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BirdLife has urged the European Commission to put an end to finch trapping, condemning the practice as undemocratic and unethical. This contentious issue has been ongoing, with the European Commission previously issuing warnings to countries like Malta and Spain for breaching EU laws on bird conservation. The European Court of Justice Advocate General has recently weighed in, issuing an opinion that Malta’s derogation allowing live capture of finches breaches the Birds Directive of the European Union.
BirdLife Malta has welcomed this development, calling on the government to refrain from opening another trapping season until the final judgment is delivered. The organization estimates that around 51,400 finches were taken from the wild during the 2023 season alone, highlighting the urgent need for action. Finch trapping has been a long-standing issue, with the European Commission previously taking Spain to task for its failure to comply with EU regulations.
Despite an initial ban in 2009, Spain had continued to allow finch trapping under certain quotas, leading to the capture of over 1.7 million birds by 2018. The Commission ultimately realized that the aims of the Birds Directive were being thwarted by these extensions and initiated infringement proceedings. As the debate continues, BirdLife remains steadfast in its opposition to finch trapping, emphasizing the need for science and respect for nature to guide decision-making, rather than political gain.
With the European Court of Justice set to deliver its final ruling, all eyes are on Malta and other countries to ensure they comply with EU laws protecting wild birds. The outcome of this case will have significant implications for bird conservation and the enforcement of EU environmental laws. BirdLife’s campaign to end finch trapping is part of a broader effort to safeguard the natural world and promote sustainable practices that prioritize the well-being of both humans and wildlife.
