Enforcement of species protection legislation and ancillary legislation that involves the control of species
Regulations enforced
- Council Regulation (EC) No 338/97 on the protection of species of wild fauna and flora by regulating trade therein and ancillary EU Regulations thereto
- Commission Regulation (EC) No 865/2006 laying down detailed rules concerning the implementation of Council Regulation (EC) No 338/97 on the protection of species of wild fauna and flora by regulating trade therein
- Trade in Species of Fauna and Flora Regulations (S.L. 549.38)
- Importation of Skins of Certain Seal Pups and Derived Products Regulations (S.L. 549.20)
- Flora, Fauna and Natural Habitats Regulations (S.L. 549.44) (in relation to those provisions regulating species exploitation)
- Reptiles Protection Regulations (S.L. 549.02)
- Marine Mammals Protection Regulations (S.L. 549.35)
- Regulation (EU) No 1143/2014 on the prevention and management of the introduction and spread of invasive alien species (in relation to those provisions regulating the keeping, and trade of fauna & flora) and ancillary EU Regulations
- Control of Invasive Alien Species of European Union Concern Regulations (S.L. 549.119) (in relation to those provisions regulating the keeping, and trade of Invasive Alien fauna & flora)
- Protection of Wild Rabbit Regulations (S.L. 549.90)
- Species Protection (designation of national species) Regulations (S.L.549.120)
- Deliberate Release into the Environment of Genetically Modified Organisms Regulations (S.L. 549.60)
- Contained use of Genetically Modified Micro-Organisms Regulations (S.L. 549.49)
Major roles
- Guiding the public and other regulated bodies on matters pertaining to regulatory control of protected species, Invasive Alien Species (IAS) and Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)
- Screening all applications for the movement of specimens of wild fauna and flora from within the EU a priori
- Effecting controls at points of entry on species and derivatives thereof originating from within the EU and third countries; points of sale; zoos; exhibitions; and private residences to determine the legitimacy or otherwise of the specimens
- Carrying out investigations into reported illegal wildlife trafficking, taking, acquiring, or exploitation cases
- Ensuring compliance with respect to provisions regulating the possession, use, trade, accidental and deliberate release of IAS and GMOs
- Assisting other law enforcement agencies, for example, the Malta Police Force; the Department of Customs; and the Armed Forces of Malta, by providing expert identification of species; determining their legal status; effecting or recommending seizures; securing evidence; drafting of criminal charges; and acting as ex parte court experts in the criminal court
- Following up on Court decisions including drafting of notices of appeal and liaising with the office of the Attorney General
- Taking administrative legal action by issuing administrative fines and representing the Authority during Environment and Planning Review Tribunal sittings
- Compiling data on infringements, seizures and controls to honour international reporting obligations
- Maintaining abreast on developments in the field of enforcement of species protection legislation by participating in internationally and locally organised meetings and workshops
