Answer given by Mr Vella on behalf of the European Commission

26.4.2019

Capture followed by sterilisation/neutering and release in the environment is a method that national competent authorities can consider in the context of management measures in application of Article 19 of Regulation (EU) No 1143/2014[1]. Such decision should be taken after consideration of the characteristics of each species in relation to the specific circumstances of the Member State, including the potential impact of sterilised species by predation, competition, transfer of diseases etc.

• [1] Regulation (EU) No 1143/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 October 2014 on the prevention and management of the introduction and spread of invasive alien species, OJ L 317, 4.11.2014, p. 35‐55.