BirdLife Malta (BLM) has unveiled a new citizen-driven campaign aimed at exposing and preventing the illegal trapping of protected bird species in Malta and Gozo, challenging what it describes as the government’s misuse of “research” as a cover for continued trapping practices.
The campaign seeks to empower the public with resources to identify and report illegal trapping sites, promoting community engagement in the protection of vulnerable species.
This activism effort follows a European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruling from last September that found Malta in violation of the EU Birds Directive. Despite the court’s ruling, the Maltese government has continued to authorize finch trapping, labeling it as a “citizen science” initiative. The government’s derogation permits over 3,000 licensed trappers to capture finches under the pretext of research, although BirdLife Malta estimates that last year alone over 51,400 finches were captured, with many birds illegally retained by trappers.
“Most people are appalled by the idea of a wild bird trapped in a small cage in the name of tradition, let alone under a research pretext that has been declared illegal,” said BirdLife Malta CEO Mark Sultana. “True citizen engagement should protect these birds from illegal capture.”
To aid in monitoring and reporting, BirdLife Malta has mapped all licensed trapping sites across Malta and Gozo on Google Maps, allowing citizens to easily check which sites are legally registered. This initiative allows the public to assist in monitoring the thousands of trapping sites across the islands.
BLM has provided the following steps for citizens to get involved:
1. Access the Map: A Google Map of all licensed trapping sites is available, allowing citizens to verify locations and report unlicensed operations.
2. Identify Unpermitted Sites: Using GPS, users can check if a site is legally permitted. If nets are visible at unlisted sites, the location likely represents illegal trapping activity. Photos and coordinates can be recorded for reporting.
3. Observe Finch Rings: Only birds with a seamless, closed ring fitted early in life can legally be kept. Nets observed with unmarked finches being kept instead of released indicate illegal activity. Citizens are encouraged to take photos, videos, and note coordinates.
4. Report Unattended Nets: Exposed or unattended nets can trap and harm other wildlife, including snakes, hedgehogs, and birds. Any sightings of unattended nets should be reported with photographic evidence and location details.
5. File Reports Promptly: Any evidence gathered can be reported to the authorities through the following channels:
โขPolice (Malta): 119 (request the Environmental Protection Unit)
โขPolice (Gozo): 21562040
โขBirdLife Malta: via Facebook Messenger, email (info@birdlifemalta.org), or phone at 21347645 (office hours) or 79255697 (outside office hours).
The campaign emphasises that by following these five steps, citizens can play a critical role in ensuring safer migration routes for finches and contribute to greater transparency in conservation efforts across the islands. With trapping season open until 20th December, tens of thousands more finches could face illegal capture unless action is taken.
BirdLife Malta is calling for widespread public participation to increase awareness and accountability. The organisation encourages everyone to join the #CitizensAGAINSTtrapping movement, stand in defense of Maltese wildlife, and follow campaign updates over the coming weeks.
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