Malta’s Wild Birds Deserve More Than Political Games And Loopholes
Il-kaċċa, the hunting of wild birds, is legal in Malta and will likely remain so for the foreseeable future. But while laws exist on paper, enforcement is practically non-existent. The hunting lobby is so powerful that both government and opposition appear to bend to its will, allowing it to influence laws and punishments alike.
Scientists, conservationists, and NGOs have long flagged this reality, but they have been largely ignored. The result is a lose-lose scenario. Bird populations have dropped drastically, and even hunters are now complaining that there are fewer birds to hunt. So how can anyone claim the system is working?
Let’s start with spring hunting. The idea that birds should be legally shot during their nesting season, a time when they are meant to be protected, is absurd. Yet this continues to happen under EU derogations pushed by both PN and PL governments. It is unsustainable and short-sighted.
Then there is the ORNIS Committee, the body tasked with advising on hunting and bird protection. In theory, it should provide scientific guidance based on data. In practice, it too often leans towards the hunting lobby’s interests rather than conservation. Its deliberations are closed off to the public, and its recommendations cannot be appealed. The final call is made by the minister. It is a system ripe for abuse, with laws quietly weakened through legal loopholes and notice amendments.
Case in point: the committee recently voted in favour of slashing penalties for illegal hunting. Only BirdLife Malta voted against. The proposal, brought forward by the hunting federation, seeks to reduce penalties for first-time offenders, at a time when enforcement is already weak.
The bird ringing scheme is no better. Malta has used the excuse of scientific research to bypass EU bans on trapping finches, but even EURING, Europe’s bird-ringing authority, says the programme lacks credibility. No qualified researchers are involved, and there have been cases of unauthorised ringing by individuals linked to hunting groups. The European Court of Justice ruled the practice illegal last year, yet Malta reopened the season anyway, triggering yet another EU infringement procedure.
Then there is hunting at sea, where enforcement is practically non-existent. Although hunters are currently restricted to three kilometres offshore, there are now proposals to cut that to one kilometre, allowing easier access to coastal creeks where birds seek shelter. Other suggestions include boosting firepower on boats and scrapping speed limits.
Another overlooked issue is public access to land. Barriers, walls and “private property” signs often block public paths, especially in places like Dingli Cliffs. It is hard for people to enjoy the countryside without risking confrontation or worse.
As trust in the state dwindles, the public is stepping in. Volunteer groups such as the Malta Ranger Unit are doing the work government should be doing. They are educating the public, documenting illegalities, and helping build court cases. They are doing this on limited resources, while government turns a blind eye.
Momentum believes it is time to flip the script. Malta needs bold, effective policies to protect what is left of its wild spaces, not more lip service.
We support:
- A major increase in government rangers to enforce environmental laws
- A total revamp of the ORNIS Committee, with public consultation and a legal right to appeal its decisions
- GPS tracking on marine hunting vessels, so authorities can actually monitor activity
- New laws requiring landowners to publicly display ownership documentation and the creation of a verified, accessible register of footpaths and rights of way
Wild birds are a national treasure, not political collateral. Hunters have their legal rights, yes. But the state has a duty to protect wildlife and enforce the law for everyone’s benefit. And every citizen has the power to demand better.
Natasha Azzopardi is a member of the executive committee of Momentum. For more, visit partitmomentum.org.