Ending finch trapping benefits conservation and biodiversity in Malta

In an attempt to justify a practice that has brought Malta before the European Court of Justice (ECJ) twice, Malta’s Federation for Hunting and Conservation recently published passionate views that distort the reality of finch trapping, writes Nicholas Barbara.

Nicholas Barbara is the Head of Conservation at BirdLife Malta.

In their article they portray it as a "deep socio-cultural tradition," but in reality, it is a deliberate capture (and killing) of protected birds. Their article is a last-ditch effort to preserve the practice ahead of the ECJ's impending verdict on September 19th. Here are the real facts:

Trapping as "research" was a failure The attempt to rebrand trapping as “research” has been a colossal failure. BirdLife Malta’s field observations during the 2023 autumn trapping season revealed that an estimated 51,400 finches were caught and not released just as a result of last year’s derogation. Bird trappers—many of whom are unwilling to adapt to research standards—were observed keeping birds rather than releasing them as mandated. This was evident from the minute the derogation was coined up and this is why this has been one of the quickest developing infringement cases Malta has seen being brought to justice on environmental matters.

Trapping is not an integral part of Malta’s identity Contrary to the Federation’s claims, finch trapping is neither integral nor widely practiced by its population who would rather see a finch free than caged. Malta stopped issuing new trapping licenses in 2009, except for a brief period in 2014. Today, there are about 3,500 licensed trappers—less than 1% of Malta’s population. The Federation seeks to inflate its own importance and membership base by using such terms.

High mortality and illegal trade Finch trapping results in high mortality rates, with many finches failing to survive from one season to the next, once their migration is cut short from crossing continents to a tiny cage. This mortality drives illegal finch smuggling from places like Sicily, where trappers source decoys ahead of trapping seasons to catch once more and replace those lost. Already this September, Malta’s Police have intercepted illegal finch trade ahead of the upcoming season. Far from being benign, this practice fuels both local and international illegal wildlife trade.

Impact on finch populations Malta lacks any established finch breeding populations seen on other Mediterranean islands, primarily due to the rampant trapping (and killing). If the ECJ ruling ends this practice, it could give these birds a fighting chance to reestablish themselves and strengthen Malta’s limited avian biodiversity.

The Federation concludes its article by asking: “What would the citizens of Europe gain from the ECJ’s abolition of live-finch trapping in Malta?” The question itself just shows how detached the federation is from conservation practices, despite its name bearing such a term. One can easily answer their question as follows:

A safe passage for birds: European finches protected by the Birds Directive would be able to migrate through Malta safely, without being trapped and caged for entertainment.

Reestablishment of bird populations: As a result, finches might over-winter in Malta and re-establish breeding populations. With only 19 regularly breeding bird species, Malta desperately needs this recovery.

Ecological restoration: The cessation of trapping would free thousands of hectares of land, particularly in Natura 2000 sites, from illegal netting and habitat destruction.

Reduced bycatch: Non-target bird species, as well as reptiles and mammals, frequently die as unintended victims in trapping nets. Their populations would benefit as well.

A blow to illegal smuggling: Ending the demand for live decoys would also weaken illegal wildlife smuggling from Sicily and South Italy, protecting bird populations there.

In the end, Malta’s political landscape has been dominated by this “tradition” for too long. Both major parties have bent their manifestos to appeal to trappers, trading votes for leniency. A decisive ECJ ruling would not only protect birds but also liberate Maltese politics from this long-standing saga. Perhaps then, we could dream of a Malta where linnets nest freely along our coastlines—a sight that many of us have never had the opportunity to enjoy.