I am a University Professor…

I am a University Professor and teach Biodiversity Science and Conservation. I am aware of the Cormorant population in this proposal. I am writing to say that I find the proposal to be unacceptable from a scientific, social and moral perspective.

Scientifically, the Cormorant population has already begun to self-regulate through density-dependent feedback loops, and is not a threat to the ecosystem but a member of it. Shooting the bird brings it below the natural carrying capacity and therefore encourages the same inherent population growth that led to its current size.

Socially, this proposal encourages a misunderstanding in society that culls are needed to manage wildlife. Second, it encourages a misunderstanding that humans have dominion over all other life. Third, it encourages an outmoded perspective that killing of life is fun. From the extermination of the passenger pigeon through the decimation of bison, the concept that killing for fun is socially acceptable has justified actions that today we recognize as unacceptable. In short, this proposal encourages a backward step in society's growth to understand our relationship with wildlife.

Morally, this is a sentient animal and therefore deserving of a life without undue pain and suffering. Harassment by hunters displacing it from feeding and breeding grounds; wounding and death by shock, blood loss, drowning; abandonment of dependent offspring; loss of mates; and so forth are cruel and morally unacceptable actions and should not be promoted and not allowed in Ontario.