ADPD slams ERA for 'bowing their heads' to hunters lobby

ADPD- The Green Party, criticized the Environment and Resource Authority (ERA) for abstaining from voting against the opening of the spring hunting season. 

In a statement, the party said that the opening of the season goes against our international responsibilities, European laws, and against the interests of Maltese people and our environment. 

“The ERA refrained from taking a clear position in favour of our ecosystem, which is ours to protect, and abstained from voting against the opening of the hunting season," ADPD spokesperson Mark Zerafa said.

The ADPD pointed out that there is a fixed quota of birds which can be caught during the season and hunters are obligated to report their trappings. However, there does not seem to be any plans to create a mechanism to verify the number of trappings being reported.

On Monday, Minister for Gozo Clint Camilleri confirmed that the hunting season for turtle doves and quail birds will begin on 13 April and will remain open until 3 May, wishing a “happy season to all.”

Zerafa added that ERA ignored studies presented by Birdlife Malta, which prove that turtle doves and quail are a vulnerable species with the excuse that it still requires further scrutiny at a European level. 

The studies show confirms a continued decline in the population of the turtle dove, reinforcing concerns raised since the moratorium on hunting the species was lifted. 

“We should work together to protect the natural heritage which belongs to us all,” said the party in their statement.