I've worked as a wildlife…

I've worked as a wildlife biologist in Ontario since the mid-1990s and have carried out research and recovery projects for a large number of species in a number of habitats. For my work I am expected to follow the best available science in order to cause little or no harm to wildlife and to ensure that appropriate management activities are put in place. The current Proposal to establish a hunting season for double-crested cormorants in Ontario is not based on science, would set a terrible precedent, would be a poor example to those living within Ontario, shows a lack of respect for wildlife, could harm non-target species, would cause significant suffering to animals (including young birds orphaned in the nest), and goes against all similar legislation designed for native wildlife management and/or conservation. The proposal not only ignores the available information about current populations (reaching a plateau, or already on the decline) but uses anecdotal information to push for significant and disturbing changes to the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act. Legislation already exists to protect the most at-risk areas where issues may arise, this proposal is unnecessary. This proposal appears to have been drafted due to unsubstantiated fear from people with no scientific background. The proposal defies common sense and sounds more like it was written by a lobbyist than a scientist. In 2019, such an inappropriate proposal should never have reached this stage. I will defer to Bird Studies Canada to provide additional information within the attached link.