Conservationists attack 'spineless' decision to open spring hunting season

Updated 11.39

The Gozo Ministry has announced the start of the spring hunting season for quails and turtle doves, as BirdLife condemns Ornis Committee members for bowing to “political pressure” in recommending the season opening.

The hunting of quails will be permitted from April 13, and turtle doves from April 20, with both extending until May 3.

Hunting is only permitted from two hours before sunrise until noon on all days of the season, the Gozo Ministry said in a statement.

While no individual quotas are in place, only 2,400 quails and 1,500 turtle doves may be hunted nationwide, the ministry said.

The announcement follows legal notices establishing the hunting season.

Hunters are obliged to report any successful hunts immediately, while those returning from a hunt empty-handed must also report their activities, the ministry noted.

Further information may be found in the hunting ‘special licence’, it said.

ERA 'cowardice'

In a statement following the announcement, conservation NGO BirdLife Malta said it “strongly condemns” the decision to open the hunting season, which followed a recommendation to that effect from the government Ornis Committee yesterday.

Data presented by the NGO at the meeting, showing a downward trend in the turtle dove population, was rejected by the Wild Birds Regulation Unit (WBRU) on grounds the findings required further vetting at an EU level, the group said.

“BirdLife Malta strongly rebutted this argument, emphasising that the data is nonetheless highly indicative and, in line with the precautionary principle, should have led to a decision not to open a spring hunting season for turtle dove this year,” it said.

The NGO shared photos of injured turtle doves shot by hunters last year. Photo: BirdLife Malta.

The NGO slammed the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) for abstaining on a committee vote to suspend the hunting season, which was shot down by four to one. Only BirdLife Malta – which tabled the motion – voted in favour.

BirdLife Malta CEO Mark Sultana said ERA’s abstention showed the “weak spine of the authority in safeguarding our natural resources when faced with political will to do otherwise”.

He said that “while ERA did not agree with opening a season, it still chose to remain on the fence - a position that reflects cowardice at a time when courage to protect nature is so urgently needed”.

The NGO expressed its concern that key reports and documentation were provided to committee members “only a few hours before the meeting commenced, raising serious questions about transparency, due process, and respect for informed decision-making".

BirdLife Malta was the only committee member to vote against opening the season.

“This latest decision underscores a troubling pattern within the Ornis Committee, where political considerations continue to outweigh scientific evidence, to the detriment of Malta’s natural heritage,” the group said.

“BirdLife Malta reiterates its call for decisions concerning wildlife to be guided by science, transparency, and the precautionary principle, particularly when dealing with species in clear decline”.