The Federazzjoni ta l-Ghaqdiet tas-Sajjieda Dilettanti is encouraging members of all affiliated associations’ members to vote yes in the forthcoming referendum about spring hunting.

It said this was because the referendum could serve as a precedent to collect signatures for future referenda to abolish other hobbies, including the hobby of recreational fishing.

In a reaction the Spring Hunting Out campaign urged amateur fishermen to "vote on the facts, not on fear".

Top Maltese lawyers, including former European Court Giovanni Bonello, confirmed earlier this week that no one should fear that the referendum would affect their hobbies".