The hunters' federation is demanding a clear and unequivocal declaration on a derogation from the Birds Directive to allow finch trapping to continue in autumn.

The FKNK said in a statement it would draw its conclusions based on these declarations and direct its members on what action to take in the light of the upcoming European Parliament elections.

The organisation said it noted the Prime Minister's reply to a parliamentary question regarding the successful project of finch breeding at the government experimental farm at Għammieri.

"The next step is renewing and granting new licences required to secure genetic diversity of all the finches in aviaries," FKNK said.

It said capturing wild birds for the promotion of genetic biodiversity 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, the island could apply for a derogation to permit finch trapping.

Environmental NGOs recently urged EP candidates to refrain from making promises on spring hunting and trapping which they could not keep.

However, the FKNK insisted the government was duty bound to apply for a derogation if it was serious about its declared public commitment for finch trapping to continue.

The FKNK said it presented a report to the leaders of the main political parties based on the "compensatory measures" principle. It added the way forward was for finch trapping to be maintained.