BirdLife Malta

Comino development: why the plans should be withdrawn

Comino is a small uninhabited island of 3.5 km2 located between Malta and Gozo. It is home to many species of birds. Unfortunately, Comino has become the centre of a debate between developers and environmentalists. The Comino Hotel project is at the heart of the debate. It threatens to destroy a fragile and protected ecosystem….
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Tackling accidental fisheries bycatch: A win-win operation

The Mediterranean coastline saw the beginning of civilisation and ever since its population never ceased to increase until our modern times. The inhabitants of the Mediterranean have a high demand of fish products, which was always a central element of its renowned cuisine. Fisheries have always been a source of livelihoods in this region, not…
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Maltese seabirds need ships to dim the lights

Light pollution from cargo ships disrupts the activity of breeding Yelkouan Shearwaters and may affect their breeding success, reports a study published in the Journal of Ornithology. Regulating light emission and shipping activity during the breeding season is required to mitigate the impacts on nocturnal seabirds, conclude the authors. Yelkouan Shearwaters (Garnija in Maltese) are…
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EU kicks off process to halt spring hunting in Malta

The European Commission has today taken new action against Malta following the Government’s decision last spring to reopen a spring hunting season for European Turtle-dove. Between 10th and 30th April 2022, the Government opened a spring hunting season for Quail and also for Turtle-dove, following the lifting of a moratorium thanks to which hunting for…
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