228 apply for hunting or trapping licence

The Malta Environment and Planning Authority is including a section on environmental statistics with its planning data which it publishes regularly.

During October, the Nature Protection Unit Inspectorate tested 228 persons applying for a hunting or trapping licence on their knowledge of the relevant hunting and trapping regulations and for their ability to identify bird species in accordance with the Protection of Birds and Wild Rabbit Regulations, 1993.

During the month, the inspectorate issued 18 such permits and the NPU Inspectorate also processed 49 applications to import or export flora and fauna specimens or parts and derivatives.

The NPU Inspectorate received 26 reports and requests for assistance following complaints regarding infringements.

A total of 41 inspections were carried out in response to these reports and also to ensure compliance with wildlife trade regulations.

Meanwhile, Mepa said that in October it determined 444 applications and received 712 new applications. The net pending caseload at the end of that month was 3,599.

During October the authority processed 74 notifications of development, which according to the Development Notification Order 2001 do not require a formal application.

In October, 74 stop and enforcement notices were issued, 59 in Malta and 15 in Gozo.

During the same month 44 enforcement cases were sanctioned.

Another 15 cases were resolved since owners decided to remove illegal development following enforcement action, while another nine cases were withdrawn by Mepa.

Five direct actions were carried out by MEPA during October.