adobe Acrobat  ] The Mediterranean
marine
toxic species are generally not as toxic as their tropical cousins, but
may still pose a serious threat in hypersensitive individuals. Besides
the
problems associated with toxicity, direct injuries can be sustained by
handling
certain species. Other species can also pose a threat since they
contribute
towards the spreading of infectious disease such as Hepatitis A, or cause
poisoning though their being inedible. On the
positive side, some marine species - notably the Bonelia viridis - have
been found to have potential medicinal
properties.
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