Funding seeks to control cormorant population

[Steve Arend]

Funding seeks to control cormorant population

By Chris Engle, Editorial Assistant

GAYLORD - Legislation recently passed through the U.S. House of Representatives is appropriating $300,000 toward the control of the double-crested cormorant population in Michigan and Ohio. This comes as good news for both anglers and fisheries management groups who have noticed a decline in game fish populations coinciding with a booming cormorant flock.

“Fishermen and outdoor enthusiasts know the double-crested cormorant has caused severe damage to fish populations,†U.S. Congressman Bart Stupak, D-Menominee, said in a news release. “This funding will help our region continue efforts to address this problem.â€

Such funding will allow wildlife and fisheries management groups such as the Dept. of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Fish and Wildlife Service to step up population control measures already under way in areas where massive cormorant flocks breed and nest. Though some lethal methods of control are being used conservatively, the double-crested cormorant's federal endangered species protection status limits these measures while allowing non-lethal methods, reported Dave Borgeson with the DNR fisheries department.

Funding seeks to control cormorant population

[GLF]

I would be more than happy to help out with the control issue, and I would not charge a $.01

[RiverRat]

open the season on them durning Duck season We will Take care of the problem, they do come in to you decoy spread.