Ornithologists, conservationists and bird lovers met today during an international seminar organised by LIFE+ information Project on Bird Migration and Trapping in Valletta to discuss ways for Maltese trappers to continue enjoying birds without harming wild populations or the natural countryside where they live.

“Trapping has been practiced in Malta for many years, when birds were plentiful and alternative options to trapping not readily available. Times have changed and birds and their habitats are decreasing and under threat in the EU and worldwide.” said Joe Sultana, an ex-trapper who have become one of Malta’s most renowned ornithologist and scientific bird ringers.

Trapping is not permitted in the EU under the Birds Directive. When Malta joined the EU a 5 year phasing out period for the trapping of seven finch species was negotiated. This period ended in December 2008 and this year the finch trapping season did not open, in line with the Accession Treaty agreement and the Birds Directive.

During the seminar hope was expressed that Malta’s natural environment could slowly recover, aided by trappers redirecting their love for birds into actions that do not threaten the populations and habitats of wild birds.

“The central Mediterranean is an important wintering area for finches, and several finch species also breed on central Mediterranean Italian islands like Lampedusa and Pantelleria.” said Professor Bruno Massa, ornithologist from the University of Palermo. “Stopping trapping in Malta will benefit over wintering populations and also allow some of the finch species to re-establish breeding populations over time.”

Geoffrey Saliba, BirdLife Malta’s Campaigns Coordinator, explained that the project was raising awareness of the importance of birds and the environment to our lives and in particular how Malta forms an essential feeding and resting place for migrating birds. “The project is seeking to understand how trappers feel about the changes and to help them enjoy alternative activities which will enable them to enjoy birds while respecting both the law and the environment.”

Addressing the audience during the Seminar in Valletta Mr. Jaak Aerts, a Belgian ex-trapper who stopped trapping when it was prohibited in Belgium said: “Most trappers are bird lovers, so when trapping was banned in Belgium many trappers, understanding the reasons why, took up captive bird breeding instead. Many also participated in national or international cage bird competitions. These hobbies allowed us to maintain our passion for birds even after the bird trapping ban. I think many Maltese trappers could also find these hobbies fulfilling now that finch trapping is not permitted in Malta.”

Other speakers at the international seminar included Mr. Patrick Wegerdt for the EU Environment Directorate, who explained the EU Birds Directive requirements and Inspector Miruzzi from the ALE who described the methods and policies for enforcing the nature protection laws in Malta.

Panicos Panayides, representative of the Cypriot Game Fund, explained that illegal trappers in Cyprus are highly organised, communicating the presence of law enforcers using mobile phones, a problem also faced locally.

RSPB (BirdLife in the UK) Head of Investigations in Scotland Bob Elliot, spoke of the support NGOs can give to law enforcement authorities through assisting with evidence collection and providing expertise in court cases.

The LIFE+ Project on Bird Migration and Trapping will continue to engage trappers in dialogue to further disseminate information and to take feedback on possible alternative activities from trappers on board.

Photo: All the seven finch species trapped by Maltese trappers can be bred in captivity. This will allow trappers to maintain their passion for song birds without taking birds from the wild. Photo by G. Bonnett