OPM stands by decision not to open trapping season

“Any derogation must be according to the Birds Directive. That is why the government has aksed the Ornis Committee to present its proposals with the necessary documentation as stipulated in the law,” the OPM said.

The OPM as ministry for the environment is responsible for the dates of hunting seasons, as recommended by the Ornis Committee which includes representatives from the hunters’ lobby FKNK and BirdLife Malta.

“The FKNK is incorrect when it says government wants to eliminate trapping,” the OPM said.

The FKNK yesterday claimed it was not true that trapping, or live-bird capturing, was banned by the Birds Directive. “Government announced the season for hunting from land and sea-craft for this year’s autumn and winter, but not the trapping season as normally done, notwithstanding having had the Ornis Committee’s recommendation to open the trapping season for the turtle dove, quail, song thrush and golden plover as usual.”

BirdLife Malta welcomed the decision, after the OPM acknowledged that there was not enough information to justify a future trapping season.

“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,” Nicholas Barbara, BirdLife conservation and policy Officer and Ornis Committee member, said.