autumn 1990. Probably over 200,000 
Quails Coturnix cotumix were caught 
along 170 kilometres of shoreline 
during the 1990 season. In addition, 
over 1,000 birds of prey of 12 species 
were caught by a variety of 
sophisticated methods, plus about 
30,000 passerines; so-called non-target 
species. 
The ICBP team recommended 
recommend a law banning trade in 
birds of prey in Egypt: capture and 
killing birds of prey is already illegal. 
At present, it is impossible to take action 
against anyone selling wild-caught 
birds of prey in the markets. 
The team also proposed that the ban 
on Quail hunting in the Zaranik nature 
reserve area (about 17 kilometres of 
shoreline) be continued, and that it be 
coupled to ornithological and 
ecological research in the area. This 
proposal is both realistic and 
practicable, and would provide a 
cornerstone for future action in north 
Sinai. 
The results of the study have been 
published as ICBP Study Report 45. It 
includes maps, diagram.s and 
photographs, and is available (price £5 
including surface mail postage) from 
ICBP, 32 Cambridge Road, Girton, 
Cambridge CB3 OPJ, UK. 
Maltese hunting tours 
Following the banning of package 
holiday hunting tours to Egypt from 
Malta (Bull. 24: 20), one of the Maltese 
companies involved, Spinx Tours, has 
now sued the Malta Ornithological 
Society for £52,000 loss of income. The 
court froze the society's assets, and it 
was unable to pay its bills until it was 
lent £20,000 by the RSPB, following 
appeals from ICBP. We hear that Spinx 
Tours failed to show up at a recent 
court hearing, which may be a sign 
that they aregoingto relent. Meanwhile 
the Malta Ornithological Society 
desperately needs more funds. If you 
can help or want further information, 
please contact Georgina Green, ICBP, 
32 Cambridge Road, Girton, 
Cambridge CB3 OPJ, UK. 
Ramsar monitoring mission to visit 
Egyptian Wetland of international 
importance 
In October 1991, Cairo will host a 
meeting of the countries that have 
signed the Barcelona Convention for 
the Protection of the Mediterranean 
Sea Against Pollution. This includes a 
protocol on Mediterranean Specially 
Protected Areas. This has prompted 
the Deputy Secretary-General of the 
Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of 
International Importance, together 
with ICBP and WWF representatives, 
to visit both Egyptian Ramsar sites: 
Lake BuruUus in the Nile Delta and 
Lake Bardawil in north Sinai. They 
will investigate the ecological state of 
the sites which continue to be 
threatened by increasing pollution, 
drainage, land fill and fish farms. 
OSME News 
Thirteenth Annual General Meeting 
The thirteenth AGM was held on 20 July 1991, at the Natural History 
Museum, London. Over 80 people attended the meeting and were 
treated to an enjoyable programme of talks; enhanced by having speakers 
33 
