This regulatory change is…

This regulatory change is long overdue as we have watched this incredibly destructive bird increase rapidly in population over the last several decades with little to no population control in many areas, and no natural predation. The damage already done to certain areas may be irreversible, such as the small islands located on one of our favourite fishing lakes that no longer has a single living tree because they became cormorant habitat. Considering the immense damage to these waterfront habitats, destruction of other waterfowl habitat, the damage to the fishery, and the current population of the species in Ontario, it is time that an active population control mechanism is put into place.

I would suggest that even a licensed hunting season as proposed will not likely have an influence on the population in certain areas because the vast majority of waterfowl hunters will simply not target this species to eat, and therefore, will not represent a significant impact.

We are very much in support of this proposed regulatory change and I applaud the Ministry for finally making efforts to bring about such change.