In a statement issued today Birdlife Malta said, “the government yesterday did not declare an autumn trapping season, as it was previously expected to do”.
“The Government’s decision comes after the European Commission last June challenged Malta’s autumn trapping season through a Letter of Formal Notice which started infringement proceedings against Malta.,” Birdlife said.
“The Commission took this action as trapping is not permitted under the EU Birds Directive and can only take place under a derogation. As exemptions to clauses in EU law, derogations can only be applied by member states in exceptional circumstances and subject to strict specific conditions,” the statement said.
Birdlife went on to say “the government yesterday acknowledged that further information and assessment is needed before any future trapping season can be recommended. The government therefore announced a hunting season under similar conditions to last year, but no trapping season will be opened before an informed recommendation is made by the Ornis Committee.”
“The government has acted responsibly by not opening a season until the necessary justification is at hand. This will however take time and it is therefore highly unlikely that any trapping season could be opened this year.” stated Nicholas Barbara, BirdLife Malta Conservation and Policy Officer and Ornis Committee member.
To identify this information and assessment government, last Friday, asked the Ornis Committee to further study the trapping derogation for Turtle Dove, Quail, Golden Plover and Song Thrush, which has been applied since Malta joined the EU in 2004.
“This shows that there is currently not enough data to support Malta’s application of a trapping derogation or justification of previous trapping derogations. It is going to be very difficult to prove that Malta’s circumstances and conditions satisfy those of the Birds Directive.” concluded Nicholas Barbara.
On joining the EU Malta agreed to phase out finch trapping to bring national legislation in line with the Birds Directive. This period ended in December 2008 and since then no finch trapping season has opened, however government has continued to permit the yearly trapping of Turtle Dove, Quail, Golden Plover and Song Thrush, a move now challenged by the European Commission.
Photo – A lot of natural vegetation has been destroyed to make this large Golden Plover trapping site. The European Commission started infringement proceedings against Malta over trapping. Photo by Ray Galea.