This is a reckless attempt…

This is a reckless attempt to control a population of non-game birds which certain self-interest groups and individuals are concerned about. There is no scientific evidence which even suggests that this species is a significant threat to the commercial and sport fishing industry in Ontario or for that matter all of North America. The success of this species is partially due to improvements in the environment and the introduction of invasive species, such as the Round Goby and Alwife, which they have adapted to feed on.

Passing of this proposal would be a environmental travesty and would cause serious damage to an important component of our current established ecosystem, which has evolved over the last 50 to 60 years.

This proposal is nothing but free ticket for an uncontrolled slaughter of a native species. This slaughter would disrupt the current balance in the ecosystem. As these birds are not eaten, of no commercial value, and are not game birds the slaughter will result in the addition of tens of thousands, if not hundreds of thousands of bird carcasses into the water which is the source of millions of Ontarians and our neighbours on the Great Lakes. In addition to the carcasses themselves, there will a significant risk of outbreaks of disease such as avian botulism, as the carcasses rot in the anaerobic environment at the bottom of our water ways. These outbreaks will pose a significant risk to all aquatic life in Ontario including desireable game birds such as ducks and geese and other species protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918.

This proposal does not address the impact the additional volume of non-lead shot being added to the environment. The impact of this additional heavy metal contamination is not understood and has not been thoroughly investigated.

In addition to the above concerns there is also the risk that this whole sale slaughter would have on other more "desireable" and protected wildlife.

This proposal is ill conceived and based on rumour and hearsay and not on scientific fact. Not only does it threaten our sensitive natural environment it threatens the health and safety of all of our citizens as well as the citizens of our neighbouring provinces and the U.S.

There are many other proven methods for managing wildlife and if a threat from overpopulation is scientifically proven, these other less risky methods should be implemented rather than a whole sale uncontrolled slaughter of a species.