The Environment and Rural Affairs Ministry said yesterday it should soon be announcing a number of amendments to the 2006 regulations regarding the conservation of wild birds. In a press release issued last night, the ministry said that these amendments result from recommendations made by the minister himself to the Ornis Committee.

These amendments fall under particular sections:

The first focuses on birds taken directly from EU member states and which fall under the Wild Birds Directive.

The second focuses on the size of nets used for trapping songbirds. Presently the size of the nets is determined by the measurement of the width and length. The amendment will provide for a particular size for the area of the nets, irrespective of the width or length.

The last amendment regards permission being given for the hunting of ducks and geese from land. The ministry said that hunting will still be deemed illegal from the listed protected beaches, and the distance from roads and residential zones must be respected.

The ministry said the government will keep on enforcing regulations and will not tolerate any abuse from hunters.