Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1543507
GozoToday is a weekly newspaper focused primarily on Gozo. It hopes to serve as a source of information on business, culture, entertainment and of course current affairs. Gozo has a special charm about it but it is also a bustling Island with an identity of its own. GozoToday is published every Friday and is available to numerous outlets in Gozo and on the ferries that carry so many visitors to Gozo from Malta and beyond. GozoToday MediaToday Co. Ltd, Vjal ir-Rihan San Gwann SGN 9016 ASSISTANT EDITOR: LAURA CALLEJA Tel: (356) 21 382741-3, 21 382745-6 Website: www.maltatoday.com.mt E-mail: lcalleja@mediatoday.com.mt 3 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 27 FEBRUARY 2026 NEWS Poacher caught trapping finches in Gozo, police confiscate nets and cages A suspected poacher was appre- hended by members of the Mal- ta Ranger Unit (MRU) on the coast near Għasri, Gozo, after being caught setting up illegal bird-trapping equipment de- spite the closed season. According to the MRU, the in- cident occurred as bird migra- tion begins to pick up across the Maltese Islands. The bird-trap- ping season has been closed for the past month, with any poten- tial reopening not expected be- fore late autumn. Rangers said they observed an individual preparing a trapping site shortly after arriving in the area. The suspect allegedly at- tempted to conceal his identity by wearing a balaclava. Howev- er, the Rangers documented the scene and gathered sufficient evidence to enable identifica- tion. The Malta Police Force were alerted and officers responded to the site shortly afterwards. Authorities confiscated one set of clap nets and five cages containing various species of finches. The NGO stated that several of the birds, which did not carry identification rings indicating captive breeding, showed visible injuries. Some were reportedly bloodied, ap- parently after attempting to es- cape from the confined cages. Wild-caught birds are particu- larly susceptible to stress and injury when kept in small enclo- sures, conservationists warn. The case has reignited debate over enforcement capacity in Gozo, which currently does not have a dedicated Environmen- tal Protection Unit (EPU). The MRU called on Environment Minister Miriam Dalli and Gozo Minister Clint Camilleri to strengthen environmental policing on the island. In a statement, the NGO ques- tioned how many similar inci- dents may go undetected and urged authorities to establish a permanent EPU presence in Gozo to deter illegal trapping. Investigations by police are ongoing. Three roads completed in Gozo, works continue on fourth project THREE roads in Gozo have been completed, while con- struction continues on a fourth, as part of ongoing in- frastructure works across resi- dential and rural areas. The completed roads are Triq Ras in-Newwiela in Sannat, and Triq Wied Juno and Triq Għajn Abdul in Kerċem. Work is currently underway on Triq Ta' Spiteri in Kerċem. The projects followed the re- placement of water mains in parts of Triq Seguna and Triq Ras in-Newwiela in Sannat by the Water Services Corpora- tion. After the utility works were completed, the affected sections were resurfaced. In addition, extensive re- construction was carried out on secondary roads linking Kerċem and Santa Luċija with San Lawrenz. The overall Kerċem project spans 2.7 kilo- metres and covers approxi- mately 18,000 square metres. The developments form part of an investment programme funded through European funds, aimed at improving ac- cess for residents and the ag- ricultural sector. The works enhance connectivity for 57 farmers, improve access to 92 agricultural plots, and support mobility for agricultural vehi- cles and essential services. Authorities said the pro- gramme will continue with the objective of completing 100 residential roads within three years. Rangers said they observed an individual preparing a trapping site shortly after arriving in the area (Photo: MRU/Facebook) The completed roads are Triq Ras in-Newwiela in Sannat, and Triq Wied Juno and Triq Ghajn Abdul in Kercem. Work is currently underway on Triq Ta' Spiteri in Kercem