Search for relativistic magnetic monopoles with the Baikal

We present a method and first results of a search for relativistic monopoles with the Baikal neutrino telescope. The method is based on the enormous amount of Cherenkov radiation emitted by these particles. The upper limit obtained for the flux of magnetic monopoles is below the Chudakov-Parker limit. This result demonstrates the potential of underwater neutrino telescopes with respect to the search for exotic particles.