Environment: Hunters win battle against aquatic environment protection association

The Association for the Defence of Aquatic Environments (DMA) questioned the order issued by the prefect setting the opening and closing dates for hunting for the 2023-2024 season for sedentary game and not prohibiting the hunting of birds in the immediate vicinity and within special protection zones (SPAs) and areas of community importance for the conservation of birds (ZICOs).

Hunters in the Gironde Estuary and the Arcachon Basin were particularly affected. The DMA requested that the decree be annulled, arguing that the text violated the 2009 Birds Directive and the 1992 Habitats Directive.

"The deterioration of natural habitats is demonstrated by the net loss of salt meadows [...] the disruption of hunting significantly affecting the 21 protected bird species present in the Arcachon basin."

ZICOs are sites of major interest that support populations of wild birds considered to be of European Community importance. They were designated under the Birds Directive and served as the basis for the creation of the Natura 2000 network's SPAs.

"It was a case of dismantling hunting in Gironde," rages Henri Sabarot.