At January’s MD DNR Black Bass Advisory Committee meeting, members voiced concerns about the voracious fish-eating habits of cormorants and requested the Department seek approval from US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) for aggressive cormorant removal.
Cormorant populations have surged since the 1990s, raising concerns about effects on local ecosystems, aquaculture, and other bird species. Cormorants consume large quantities of fish of various sizes and species, leading to conflicts with recreational and commercial fishing. They’ve made fish stocking impractical, leading to calls for management interventions.
Studies haven’t been conducted since the 1990s. MD Tidal Bass Manager Ryan Gary says more data needs to be gathered to provide a reason to reduce cormorant populations. Without recent data, the impact of cormorants or what they’re eating is uncertain. He said permits are required for non-lethal and lethal methods. There are no active DNR permits.
There are exceptions. Maryland contractors have an open permit to protect infrastructure on bridges and other structures by oiling eggs, removing nests, or utilizing devices to create loud noises to scare them off. Limited lethal taking is also an option, determined by USFWS.
Cormorants create a food source imbalance impacting many species. Nesting areas can force other birds out. They also lead to the destruction of shoreline trees and vegetation and subsequent rapid shoreline erosion. Cormorant guano, a college word for poop, kills vegetation. Native populations are increasing rapidly, enhanced by migratory cormorants leading to more breeding pairs in colonies ranging from several to a few thousand pairs.
For the MD DNR to move forward, a diet study would need to be completed to identify the quantity and species of fish on the cormorant diet. Ryan suggested a working group, with water bird management experience, would need to be established.
As more state natural resource agencies report fish and habitat losses and consider cormorant predation to be a fisheries management issue, it’s possible an effective action based on science can be developed. At the upcoming American Fish and Wildlife Service meeting, Ryan will see how other state managers are dealing with the cormorant impact on the northeast US. He’ll also research depredation permit requirements and requesting federal funding for a diet study.
Brendan Delbos, Virginia State Hatchery Superintendent says the primary cormorant issue is fish predation at the State’s nine hatcheries. To protect hatcheries, they place bird netting over raceways and tanks to keep birds out. However, this doesn’t work well with large ponds. As with MD, VA’s hands are tied since cormorants are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. VA has not yet pursued federal permits to dispatch them.
Many anglers haven’t paid attention to cormorants; however, they are beginning to take notice as they see them diving into schools of fish and bait. Some are pointing to a perceived impact on their fishing success. Understanding the ecological and economic impacts of cormorants is an integral part of developing comprehensive management plans.
Author Capt. Steve Chaconas is Potomac bass fishing guide & freelance writer. Potomac River reports: www,nationalbass.com. YouTube video channel NationalBassGuide.
