Trapping sites have to be registered with the Wild Birds Regulations Unit as the agency updates its records in anticipation of an autumn finch-trapping season.

Trappers have all July to register their sites and present maps showing the location of the land where the clap nets will be positioned.

Only sites that existed before the end of December 2012 and conform to all parameters will be registered, the agency said yesterday.

Site plans previously registered with the Police Commissioner will only be valid if also approved by the agency.

“The exercise is being carried out in order to update the present register and to ensure that no live-capturing [trapping] sites are located in protected areas or on natural habitats,” the agency said.

The government is expected to open an autumn finch-trapping season, the first time in six years, by seeking an exemption from EU rules.

The exercise is being carried out to update the register and ensure no live-capturing sites are in protected areas or on natural habitats

No decision has been taken yet but the government advisory body, Ornis, has recommended a controlled trapping season for seven species of finches.

The registration exercise is open to those who have a valid trapping licence or are interested in applying for one in the future.

However, the agency made it clear this exercise was not a call for applications for a trapping licence and registration did not entitle the individual to practise any live-capturing activity on the site.

But if the government chose to open a trapping season and receive applications from interested individuals, only those applicants who had their site plan registered with the Wild Birds Regulation Unit would be eligible, the agency said.

Each trapper is allowed a maximum of four clap nets spread over a maximum of two trapping sites.

Trappers have to go in person to register their sites at the agency’s office at the Pitkalija in Ta’ Qali between July 2 and 30.