Proposal to establish a…

Proposal to establish a hunting season for double-crested cormorants in Ontario

Where is this misguided proposal coming from? Your opening statement provides all the necessary information to abandon this crazy proposal: “the latest information indicating Great Lakes populations have since stabilized or declined slightly.”

The only justification (and I use that term loosely) for this proposal is: “ concerns expressed by some groups (commercial fishing industry, property owners) and individuals that cormorants have been detrimental to fish populations, island forest habitats, other species and aesthetics.” I then looked to the supporting documents and did not find any material, scientific or otherwise, to support the premise that Cormorants were detrimental to fish populations or island forest habitat.

“…the Ministry will implement a cormorant monitoring program to assess population status and trends.” Looks like you are putting the cart AFTER the horse. Do the science first and if Cormorant colonies are a significant problem come up with site specific solutions. Don’t start with a blanket, province wide, season long, unmonitored(because that is what it will be) murder spree that requires legislative changes to make cormorants a game species that must include a special compensation to allow the meat to spoil.

If the Province wants to protect game fish species you can start with the following three recommendations:
Ban the use of live bait
Ban the use of depth/fish finders
Ban the use of down riggers

I enjoy the great outdoors like many in Northern Ontario. My enjoyment does not require the wanton killing of this persecuted species.