I have hunted and fished the…

I have hunted and fished the Bruce Peninsula and it's surrounding waters for the last 45 years. We know cormorants eat copious amounts of small fish, many of which are the sports fish bass, perch and walleye. They also target the bait fish that are the main food source for Salmon and Trout, both of which have experienced reduced populations and size (not all due to the cormorants). The game fish in the small inlets, bays, streams and inland lakes have significantly diminished in the last 10 years or so. These have been the fishing grounds of the cormorants. Lots of cormorants equals no fish. Another issue with cormorants is the total degradation of the area where they nest. Every plant/tree in the area is dead due to their fecal droppings. Thirdly they are a black ugly bird which serves no useful purpose and are not fit to eat.
Many sports fishermen and cottagers have been requesting that the cormorants be classified as a nuisance bird and an all out hunting season be established. The birds impact on fish and trees is also a detriment to the tourist industry that caters to fishermen.
The generous hunting seasons and bag limits for these birds as proposed by the MNRF are welcome news and will go along way to eliminate the negative impact of these birds.
I have utilized some fishing camps in the North Bay and Manitoulin areas and they have expressed the same problems regarding cormorants.
I firmly support what the MNRF is proposing to deal with these birds.
Thank you, a concerned outdoorsman.