Clear and unequivocal declarations on the application of a derogation for the continuation of finch trapping as from this autumn, as allowed by the EU Birds Directive were expected by the Federation for Hunting & Conservation now that EU parliamentary elections were imminent.

The FKNK said in a statement that based on these declarations, it would draw its conclusions and direct its members.

The organisation said it had taken note of the Prime Minister’s reply to a parliamentary question stating that the project of breeding of finches at the government experimental farm at Għammieri had been a success. “The next step is the granting of new and renewal of finch-trapping licences required to ensure the genetic diversity of all the finches in local aviaries,” FKNK said.

It said that the capturing of wild birds for the promotion of genetic bio-diversity and educational purposes was practised in other EU states through the application of derogations.

Similarly, and as confirmed by the EU Environment Commission representative in Malta, Malta could apply a derogation to permit finch-trapping.

The FKNK said the Maltese government was duty-bound to apply a derogation if it was serious about its declared public commitment for finch-trapping to continue.

The honour of President Emeritus Eddie Fenech Adami, MEP Simon Busuttil and Commissioner Joe Borg, it said, was at stake. For all three had guaranteed the continuation of finch trapping.

Also at stake was the well-being of 5,000 bird trappers and their families.

The FKNK said it presented a report to the leaders of the main political parties based on the ‘compensatory measures’ principle. It also includeds the way forward for the continuation of finch-trapping.