In response to the proposed…

In response to the proposed establishment of a hunting season for Double-crested Cormorants, ERO Number 013-4124, I am against the proposition.

I do not believe a province-wide culling of this species is a smart move, especially by the public. The timeframe in which this season is proposed encompasses the entirety of the open water season which is when the public uses the areas where the hunting would take place for recreational activities such as swimming, fishing and boating. This would create unnecessary dangers to all users of the waterbodies especially during the summer months. I myself am a hunter and know that while most members of the hunting community use sound judgment and would never intentionally harm another person while practicing their sport, accidents do happen and certainly will happen if this proposal goes through.

This proposal is based on the thought that there are too many Double-crested Cormorants and these increased numbers are damaging fish populations. In the Description of policy it states that Cormorant populations decreased dramatically in the 1950's to 1970's but have since risen in the 2000's and have now stabilized or slightly decreased. This means that at best we are slightly below the carrying capacity and at worst are at the carrying capacity for these birds. The populations are currently at the natural size, a size in which the fish have lived with for as long as there has been Cormorants, The number of Cormorants is not doing to much damage to fish populations, they are helping keep fish populations in check just like they should be. The reason it seems the Cormorant population is so high is due to the fact that we as a society are used to the numbers we had from the 1950's to now, a number that was significantly lower than what it should be.

Now to address the problem of damage to properties and possible species at risk habitat. This is a valid concern but the answer should not be too allow anyone with a valid small game licence to kill 50 a day and dispose of them how they please. Research should be done to find ways to minimize damage done to these areas instead of taking the easy way out, that is exactly the mindset that has destroyed countless species populations throughout the world. Now if there really is no other way to deter the Cormorants from these areas then perhaps less extreme measures of culling can be taken; such as the creation of limited employment opportunities within the MNRF in which extermination only of Double-crested Cormorants that are damaging important habitat is the main goal.

In conclusion I believe a provincewide public Culling of this species is both dangerous and irresponsible.