Trappers have until the end of the month to resister their trapping sites with the Wild Birds Regulation Unit as part of a regulatory process that at this point is not linked to any EU derogations.

In a statement issued yesterday the unit stressed that this was being carried out to update the present register and to ensure that no live-capturing sites were located in protected areas or on natural habitats.

“At this point in time this is not linked to any derogation. There has been no official government decision [on the application of the derogation].

“We don’t exclude the possibility that there might be one soon,” a spokesman for the unit said adding that the decision could be in favour or against the derogation.

The government still has to decide whether to take on board the recommendations of the Ornis Committee, its advisory board. Last month the committee recommended that the government apply an exemption from EU laws to open the trapping season in autumn for seven species of finches.

At this point in time this is not linked to any derogation. There has been no official government decision

Finch trapping was last allowed in 2008 before an EU concession on trapping expired. Over the past two years the government has re-opened a limited trapping season for golden plover and song thrush.

In the statement issued yesterday the unit noted that the call for land registration “is not a call for applications for a live-capturing licence”.

Registration of a live-capturing licence did not entitle anyone to practise live-capturing activities on the site and did not entitle anyone to any licence under the Conservation of Wild Birds Regulations, the unit stressed.

“On the other hand, should the government decide to receive applications for live-capturing licences in future, only those applicants who have had their site plan registered with the Wild Birds Regulation Unit will be eligible,” it added.

Trappers are asked to call 2388 6214/215 with any questions.