ADPD, the Green Party, and BirdLife have condemned the recently announced decision by the Ornis Committee to open Spring Hunting Season on April 13th. The decision will once again allow the hunting of turtle-dove and quail, despite mounting scientific evidence indicating that both species—particularly the turtle-dove—are in decline across Europe.
In a strongly worded statement, BirdLife Malta accused the Ornis Committee of “caving to political pressure” and ignoring clear scientific data. The organisation referred to Article 12 of the Birds Directive, which requires Member States, including Malta, to monitor and report on the conservation status and population trends of bird species, including the turtle-dove.
According to BirdLife Malta, this data should have triggered the application of the precautionary principle and led to a decision not to open the spring hunting season. Instead, the committee rejected a proposal to reinstate a moratorium on hunting the species, with four votes against, one in favour (BirdLife Malta), and the Environment and Resources Authority abstaining.
BirdLife Malta CEO Mark Sultana criticised the authority’s position, stating that ERA’s abstention “once again shows the weak spine of the authority in safeguarding our natural resources when faced with political will.”
The organisation also raised concerns about the decision-making process itself, noting that key documentation was circulated only hours before the meeting, casting doubt on transparency and proper scrutiny.
ADPD further warned that the regulatory framework surrounding the hunting season remains weak. While hunters are nominally subject to quotas and reporting obligations, there appears to be no effective mechanism to independently verify declared catches.
The party also raised concerns about the lack of safeguards to protect non-target and protected species, warning that the decision risks breaching Malta’s obligations under European law.
BirdLife Malta went further, warning that Malta may soon “look back and realise the grave mistake and illegality it is committing” by allowing turtle-doves to be hunted in spring.
Feature photo of injured turtle dove by Bird Life.
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