Hunters' federation looking for derogation on short spring season

The Federation of Associations for Hunting and Conservation in the EU (FACE) and the Maltese Federation for Hunting and Conservation (FKNK) have reaffirmed their commitment for the promotion and defence of sustainable hunting of migratory birds, FKNK secretary general Lino Farrugia said yesterday.

Reacting to a letter sent to the Prime Minister by BirdLife Malta on Friday, urging the government not to open the next spring hunting season, Mr Farrugia said there was "a large number of ordinary and responsible people who were passionate about hunting but who felt threatened.

"The federation is committed to working on their behalf to find acceptable solutions within the law".

The derogation can be granted under the Birds Directive, which would make it possible for hunters to catch quail and turtle dove in small numbers and under strictly supervised conditions in spring by taking into account the particular bio-geographical and socio-cultural situation of Malta.

Mr Farrugia said the FKNK supported the Birds Directive and was looking for a strictly limited and controlled derogation to permit a short spring open season.

"The FKNK commits itself to strictly respect legislation regarding protected species and supports in particular the automatic withdrawal of the hunting permit in case of poaching," Mr Farrugia said.

"The FKNK does not tolerate illegal practices and expects the full support of the authorities. Change will not happen overnight but measures are urgently needed to stamp out the few remaining unlawful practices.

"The FKNK is totally committed to working within the parameters of the law and good conservation practice to find acceptable solutions," Mr Farrugia said.

FACE was offering its advice and the experience of its members to put together an effective system for the supervision and enforcement of such provisions, he said.