The Malta Ranger Unit said that it has reported the fact that a public pathway along the coast at Kercem has been “claimed and blocked off by the trappers in the area.”
The MRU stated that this published video “seemingly shows why they don’t want anyone to walk around the coast on the public path.”
“Our Rangers on Gozo immediately reported to the Victoria Police. (note: This is the same place where our Rangers recently also reported illegally unattended finch trapping nets and two poachers were charged by Police)” the MRU said.
The MRU said that “the use of bird callers is highly unsustainable and therefore illegal as per S.L. 549.42, Wild Birds Regulations.”
“All hunters and trappers have a legal obligation to adhere to this Legislation to safeguard the biodiversity whilst carrying out their hobby,” it added.
The Malta Ranger Unit urged the Government to “immediately tackle the squatting of public land that enables Environmental Crimes along our coastal areas in Malta and Gozo.”
It went on to “urge the same Government to immediately implement an Environmental Protection Unit Police (today’s amount: 0) in Gozo, to efficiently tackle environmental crimes.”
The MRU warned that “the environmental criminals are enjoying 100% impunity in Gozo. Our independent Rangers will continue this uphill battle until solved.”
“We are in Gozo 24/7 and will continue to document Environmental Crimes and the lack of will from the Minister to tackle it. It will all be compiled in a report,” stated the MRU.
The MRU, in a link to the European Commission – stated, “these are your Natura 2000 sites of Malta. MT0000029 being one displayed in this video, full of environmental crimes not tackled by the ones inaugurating the sites.”
Video and screenshot: Malta Ranger Unit