The EBR/ERO posting contains…

The EBR/ERO posting contains the following statements:

"There continues to be 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. To respond to these concerns, the Ministry is proposing to create a hunting season for double-crested cormorants in Ontario."

To paraphrase, someone complained so a widespread cull has been initiated. There is no presentation of any analysis of the ecology or population dynamics of this species. There is no reference to ANY data that may serve to validate any of the various claims made be self-interest groups. There is no analysis of the potential efficacy, or adverse impact, that the hunt may have on the target or non-target species. There is no analysis or discussion of the generally poor efficacy of culls as a means to control wildlife populations. In other words, there is no reliable evidence that there is in fact a problem, nor is there any proven merit that the proposed hunt would effectively solve the unproven problems.

Overall, the proposed hunt is CLEARLY and COMPLETLY lacking in any thought and is completely without justification. While this would not be a surprise as a knee-jerk proposal from an ill-informed politician, the fact that this proposal is proffered through an agency that has an obligation to apply good science and make evidence-based decisions is gravely concerning. As a taxpayer, I expect that all government agencies do their job properly and objectively. I hope that at some level the MNRF invokes good science and retracts this proposal, or at minimum conducts a sound analysis of the issue before any thoughts of moving forward.