birdermoose
birder
I am so going to go and help birdlife Malta when I am old enough to do so. This is one of the many issues that gets my blood boiling.
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Malta and hunting policy (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter ColD
- Start date
ColD
Save the Egyptian Vulture in Greece
New email 26th September from FKNK "LIVE TRAPPING"
FKNK
“This method of live-bird capturing has been passionately practised on the Maltese islands by the local trappers since time immemorial. It is an indigenous custom dating back over 500 years, as proven by historical documents. Beyond the mere live-capture of a bird, it embodies the very essence of inherent socio-cultural and anthropological elements handed down from father to son, from generation to generation. A biased administration does NOT have the right to inflict on its many Maltese aficionados the injustice of abolishing this wonderful tradition.”
This formed the basis of a detailed letter that the Federation for Hunting & Conservation – Malta (FKNK) has just sent to the EU Commissioner for the Environment Janez Potočnik.
The FKNK asked why the Commission objected only now to the application of a derogation for the live-capturing of birds of the same species that can be legally shot, which derogation, apparently, Malta has always applied and justified in identical fashion for almost seven years.
The FKNK further explained that Government’s unfair procrastination or unwillingness to open the season on the eleventh hour is having serious consequences on the very lives of its trapper members. These trappers have spent thousands of euro in preparation, equipment and so on; they have worked hard since last February when they had paid their trapping licences for this year. They have been waiting for one year for the season to start. Their legal expectations have been shattered. Their passions and dreams have been ruined by this uncertainty.
The Federation cited European Court Case C-182/02, Ligue pour la protection des oiseaux and others, where the Court held that: “It is clear from the foregoing that the hunting of wild birds for recreational purposes during the periods mentioned in Article 7(4) of the Directive may constitute a judicious use authorised by Article 9(1)(c) of that directive, as do the capture and sale of wild birds even outside the hunting season with a view to keeping them for use as live decoys or to using them for recreational purposes in fairs and markets’.
Finally, the FKNK said that it is still completely incomprehensible how the Government of Malta has failed to address such an important deadline imposed by the Commission on a matter involving the lives of so many of its citizens. These people who hunt and trap are also EU citizens, and they are the interested stakeholders and protagonists of this saga. The FKNK just cannot stand by and let them suffer the consequences brought about by such Governmental omissions that are completely alien to the scientific and legal considerations that should be the main focal points of any derogation.
The letter was copied to Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi, and to the Malta Ornis Committee Chairman, Louis Cilia.
Lino Farrugia
Secretary General
FKNK
“This method of live-bird capturing has been passionately practised on the Maltese islands by the local trappers since time immemorial. It is an indigenous custom dating back over 500 years, as proven by historical documents. Beyond the mere live-capture of a bird, it embodies the very essence of inherent socio-cultural and anthropological elements handed down from father to son, from generation to generation. A biased administration does NOT have the right to inflict on its many Maltese aficionados the injustice of abolishing this wonderful tradition.”
This formed the basis of a detailed letter that the Federation for Hunting & Conservation – Malta (FKNK) has just sent to the EU Commissioner for the Environment Janez Potočnik.
The FKNK asked why the Commission objected only now to the application of a derogation for the live-capturing of birds of the same species that can be legally shot, which derogation, apparently, Malta has always applied and justified in identical fashion for almost seven years.
The FKNK further explained that Government’s unfair procrastination or unwillingness to open the season on the eleventh hour is having serious consequences on the very lives of its trapper members. These trappers have spent thousands of euro in preparation, equipment and so on; they have worked hard since last February when they had paid their trapping licences for this year. They have been waiting for one year for the season to start. Their legal expectations have been shattered. Their passions and dreams have been ruined by this uncertainty.
The Federation cited European Court Case C-182/02, Ligue pour la protection des oiseaux and others, where the Court held that: “It is clear from the foregoing that the hunting of wild birds for recreational purposes during the periods mentioned in Article 7(4) of the Directive may constitute a judicious use authorised by Article 9(1)(c) of that directive, as do the capture and sale of wild birds even outside the hunting season with a view to keeping them for use as live decoys or to using them for recreational purposes in fairs and markets’.
Finally, the FKNK said that it is still completely incomprehensible how the Government of Malta has failed to address such an important deadline imposed by the Commission on a matter involving the lives of so many of its citizens. These people who hunt and trap are also EU citizens, and they are the interested stakeholders and protagonists of this saga. The FKNK just cannot stand by and let them suffer the consequences brought about by such Governmental omissions that are completely alien to the scientific and legal considerations that should be the main focal points of any derogation.
The letter was copied to Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi, and to the Malta Ornis Committee Chairman, Louis Cilia.
Lino Farrugia
Secretary General
ColD
Save the Egyptian Vulture in Greece
Latest twaddle from FKNK
This is the latest recieved this morning , I could not open the attachment they attached, probably a good thing, they are most likely reading this and put a virus in it :-O
FKNK
28 September 2011
NOTHING is a Satisfactory Alternative Solution to Live-Bird Capturing (Trapping)
False and inaccurate statements by Geoffrey Saliba, manager of BirdLife Malta (BLM) EU Life+ Project, which was embarked on with the clear aim to eradicate the local socio-cultural tradition of live-bird capturing, in particular finch trapping, do not impress anyone. The Federation for Hunting & Conservation – Malta (FKNK) considers certain malicious declarations aimed to negatively affect the very lives of trappers as very serious, and will be looking into all possibilities of instituting further legal actions against Geoffrey Saliba and BLM.
Since BLM, in partnership with Government, set-off with their Project, they tried all tricks in the book to get trappers involved, since this was one of the conditions imposed for the success of the project that would further ensure hundreds of thousands of taxpayers’ Euros directed into BLM’s coffers:
- without disclosing the real reason for the requested meeting they met FKNK officials, who immediately saw through BLM’s deceit and refused further meetings; - they sponsored the Malta Cage Bird Association (MCBA), in which are affiliated several trappers, (the other three similar organisations simply refused to be involved), however the MCBA eventually also came to realise BLM’s intent, and have severed any association with them; - they unsuccessfully tried to meet Gozitan trappers through the island’s Local Councils; -BLM’s President has said that trappers have been approaching him personally and BLM in general to request information about an alternative to trapping, which declarations has been totally belied by thousands of trappers in an FKNK Petition;- BLM state that they have dialogued with 411 trappers about these pursuing other interests in replacement of trapping. The FKNK here openly challenges BLM to supply identities of these persons and the FKNK will supply identities of thousands of trappers who are in total disagreement.
Furthermore:-they prepared incorrect and unchallenged surveys about trapping-sites and trapping and sent them to the EU Commission; -they instigated, again encouraged by government, a captive-breeding programme which costs several other thousands of Euros, which programme is a total failure and waste of money; -with pure unilateral conjecture BLM maintain that captive-breeding is an alternative to trapping, another statement disproved by another FKNK Petition again signed by thousands of trappers;
It is completely inconceivable that Government has been party to all this, notwithstanding its several promises and guarantees (a comprehensive list can be found in attached document) regarding the continuance of trapping made to trappers prior to Malta’s EU Membership and in particular the Prime Minister’s written guarantee sent personally to each and every trapper.
It is very true that trappers’ licenses have decreased from 4,616 to the present 2,643 since government suspended trapping of finches in 2008, however this is no achievement of Geoffrey Saliba or BLM as is being self-proclaimed, but as a direct consequence of the above fact plus the unannounced suspension of new trapping licenses on 1 August 2002, and Government’s refusal to issue new licenses following the 5-year moratorium imposed by the same Government through Legal Notice 56 of 2003. Government has also simply ignored another FKNK Petition with over 8,000 signatures which was recently presented to the Maltese Parliament in a manner that gives the impression that it is totally impassive towards the hardship that its people have been suffering and are still enduring even at present.
Both BLM and Government are indifferent to the fact that trappers’ family values, passions and dreams have been shattered. BirdLife are more interested in the funds they can acquire, whilst Government is totally insensitive towards the lives of its Maltese trappers, which gives more credibility to FKNK’s feeling that, in Government’s view, trappers are dispensable.
BLM’s ending statement at the Press Conference they addressed yesterday is no more than a complete see-through propaganda.
How can BLM expect to be to be seen as a credible organisation when they say that they hoped to continue their dialogue with various hunters and trappers and that their doors are open to any organisation, including the FKNK, when on several recent TV and Radio programmes they refused to participate just because of FKNK’s participation!
The FKNK has tried on various occasions in the past to open an honest and forward-looking dialogue with BLM, but in one way or another BLM have always managed to curtail any forum that could foresee an acceptable happy-medium. Confrontation seems to be the only way by which BLM can ensure a continuous flow of funds.
The FKNK will still sit down to dialogue with BLM, however, they have to accept:·
the application of a derogation for a satisfactory, limited and controlled spring season for just two species;
·adequate autumn/winter hunting and trapping seasons for huntable species with strict control but no unnecessary restrictions;
·the application of a derogation for an appropriate, limited and controlled autumn season for finch-trapping; and
·that they stop trespassing on private properties and FKNK’s Hunting Reserves.
Finally, the FKNK repeats that NOTHING is a Satisfactory Alternative Solution to Live-Bird Capturing (Trapping), and the FKNK will continue on its mission to reinstate legal trapping within a European framework for the Maltese and Gozitan Trappers.
Lino Farrugia
Secretary General
This is the latest recieved this morning , I could not open the attachment they attached, probably a good thing, they are most likely reading this and put a virus in it :-O
FKNK
28 September 2011
NOTHING is a Satisfactory Alternative Solution to Live-Bird Capturing (Trapping)
False and inaccurate statements by Geoffrey Saliba, manager of BirdLife Malta (BLM) EU Life+ Project, which was embarked on with the clear aim to eradicate the local socio-cultural tradition of live-bird capturing, in particular finch trapping, do not impress anyone. The Federation for Hunting & Conservation – Malta (FKNK) considers certain malicious declarations aimed to negatively affect the very lives of trappers as very serious, and will be looking into all possibilities of instituting further legal actions against Geoffrey Saliba and BLM.
Since BLM, in partnership with Government, set-off with their Project, they tried all tricks in the book to get trappers involved, since this was one of the conditions imposed for the success of the project that would further ensure hundreds of thousands of taxpayers’ Euros directed into BLM’s coffers:
- without disclosing the real reason for the requested meeting they met FKNK officials, who immediately saw through BLM’s deceit and refused further meetings; - they sponsored the Malta Cage Bird Association (MCBA), in which are affiliated several trappers, (the other three similar organisations simply refused to be involved), however the MCBA eventually also came to realise BLM’s intent, and have severed any association with them; - they unsuccessfully tried to meet Gozitan trappers through the island’s Local Councils; -BLM’s President has said that trappers have been approaching him personally and BLM in general to request information about an alternative to trapping, which declarations has been totally belied by thousands of trappers in an FKNK Petition;- BLM state that they have dialogued with 411 trappers about these pursuing other interests in replacement of trapping. The FKNK here openly challenges BLM to supply identities of these persons and the FKNK will supply identities of thousands of trappers who are in total disagreement.
Furthermore:-they prepared incorrect and unchallenged surveys about trapping-sites and trapping and sent them to the EU Commission; -they instigated, again encouraged by government, a captive-breeding programme which costs several other thousands of Euros, which programme is a total failure and waste of money; -with pure unilateral conjecture BLM maintain that captive-breeding is an alternative to trapping, another statement disproved by another FKNK Petition again signed by thousands of trappers;
It is completely inconceivable that Government has been party to all this, notwithstanding its several promises and guarantees (a comprehensive list can be found in attached document) regarding the continuance of trapping made to trappers prior to Malta’s EU Membership and in particular the Prime Minister’s written guarantee sent personally to each and every trapper.
It is very true that trappers’ licenses have decreased from 4,616 to the present 2,643 since government suspended trapping of finches in 2008, however this is no achievement of Geoffrey Saliba or BLM as is being self-proclaimed, but as a direct consequence of the above fact plus the unannounced suspension of new trapping licenses on 1 August 2002, and Government’s refusal to issue new licenses following the 5-year moratorium imposed by the same Government through Legal Notice 56 of 2003. Government has also simply ignored another FKNK Petition with over 8,000 signatures which was recently presented to the Maltese Parliament in a manner that gives the impression that it is totally impassive towards the hardship that its people have been suffering and are still enduring even at present.
Both BLM and Government are indifferent to the fact that trappers’ family values, passions and dreams have been shattered. BirdLife are more interested in the funds they can acquire, whilst Government is totally insensitive towards the lives of its Maltese trappers, which gives more credibility to FKNK’s feeling that, in Government’s view, trappers are dispensable.
BLM’s ending statement at the Press Conference they addressed yesterday is no more than a complete see-through propaganda.
How can BLM expect to be to be seen as a credible organisation when they say that they hoped to continue their dialogue with various hunters and trappers and that their doors are open to any organisation, including the FKNK, when on several recent TV and Radio programmes they refused to participate just because of FKNK’s participation!
The FKNK has tried on various occasions in the past to open an honest and forward-looking dialogue with BLM, but in one way or another BLM have always managed to curtail any forum that could foresee an acceptable happy-medium. Confrontation seems to be the only way by which BLM can ensure a continuous flow of funds.
The FKNK will still sit down to dialogue with BLM, however, they have to accept:·
the application of a derogation for a satisfactory, limited and controlled spring season for just two species;
·adequate autumn/winter hunting and trapping seasons for huntable species with strict control but no unnecessary restrictions;
·the application of a derogation for an appropriate, limited and controlled autumn season for finch-trapping; and
·that they stop trespassing on private properties and FKNK’s Hunting Reserves.
Finally, the FKNK repeats that NOTHING is a Satisfactory Alternative Solution to Live-Bird Capturing (Trapping), and the FKNK will continue on its mission to reinstate legal trapping within a European framework for the Maltese and Gozitan Trappers.
Lino Farrugia
Secretary General
MJB
Well-known member
Having only a casual knowledge of Asperger's Syndrome, through friends who have been so diagnosed, it seems quite remarkable that Mr Ferrugia's statements have all the hallmarks of someone compulsively seeking a semblance of order where order does not exist!
The need to find such order, and their insistence in attempting to impose that interpretation, are characteristics my friends often display, although they do admit afterwards that when they can allow 'real' reality to superimpose on 'their' reality, matters are not as they have insisted. Perhaps any Bird Forum member with a professional understanding of psychology/psychiatry can make worthwhile (as opposed to my amateur) comment on Mr Ferrugia's mindset (and take me to task)?
MJB
The need to find such order, and their insistence in attempting to impose that interpretation, are characteristics my friends often display, although they do admit afterwards that when they can allow 'real' reality to superimpose on 'their' reality, matters are not as they have insisted. Perhaps any Bird Forum member with a professional understanding of psychology/psychiatry can make worthwhile (as opposed to my amateur) comment on Mr Ferrugia's mindset (and take me to task)?
MJB
ColD
Save the Egyptian Vulture in Greece
They get better !!
FKNK "INSISTS" !!!!!!!! ....I hope they don't stop sending these, they brighten my day
FKNK critique of the Draft National Environment Policy
The Federation for Hunting & Conservation – Malta (FKNK) considers the draft National Environment Policy (NEP) as replete with generalizations and grey areas open to interpretation, and lacking directness and transparency.
In particular, the FKNK regards the insertion of the term “Status of farmland birds” as an attempt to further undermine the hunting and trapping traditions. The term has never been used before in a Maltese context, and has never featured in any major Maltese publication about birds. Any decision on ‘farmland birds’ is bound to affect the majority of the migratory birds that may legally be hunted/trapped in Malta, since they could all fit loosely within the category. The FKNK insists, therefore, on the removal of all references to so-called ‘farmland’ birds.
The FKNK concluded that:
1. For the sake of justice and transparency, the NEP should clarify grey areas open to interpretation that may impact hunters/trappers such as land management, changes to private property rights, and creation of public footpaths.
2. It is absolutely unacceptable that the NEP enables the government to decide unilaterally on the hunting/trapping of “farmland birds” migrating over the Maltese islands. Therefore, the FKNK expects the corresponding references to be removed.
3. It is equally unacceptable that the Policy makes it possible for the government to make unilateral decisions to limit/ban hunting/trapping based on an arbitrary evaluation of over-exploitation of species.
4. In order to live up to its declared aims, the NEP should state clearly and without equivocation that binding decisions on major issues will not be put into effect without the full agreement of all the stakeholders.
Lino Farrugia
Secretary General
FKNK’s Full Critique can be viewed on the link hereunder:
http://fknk.huntinginmalta.org.mt/uploads/90/769/NATIONAL_ENVIRONMENT_POLICY_Critique_of_FKNK_7_October_2011.pdf
FKNK "INSISTS" !!!!!!!! ....I hope they don't stop sending these, they brighten my day
FKNK critique of the Draft National Environment Policy
The Federation for Hunting & Conservation – Malta (FKNK) considers the draft National Environment Policy (NEP) as replete with generalizations and grey areas open to interpretation, and lacking directness and transparency.
In particular, the FKNK regards the insertion of the term “Status of farmland birds” as an attempt to further undermine the hunting and trapping traditions. The term has never been used before in a Maltese context, and has never featured in any major Maltese publication about birds. Any decision on ‘farmland birds’ is bound to affect the majority of the migratory birds that may legally be hunted/trapped in Malta, since they could all fit loosely within the category. The FKNK insists, therefore, on the removal of all references to so-called ‘farmland’ birds.
The FKNK concluded that:
1. For the sake of justice and transparency, the NEP should clarify grey areas open to interpretation that may impact hunters/trappers such as land management, changes to private property rights, and creation of public footpaths.
2. It is absolutely unacceptable that the NEP enables the government to decide unilaterally on the hunting/trapping of “farmland birds” migrating over the Maltese islands. Therefore, the FKNK expects the corresponding references to be removed.
3. It is equally unacceptable that the Policy makes it possible for the government to make unilateral decisions to limit/ban hunting/trapping based on an arbitrary evaluation of over-exploitation of species.
4. In order to live up to its declared aims, the NEP should state clearly and without equivocation that binding decisions on major issues will not be put into effect without the full agreement of all the stakeholders.
Lino Farrugia
Secretary General
FKNK’s Full Critique can be viewed on the link hereunder:
http://fknk.huntinginmalta.org.mt/uploads/90/769/NATIONAL_ENVIRONMENT_POLICY_Critique_of_FKNK_7_October_2011.pdf
ColD
Save the Egyptian Vulture in Greece
13 October statement I love (3) bless
FKNK
13 October 2011
MEP Questions Commission’s Approach towards Live-bird Capturing
Dr. John Attard Montalto MEP has tabled written questions at the European Parliament addressed to the Commission. The questions regard the Commission’s approach towards live-bird capturing.
There were no pre-EU accession negotiations regarding the autumn/winter live-capture of non-protected bird species, in particular the turtle dove, the quail, the golden plover and the song thrush, because such practice is not in contravention of the “Birds” Directive regulations, and therefore and citing Article 8 of the same Directive, there was never any need to apply a derogation for the continuance of the practise after Malta’s EU Membership.
However Malta still opted to derogate in order to permit this traditional practice.
On 16 June 2011, the Commission sent a Letter of Formal Notice to the Maltese Government, informing it that “the Commission considers that in the case of Maltese trapping derogations, not all the above-mentioned conditions (of derogation) have been met”.
Therefore Dr. Attard Montalto put the following three questions:
“1) Having kept silent for 7 years, what prompted the Commission to object now?
2) Other than the biased correspondence submitted by the anti-trapping and anti-hunting BirdLife Malta, shouldn’t the Commission have requested similar correspondence from other interested, affected parties, at the very least from its partner the Malta Government before commencing infringements procedures against Malta?
3) Is the Commission aware that this belatedly pathetic attempt to eradicate a deeply rooted socio-cultural Maltese tradition, at the behest of extremists, is having a live-threatening effect on up to 8,000 EU citizens (Maltese bird trappers and their suffering families), who regard this practice as a way of life they cannot do without, to the extent that there have been unexplained deaths?”
The Federation for Hunting & Conservation – Malta (FKNK) publicly thanks Dr. Attard Montalto, not just for this timely intervention, but also for his continuous support of the Maltese traditional socio-cultural passions of hunting and trapping.
Lino Farrugia
Secretary General
FKNK
13 October 2011
MEP Questions Commission’s Approach towards Live-bird Capturing
Dr. John Attard Montalto MEP has tabled written questions at the European Parliament addressed to the Commission. The questions regard the Commission’s approach towards live-bird capturing.
There were no pre-EU accession negotiations regarding the autumn/winter live-capture of non-protected bird species, in particular the turtle dove, the quail, the golden plover and the song thrush, because such practice is not in contravention of the “Birds” Directive regulations, and therefore and citing Article 8 of the same Directive, there was never any need to apply a derogation for the continuance of the practise after Malta’s EU Membership.
However Malta still opted to derogate in order to permit this traditional practice.
On 16 June 2011, the Commission sent a Letter of Formal Notice to the Maltese Government, informing it that “the Commission considers that in the case of Maltese trapping derogations, not all the above-mentioned conditions (of derogation) have been met”.
Therefore Dr. Attard Montalto put the following three questions:
“1) Having kept silent for 7 years, what prompted the Commission to object now?
2) Other than the biased correspondence submitted by the anti-trapping and anti-hunting BirdLife Malta, shouldn’t the Commission have requested similar correspondence from other interested, affected parties, at the very least from its partner the Malta Government before commencing infringements procedures against Malta?
3) Is the Commission aware that this belatedly pathetic attempt to eradicate a deeply rooted socio-cultural Maltese tradition, at the behest of extremists, is having a live-threatening effect on up to 8,000 EU citizens (Maltese bird trappers and their suffering families), who regard this practice as a way of life they cannot do without, to the extent that there have been unexplained deaths?”
The Federation for Hunting & Conservation – Malta (FKNK) publicly thanks Dr. Attard Montalto, not just for this timely intervention, but also for his continuous support of the Maltese traditional socio-cultural passions of hunting and trapping.
Lino Farrugia
Secretary General
MJB
Well-known member
Question 1 would be a disgrace to the worst of pub bores - even eight-year-olds usually have learnt not to antagonise the ruling body (Mum) before asking for sweets!
Question 2 sails full speed ahead into ad hominem territory - if you can't counter an argument, call your opponent names!
Question 3 suggests that coroners in Malta are in short supply. In any case, it should be "life-threatening effect". Could it be that the families are suffering because the adult male in the family is a bird trapper? (I'm guessing that there are few female bird trappers, perhaps none, in Malta).
Let's start a campaign for Joe Sultana to be awarded a knighthood for services to conservation - I wonder what effect that might have on the 'heads of families' amongst the 8000?
Oh, and my previous point, about socio-cultural traditions, are they in present-day contexts, good traditions or bad traditions?
MJB
ColD
Save the Egyptian Vulture in Greece
Latest from these ummmm !!!
I hope that its the same as here in Crete ...most of these are only here a short while through the winter so they have very limited time thankfully to hunt these species. I love para two, hard physical work !!!!! good job they do not haul fishing nets bless em !
FKNK
31 October 2011
Live-Capturing Open Season for the Song Thrush
Government has today announced the opening of the live-capture season for the song thrush as from tomorrow. This comes after weeks of unnecessary waiting for action that should have been taken over the past two years.
:-OThis eleventh hour announcement further indicates Government’s limited knowledge on the practical side of live-capturing that requires a lot of preparation on the trapping site which includes hard physical work and purchase of necessary expensive equipment that is essentially prepared months prior to the actual opening of the season. :-O
The media release also warned trappers about the 30mm sq minimum net mesh size that is permissible as indicated on the ‘Carnet de Chasse’ booklet. The same booklet also indicates that the trapping licence holder can live-capture the turtle dove, quail and golden plover besides the song thrush. However, Government has arbitrarily and with no scientific basis issued a policy document wherein it is stated that live-capture of the turtle dove and quail cannot be permitted. As for the golden plover, Government is now saying that it needs more studies.
The Federation for Hunting & Conservation – Malta (FKNK) has supplied both Government and the Malta Ornis Committee with all the necessary Studies, scientific Works, Papers, etc. that contain enough detail to satisfy Government’s requirements to be in a position to apply a derogation correctly. The FKNK consequently fails to understand Government’s hesitation in declaring open the season for the trapping of the golden plover that is only serving to unnecessarily deprive legal trappers of more precious hours/days from their normal legal season.
It has to be repeated that the Malta Ornis Committee had recommended an open live-capturing season for the turtle dove and the quail from 1st September to 31st October, and an open live-capturing season for the golden plover and the song thrush from 20th October to 10th January. Meanwhile, as from the 1st of September, the shooting season is open for all four species in a manner that these can be shot up to the end of January but, except for the song thrush, cannot be captured alive.
Finally the FKNK again appeals to government to imminently declare open a live-capturing season for the golden plover in everyone’s best interest and in the interest of what is fair and just.
Lino Farrugia
I hope that its the same as here in Crete ...most of these are only here a short while through the winter so they have very limited time thankfully to hunt these species. I love para two, hard physical work !!!!! good job they do not haul fishing nets bless em !
FKNK
31 October 2011
Live-Capturing Open Season for the Song Thrush
Government has today announced the opening of the live-capture season for the song thrush as from tomorrow. This comes after weeks of unnecessary waiting for action that should have been taken over the past two years.
:-OThis eleventh hour announcement further indicates Government’s limited knowledge on the practical side of live-capturing that requires a lot of preparation on the trapping site which includes hard physical work and purchase of necessary expensive equipment that is essentially prepared months prior to the actual opening of the season. :-O
The media release also warned trappers about the 30mm sq minimum net mesh size that is permissible as indicated on the ‘Carnet de Chasse’ booklet. The same booklet also indicates that the trapping licence holder can live-capture the turtle dove, quail and golden plover besides the song thrush. However, Government has arbitrarily and with no scientific basis issued a policy document wherein it is stated that live-capture of the turtle dove and quail cannot be permitted. As for the golden plover, Government is now saying that it needs more studies.
The Federation for Hunting & Conservation – Malta (FKNK) has supplied both Government and the Malta Ornis Committee with all the necessary Studies, scientific Works, Papers, etc. that contain enough detail to satisfy Government’s requirements to be in a position to apply a derogation correctly. The FKNK consequently fails to understand Government’s hesitation in declaring open the season for the trapping of the golden plover that is only serving to unnecessarily deprive legal trappers of more precious hours/days from their normal legal season.
It has to be repeated that the Malta Ornis Committee had recommended an open live-capturing season for the turtle dove and the quail from 1st September to 31st October, and an open live-capturing season for the golden plover and the song thrush from 20th October to 10th January. Meanwhile, as from the 1st of September, the shooting season is open for all four species in a manner that these can be shot up to the end of January but, except for the song thrush, cannot be captured alive.
Finally the FKNK again appeals to government to imminently declare open a live-capturing season for the golden plover in everyone’s best interest and in the interest of what is fair and just.
Lino Farrugia
Irish Kite
Well-known member
If Lino ever gets tired of slaughtering song birds - he has has a potentially lucrative career ahead of him as a comedian or a cheap floor covering in a hostel kitchen:king:
ColD
Save the Egyptian Vulture in Greece
:t::-O:-O:-O:-O:-O
Johny121
Birds
Hi guys, interesting thread. Currently writing my dissertation on this subject, quite saddened by the song thrush news of yester.
Anyway!! I'm sorry if this has been shown already but ..
http://www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/2...trapping-ban-resulted-in-‘unexplained-deaths’
Desperate vote grabber or what?!
Anyway!! I'm sorry if this has been shown already but ..
http://www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/2...trapping-ban-resulted-in-‘unexplained-deaths’
Desperate vote grabber or what?!
Kev23
Woodlarks DO exist...
I'd go so far as to suggest he has, at the very most, one parent only...
ColD
Save the Egyptian Vulture in Greece
He's (Lino)at it again !!!
Taking his ball home again :-O:-O
FKNK
Government’s Refusal to Open the Golden Plover Trapping Season
Government’s refusal to open the Trapping Season for the Golden Plover this autumn/winter is simply and totally illogical and insensible.
Following last Monday’s Press Conference by the Federation for Hunting & Conservation – Malta (FKNK) which addressed this issue, officials from the Federation carried out further talks with personnel from the Office of the Prime Minister. The FKNK was again informed that Government was still unsure about the conservation status of the species in question and this has prevented Government from opening this year’s trapping (live-capturing) season as it has always done and as was already recommended by the Malta Ornis Committee.
The fact that this species is hunted and killed in several other member states at this same Autumn/Winter, and simultaneously Malta is hesitating to allow the live-capture of a relatively negligible number, renders this situation totally illogical and completely insensible to trappers’ sufferings.
Since the FKNK has already supplied Government with the necessary scientific studies, dossiers and documents, and also since it is still in time, the FKNK yet again appeals to Government to immediately and correctly apply a derogation and open the trapping season for the golden plover together with that of the song thrush. Government has to heed the warnings and clear indicators offered by the Commission such that both application as well as eventual justification will be in order and respect the Directive’s strict requirements. The lack of clear and direct action so far by Government to make good its promises and written declarations to trappers is evident in this state of affairs wherein these species can be killed but not captured alive.
As an initial measure, the FKNK has already suspended its participation from the scientific Study commissioned by Government which should have commenced in the forthcoming days. The FKNK believes that it is only appropriate that certain structures are respected and not used by Government for its convenience – The FKNK here specifically refers to the Malta Ornis Committee. Hence and in this regard, and also since the Committee’s recommendations to Government have been ignored on a regular basis, as the second step, the FKNK is, with immediate effect also suspending its participation on the Malta Ornis Committee, until this farcical situation, whereby a species can be shot and killed but not captured alive, is resolved and Government decides to apply a correct derogation.
Lino Farrugia
Secretary General
Taking his ball home again :-O:-O
FKNK
Government’s Refusal to Open the Golden Plover Trapping Season
Government’s refusal to open the Trapping Season for the Golden Plover this autumn/winter is simply and totally illogical and insensible.
Following last Monday’s Press Conference by the Federation for Hunting & Conservation – Malta (FKNK) which addressed this issue, officials from the Federation carried out further talks with personnel from the Office of the Prime Minister. The FKNK was again informed that Government was still unsure about the conservation status of the species in question and this has prevented Government from opening this year’s trapping (live-capturing) season as it has always done and as was already recommended by the Malta Ornis Committee.
The fact that this species is hunted and killed in several other member states at this same Autumn/Winter, and simultaneously Malta is hesitating to allow the live-capture of a relatively negligible number, renders this situation totally illogical and completely insensible to trappers’ sufferings.
Since the FKNK has already supplied Government with the necessary scientific studies, dossiers and documents, and also since it is still in time, the FKNK yet again appeals to Government to immediately and correctly apply a derogation and open the trapping season for the golden plover together with that of the song thrush. Government has to heed the warnings and clear indicators offered by the Commission such that both application as well as eventual justification will be in order and respect the Directive’s strict requirements. The lack of clear and direct action so far by Government to make good its promises and written declarations to trappers is evident in this state of affairs wherein these species can be killed but not captured alive.
As an initial measure, the FKNK has already suspended its participation from the scientific Study commissioned by Government which should have commenced in the forthcoming days. The FKNK believes that it is only appropriate that certain structures are respected and not used by Government for its convenience – The FKNK here specifically refers to the Malta Ornis Committee. Hence and in this regard, and also since the Committee’s recommendations to Government have been ignored on a regular basis, as the second step, the FKNK is, with immediate effect also suspending its participation on the Malta Ornis Committee, until this farcical situation, whereby a species can be shot and killed but not captured alive, is resolved and Government decides to apply a correct derogation.
Lino Farrugia
Secretary General
MJB
Well-known member
That's assumimg he's got any! (Sung to the tune of Colonel Bogey).:t::-O:-O:-O
MJB
PS I concur that 'insensible' has the same meaning as 'senseless', but only if the person is unconscious...|=o||=o||=o|
ColD
Save the Egyptian Vulture in Greece
This has to be the Christmas special !!
o
FKNK
10 December 2011
Government’s Consultant on Trapping
Whoever has been chosen by Government as its consultant on matters concerning bird trapping (live-bird capturing) matters must have a personal anti-trapping agenda.
Advice, which has definitely led government to refrain from opening this autumn’s trapping season for the turtle dove and the quail in an arbitrary manner and with no scientific basis or justification. Advice, which has probably also instigated Government’s decision not to open this autumn’s trapping season for the golden plover, yet again on a lame illogical excuse based on sub-species identification since the same criterion was not applied to the hunting (shooting/killing) of the same specimen both locally as well as in several other Member States. The same irrational situation applies to the turtle dove and the quail.
It would be futile for the Federation for Hunting & Conservation – Malta (FKNK) to ask Government to reveal the identity of its “advisor”, however, the FKNK would be in its full right to ask Government to consult the genuine advice, also through the numerous Reports, scientific Studies and other documentation, given by the FKNK on behalf of its thousands of trapper-members who are always the only ones on the receiving end of incorrect application of derogations and subsequent government decisions. The same trappers who can only see this government’s decision not to open the trapping season this year for the first year since time immemorial as a capricious excuse.
The Maltese government also tried insinuating that the reason for not opening this season was due to the legal proceedings initiated by the Commission against Malta last June for the incorrect application of derogations to permit this practice each year throughout the seven consecutive years since Malta’s EU Membership.
The Commission’s early warning (since 2009) and offer of assistance for the application of correct derogations have now been clearly explained in the EU Environment Commissioner’s reply to a European Parliament question that had been raised by Maltese MEP Dr. John Attard Montalto (Reply). The FKNK, would like, once again, to thank Dr. Attard Montalto for his continuous assistance in hunting and trapping matters.
Earlier today, a local daily newspaper published on-line its’ at times incorrect, at others twisted interpretation of the Commissioner’s Reply, which Reply is a ‘copy-paste’ from a letter the same Commissioner sent to the FKNK on the 25th September 2011, which letter was also quoted in a Press Conference addressed by the FKNK on the 21st November 2011. As can be understood in the Reply, whilst confirming that other countries DO apply derogations to permit trapping, Mr. Potocnik DID NOT refer to any legal action that the Commission was planning to institute against a number of Member States over trapping, but that such action would be taken against those countries that apply derogations INCORRECTLY.
Another false statement is that “According to EU rules, trapping had to be completely outlawed in Malta by the end of 2008..”. The facts are that live-finch trapping had to be suspended by the end of 2008 pending Studies which had to be undertaken by the Malta Ornis Committee which would determine how many finches could eventually be caught from the wild to sustain genetic-diversity in captive kept finches. NOTHING was negotiated or agreed upon with reference to birds that could also be legally shot and killed, as in the case of the scenario at present.
The reporter is also not correct when he writes that “..in 2008, the government decided to apply a derogation allowing the trapping of four bird species (turtle dove, quail, golden plover and song thrush).” The government had in fact applied such derogation every autumn since Malta’s EU Membership in 2004 and ever since up to 2010. The problem was that on the seven consecutive occasions the derogation was applied in an incorrect manner (in conjunction with four years – 2004 to 2007 – of the application of other incorrect derogations to permit spring hunting and trapping). 11 derogations regarding hunting and trapping applied incorrectly!
Finally, the FKNK solemnly promises its continuous commitment to its trapper-members, confirming that every effort will be made so that live-bird capturing, not just for species that may also be legally shot and killed, but more importantly as regards the socio-cultural tradition of live-finch capturing, will be re-established in our islands on a solid and legal foundation within the boundaries of sustainability and wise use of renewable natural resources and within the parameters and in full respect of EU Nature Directives.
Lino Farrugia
Secretary General
o
FKNK
10 December 2011
Government’s Consultant on Trapping
Whoever has been chosen by Government as its consultant on matters concerning bird trapping (live-bird capturing) matters must have a personal anti-trapping agenda.
Advice, which has definitely led government to refrain from opening this autumn’s trapping season for the turtle dove and the quail in an arbitrary manner and with no scientific basis or justification. Advice, which has probably also instigated Government’s decision not to open this autumn’s trapping season for the golden plover, yet again on a lame illogical excuse based on sub-species identification since the same criterion was not applied to the hunting (shooting/killing) of the same specimen both locally as well as in several other Member States. The same irrational situation applies to the turtle dove and the quail.
It would be futile for the Federation for Hunting & Conservation – Malta (FKNK) to ask Government to reveal the identity of its “advisor”, however, the FKNK would be in its full right to ask Government to consult the genuine advice, also through the numerous Reports, scientific Studies and other documentation, given by the FKNK on behalf of its thousands of trapper-members who are always the only ones on the receiving end of incorrect application of derogations and subsequent government decisions. The same trappers who can only see this government’s decision not to open the trapping season this year for the first year since time immemorial as a capricious excuse.
The Maltese government also tried insinuating that the reason for not opening this season was due to the legal proceedings initiated by the Commission against Malta last June for the incorrect application of derogations to permit this practice each year throughout the seven consecutive years since Malta’s EU Membership.
The Commission’s early warning (since 2009) and offer of assistance for the application of correct derogations have now been clearly explained in the EU Environment Commissioner’s reply to a European Parliament question that had been raised by Maltese MEP Dr. John Attard Montalto (Reply). The FKNK, would like, once again, to thank Dr. Attard Montalto for his continuous assistance in hunting and trapping matters.
Earlier today, a local daily newspaper published on-line its’ at times incorrect, at others twisted interpretation of the Commissioner’s Reply, which Reply is a ‘copy-paste’ from a letter the same Commissioner sent to the FKNK on the 25th September 2011, which letter was also quoted in a Press Conference addressed by the FKNK on the 21st November 2011. As can be understood in the Reply, whilst confirming that other countries DO apply derogations to permit trapping, Mr. Potocnik DID NOT refer to any legal action that the Commission was planning to institute against a number of Member States over trapping, but that such action would be taken against those countries that apply derogations INCORRECTLY.
Another false statement is that “According to EU rules, trapping had to be completely outlawed in Malta by the end of 2008..”. The facts are that live-finch trapping had to be suspended by the end of 2008 pending Studies which had to be undertaken by the Malta Ornis Committee which would determine how many finches could eventually be caught from the wild to sustain genetic-diversity in captive kept finches. NOTHING was negotiated or agreed upon with reference to birds that could also be legally shot and killed, as in the case of the scenario at present.
The reporter is also not correct when he writes that “..in 2008, the government decided to apply a derogation allowing the trapping of four bird species (turtle dove, quail, golden plover and song thrush).” The government had in fact applied such derogation every autumn since Malta’s EU Membership in 2004 and ever since up to 2010. The problem was that on the seven consecutive occasions the derogation was applied in an incorrect manner (in conjunction with four years – 2004 to 2007 – of the application of other incorrect derogations to permit spring hunting and trapping). 11 derogations regarding hunting and trapping applied incorrectly!
Finally, the FKNK solemnly promises its continuous commitment to its trapper-members, confirming that every effort will be made so that live-bird capturing, not just for species that may also be legally shot and killed, but more importantly as regards the socio-cultural tradition of live-finch capturing, will be re-established in our islands on a solid and legal foundation within the boundaries of sustainability and wise use of renewable natural resources and within the parameters and in full respect of EU Nature Directives.
Lino Farrugia
Secretary General
Irish Kite
Well-known member
http://www.wildlifeextra.com/go/news/malta-bird-arrest.html
I'm in the mood for murder after reading this:C
I'm in the mood for murder after reading this:C
ColD
Save the Egyptian Vulture in Greece
Evaluation of BirdLife Malta’s EU LIFE+ Project on Bird Migration and Trapping
The Federation for Hunting & Conservation – Malta (FKNK) which also stands for the rights of its thousands of trapper-members besides the hunters, was adequately informed that with Malta’s EU Membership both local traditional hunting, but especially live-finch capturing (colloquially referred to as trapping) practices would have to change. Therefore now, the FKNK cannot ignore “BirdLife Malta’s EU LIFE+ Project on Bird Migration and Trapping” Final 10-page Report, also because the same unchallenged Report has been unfairly used by the EU Commission to commence infringements procedures against Malta by means of its Letter of Formal Notice last June, which in turn has lead Malta to unjustly not permit the live-capture of the otherwise legally huntable species turtle dove, quail and golden plover last autumn for the first time in living memory, based on totally illogical grounds.
In January of 2009 on the approval of the Maltese Government, BirdLife Malta (BLM) together with the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (UK) and Media Today (Malta), and in consultation with the Malta Environment and Planning Authority (MEPA) embarked on a thirty-month EU LIFE+ Project, which has cost the European taxpayer €375,000.
BLM’s ultimate aim was the total eradication of a Maltese indigenous socio-cultural way-of-life, the passion of live-finch capturing. To reach this final objective the Project’s stakeholders, both local and foreign, disregarded one crucial issue, the human element – the thousands of Maltese trappers. The same Maltese trappers, who, prior to casting their Yes vote for Malta’s EU Membership were continuously being reassured by all relative authorities that the future of their passion was not simply being pledged with EU Membership, but that it would thrive. Even though the EU may have had other interpretations in respect of these assurances, it never transmitted different versions to the Maltese people, thus demonstrating tacit agreement to the information being supplied at the time.
The Report findings are supported by scant, at times uncorroborated evidence. The FKNK further considers certain malicious declarations and false inaccurate statements made in the Report aimed to negatively affect the very lives of trappers as very serious. The only two positive points raised in the Report are that BLM themselves admit that trapping forms part of Maltese tradition and culture.
The FKNK has now prepared an Evaluation Report based on just facts regarding the BLM Project, which Report has been circulated to the Maltese Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition, the EU Environment Commissioner and the Head of EU Unit of LIFE Nature (DG ENV E3).
FKNK’s detailed Report can be viewed here: Evaluation.IF YOU WOULD LIKE THE REPORT FROM FKNK PM ME I WILL FORWARD IT, THERE ARE TOO MANY PICTURES AND LINKS TO ADD HERE....ColD
Lino Farrugia
Secretary General
The Federation for Hunting & Conservation – Malta (FKNK) which also stands for the rights of its thousands of trapper-members besides the hunters, was adequately informed that with Malta’s EU Membership both local traditional hunting, but especially live-finch capturing (colloquially referred to as trapping) practices would have to change. Therefore now, the FKNK cannot ignore “BirdLife Malta’s EU LIFE+ Project on Bird Migration and Trapping” Final 10-page Report, also because the same unchallenged Report has been unfairly used by the EU Commission to commence infringements procedures against Malta by means of its Letter of Formal Notice last June, which in turn has lead Malta to unjustly not permit the live-capture of the otherwise legally huntable species turtle dove, quail and golden plover last autumn for the first time in living memory, based on totally illogical grounds.
In January of 2009 on the approval of the Maltese Government, BirdLife Malta (BLM) together with the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (UK) and Media Today (Malta), and in consultation with the Malta Environment and Planning Authority (MEPA) embarked on a thirty-month EU LIFE+ Project, which has cost the European taxpayer €375,000.
BLM’s ultimate aim was the total eradication of a Maltese indigenous socio-cultural way-of-life, the passion of live-finch capturing. To reach this final objective the Project’s stakeholders, both local and foreign, disregarded one crucial issue, the human element – the thousands of Maltese trappers. The same Maltese trappers, who, prior to casting their Yes vote for Malta’s EU Membership were continuously being reassured by all relative authorities that the future of their passion was not simply being pledged with EU Membership, but that it would thrive. Even though the EU may have had other interpretations in respect of these assurances, it never transmitted different versions to the Maltese people, thus demonstrating tacit agreement to the information being supplied at the time.
The Report findings are supported by scant, at times uncorroborated evidence. The FKNK further considers certain malicious declarations and false inaccurate statements made in the Report aimed to negatively affect the very lives of trappers as very serious. The only two positive points raised in the Report are that BLM themselves admit that trapping forms part of Maltese tradition and culture.
The FKNK has now prepared an Evaluation Report based on just facts regarding the BLM Project, which Report has been circulated to the Maltese Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition, the EU Environment Commissioner and the Head of EU Unit of LIFE Nature (DG ENV E3).
FKNK’s detailed Report can be viewed here: Evaluation.IF YOU WOULD LIKE THE REPORT FROM FKNK PM ME I WILL FORWARD IT, THERE ARE TOO MANY PICTURES AND LINKS TO ADD HERE....ColD
Lino Farrugia
Secretary General
ColD
Save the Egyptian Vulture in Greece
Now they knock the ringers !!!
FKNK insists on correct application of Derogations for Trapping
1 March 2012
The Federation for Hunting & Conservation – Malta (FKNK) notes the discussions that ensued in Parliament on Tuesday between Environment Minister Mario Demarco, Nationalist MP Franco Debono and Labour MP Anthony Aguis Decelis, regarding live-bird trapping, in particular to traditional live-finch trapping.
Dr. Demarco should be informed that the FKNK has supplied numerous proposals and documentation to the Office of the Prime Minister and also to the Malta Ornis Committee regarding the continuation of traditional live-finch trapping by application of a correct derogation under the EU “Birds” Directive. Some of the proposals, dating from 2008, also included bird-ringing as is being proposed by Dr. Demarco today, and which proposals apparently Dr. Debono is also backing. To date, however, FKNK’s proposals have always fallen on deaf ears, also because BirdLife Malta would have nothing to do with them. BirdLife Malta’s odd 18-licenced bird-ringers of course would never accept to lose their monopoly of the local bird-ringing scheme, a scheme that is entrusted to national history museums in other European countries, except for Malta that is.
Regarding Dr. Debono’s suggestion that the establishment of viable finch populations should also be looked into, in 2010, the FKNK worked intensively, together with scientists and biologists from the University of Malta, on an EU Life+ project intended to precisely establish a local viable finch population. However, unlike BirdLife Malta’s Stop-Trapping Life+ project, which cost the European taxpayer something in the region of Euro 375,000, FKNK’s project was rejected. It has also been reported that Dr. Debono mentioned his initiative of the Barn Owl re-introduction. In 2010, the FKNK had again lodged another Life+ project which included such re-introduction, however like FKNK’s finches’ project this was also not accepted. Also, apparently, Dr. Debono failed to mention that the FKNK were main stakeholders, even supplying stock of breeding birds, in the barn owl project he mentions. Dr. Debono should have added that this project seems to have come to a complete halt only due to a continuous string of obstacles and objections emanating from MEPA’s representatives..
Furthermore, the European Union did not warn Malta not to permit trapping this autumn, but said that trapping may be permissible by the application of correct derogations. If the European Union is correct in its assumptions, then, with regards to hunting and trapping derogations, last autumn, with the derogation for song thrush trapping, Malta would have incorrectly applied derogation for the twelfth successive time.
Finally, with regards to trapping, the FKNK is not interested in screening or equivocal methodologies to try to permit trapping. These have been tried and failed. The FKNK will insist that the correct derogations are applied that meticulously take into account the parameters of Article 9 of the Directive. Only in this manner can traditional trapping be reinstated in a format that is acceptable to the Commission and as guaranteed to the trappers prior to Malta’s EU Membership, and simultaneously, at the time, tacitly endorsed by the EU.
Lino Farrugia
Secretary General
FKNK insists on correct application of Derogations for Trapping
1 March 2012
The Federation for Hunting & Conservation – Malta (FKNK) notes the discussions that ensued in Parliament on Tuesday between Environment Minister Mario Demarco, Nationalist MP Franco Debono and Labour MP Anthony Aguis Decelis, regarding live-bird trapping, in particular to traditional live-finch trapping.
Dr. Demarco should be informed that the FKNK has supplied numerous proposals and documentation to the Office of the Prime Minister and also to the Malta Ornis Committee regarding the continuation of traditional live-finch trapping by application of a correct derogation under the EU “Birds” Directive. Some of the proposals, dating from 2008, also included bird-ringing as is being proposed by Dr. Demarco today, and which proposals apparently Dr. Debono is also backing. To date, however, FKNK’s proposals have always fallen on deaf ears, also because BirdLife Malta would have nothing to do with them. BirdLife Malta’s odd 18-licenced bird-ringers of course would never accept to lose their monopoly of the local bird-ringing scheme, a scheme that is entrusted to national history museums in other European countries, except for Malta that is.
Regarding Dr. Debono’s suggestion that the establishment of viable finch populations should also be looked into, in 2010, the FKNK worked intensively, together with scientists and biologists from the University of Malta, on an EU Life+ project intended to precisely establish a local viable finch population. However, unlike BirdLife Malta’s Stop-Trapping Life+ project, which cost the European taxpayer something in the region of Euro 375,000, FKNK’s project was rejected. It has also been reported that Dr. Debono mentioned his initiative of the Barn Owl re-introduction. In 2010, the FKNK had again lodged another Life+ project which included such re-introduction, however like FKNK’s finches’ project this was also not accepted. Also, apparently, Dr. Debono failed to mention that the FKNK were main stakeholders, even supplying stock of breeding birds, in the barn owl project he mentions. Dr. Debono should have added that this project seems to have come to a complete halt only due to a continuous string of obstacles and objections emanating from MEPA’s representatives..
Furthermore, the European Union did not warn Malta not to permit trapping this autumn, but said that trapping may be permissible by the application of correct derogations. If the European Union is correct in its assumptions, then, with regards to hunting and trapping derogations, last autumn, with the derogation for song thrush trapping, Malta would have incorrectly applied derogation for the twelfth successive time.
Finally, with regards to trapping, the FKNK is not interested in screening or equivocal methodologies to try to permit trapping. These have been tried and failed. The FKNK will insist that the correct derogations are applied that meticulously take into account the parameters of Article 9 of the Directive. Only in this manner can traditional trapping be reinstated in a format that is acceptable to the Commission and as guaranteed to the trappers prior to Malta’s EU Membership, and simultaneously, at the time, tacitly endorsed by the EU.
Lino Farrugia
Secretary General
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