Members of the Coalition for the Abolition of Spring Hunting are holding a protest against bird hunting at the entrance of the Grand Hotel Excelsior.

The protest is directed at Environment Minister Leo Brincat, who has joined delegates from all over Europe for a European Conference about environmental legislation.

Those taking part, about 40 people, are holding placards and banners calling for an end to spring hunting in Malta. One of the placards read 'Stop the Slaughter' while another said 'Dead birds can't breed'.

A spokesman said that in two months, 10,000 signatures had been collected for the Campaign's petition for a referendum to ban Spring hunting - just under a third of the number needed. He said the target was achievable, and the referendum could possibly be held on the same day as the European Parliament elections in May.

A spokesman for the campaign said the conference was meant to discuss environmental law enforcement, but it was a shame that illegal hunting would only be discussed in a workshop, averting the need for the minister to answer questions about Malta's problems.

Mr Brincat arrived at the hotel early and avoided the protest.

In a statement later, the Environment Ministry said Mr Brincat made no attempt to avoid the protest. He was scheduled to arrive early to meet the hosts of the conference, including the EU Director Generali for the Environment.