AD reiterated its call for an immediate end to the spring derogation, which allows the hunting of a number of species in spring. This results in the illegal hunting of other species of birds.

The Green Party’s spokesman on the environment Mark Causon said: “The fact that commissioner Wallstrom has specifically drawn the attention of the Maltese authorities to the problem of weak enforcement of the existing legislation on the protection of birds shows that a lot has to be done to improve enforcement in this sector. The police should strengthen the Administrative Law Enforcement section. The government should increase the fines because the present minimum is not a deterrent.”

He also reiterated AD’s call for an end to hunting in spring.

“The Ornis committee is duty bound to report on the results achieved during the past months. The derogation on hunting in spring is not unconditional.

“It is becoming increasingly clear that due to the various violations of the law by irresponsible hunters, this derogation should be withdrawn immediately,” he concluded.