S.L. 549.152 Art. 1Citation and scope.

(1) The title of these regulations is the Conservation of Wild Birds (Declaration on a Derogation for an Autumn 2022 Live-capturing Season for Song Thrush and Golden Plover) Regulations.

(2) For the purpose of these regulations and within the meaning of Article 9 of Directive 2009/147/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 November 2009 on the conservation of wild birds, hereinafter referred to as the "Birds Directive", given that, in Malta, Golden Plovers and Song Thrushes neither breed in the wild nor in captivity, the Minister is hereby ascertaining the absence of another satisfactory solution for the acquisition of live specimens of these two species other than by means of live-capturing using clap-nets, in small numbers, and insofar as it is absolutely necessary to replenish the limited stock of live-birds in captivity for use as live-decoys during open hunting seasons.

(3) For the purpose of these regulations and within the meaning of Article 9 of the Birds Directive, the Minister took into consideration the favourable conservation status of the Golden Plover and Song Thrush at both the European ("Stable" and "Moderate Increase" respectively) and EU levels ("Secure"), and also took into * consideration their IUCN classification as "Least Concern" .