The European Commission is seeking clarification on the government’s decision to open an autumn trapping season for golden plover, song thrush and seven finch species.

“Following the recommendation issued by the Ornis Committee, our services have now launched an enquiry into the matter with a view to seeking further information and clarification from the Maltese authorities,” the Commission told Times of Malta.

The Commission also said that during the discussions held with Malta on the possibility of an autumn trapping season for finches, “we clearly expressed our strict interpretation of the EU Birds Directive”.

The trapping of finches and other strictly protected bird species is prohibited under the Birds Directive, the Commission said. It pointed out that Malta was given a transitional arrangement in the Accession Treaty to phase out this activity. The arrangement expired in 2008.

Malta may only derogate from the requirement for strict protection, in the absence of other satisfactory solutions, if the conditions for use of such derogations are met, according to the Commission.

Malta’s past trapping seasons triggered two formal warnings from the commission, in 2011 and 2012.

According to Birdlife Malta, the new proposed derogation is not a justifiable or even enforceable derogation. “It simply boils down to legalising the capture of wild finches for recreational purposes,” said conservation manager Nicholas Barbara.