Severe conditions for continuance of trapping

With reference to the reports of February 24 (timesofmalta.com) and February 25 in The Times about a poster campaign by the Federation of Hunters, Trappers and Conservationists and the subsequent appearance of the posters on billboards in Malta, the European Commission Representation in Malta wishes to clarify the position concerning bird trapping in Malta and in other member states of the European Union.

Under the Accession Treaty, trapping of certain bird species (seven species of finches) was permitted until the end of December 2008.

The Accession Treaty also set out a number of "milestones" for the Maltese authorities to undertake, including the registration of trapping sites, the establishment of a breeding programme and an assessment of its effectiveness.

Following the expiry of this period under the Treaty, Malta can, along with all other member states, apply a derogation to permit trapping to continue.

Trapping of birds is permitted only in exceptional circumstances, where it complies with the strict conditions set out in the Birds Directive.

Trapping of only a small number of certain birds is allowed under strictly supervised conditions and on a selective basis, as set out under article 9(1)(c) of the directive.

The member states referred to on the posters have all sought to permit trapping in accordance with those requirements.

Under the Birds Directive, member states permitting trapping under article 9(1)(c) are obliged to provide evidence to the Commission on an annual basis to show that all the conditions are being met.

In cases where the evidence shows that a breach has occurred, the Commission has taken, and will continue to take, legal action to address this breach.