MALTA:THE TRADITIONAL spring hunt for wild quails and turtle doves in Malta could be outlawed following a ruling by the European Court of Justice (ECJ) in a case pitting hunters against conservationists on the popular tourist island.
Europe's highest court issued an injunction yesterday to prevent Malta from causing "irrevocable and significant damage" to Europe's environment.
The interim injunction prevents Malta from passing legislation to allow the hunting of quails and doves this spring while the court considers a related case that could lead to a permanent ban.
Since joining the EU in 2004, Malta has argued it negotiated a derogation from existing EU bird-protection rules that prevent the hunting of migratory bird species during their breeding season.
It has also argued that there are not enough wild birds to hunt during the autumn when hunting is allowed under EU rules.
The European Commission initiated legal proceedings against Malta, arguing that spring hunting was having a devastating impact on the population of quail and turtle doves, which return from Africa to breeding grounds in Europe at this time of year.
Before the main case is heard by the ECJ, the commission applied to the court to block the Maltese from opening a new spring hunting season this year.
The court ruling on the interim measures yesterday said it appeared necessary to order Malta to refrain from adopting any measures that would allow the hunting of quails and doves during the spring migration.
EU environment commissioner Stavros Dimas welcomed the judgment, which he said emphasised the importance of protecting the EU's natural heritage.
Birdlife Malta, which made the original compliant against Malta to the commission, also welcomed the ruling.