I am writing because I have…

I am writing because I have grave concerns about all aspects of the proposal to list the double-crested cormorant as a “Game Bird”. This proposed policy is based on beliefs and aesthetics, and an arbitrary dislike of the birds, rather than sound conservation science principles, which is really quite unreasonable. They eat fish - but so do Ospreys, Bald Eagles, Loons, etc., and no-one is proposing creating hunting opportunities to limit their numbers. Their feces affects the environment by killing trees in some small areas - yes, but there are many positive effects on the ecosystem created by the natural biodiversity that this fosters. These are a native species - one whose numbers are not out-of-control. They should be allowed to exist in peace, at least until there is strong scientific evidence to support a reasoned intervention.
Creating an open hunting season for double-crested cormorant from March 15 to December 31 effectively results in the birds being legally hunted all-year round, since they typically do not reside in Ontario during the winter months. This is unacceptable, as it encompasses even the breeding season, which really is a cruel and unethical practice - not to mention that it flies in the face of established sustainable conservation management practices. Allowing hunting during this time will affect not only these birds, but any bird that breeds and nests nearby.
Creating an exemption allowing small game licences to be valid for double-crested cormorant hunting in central and northern Ontario from June 16 to August 31 each year is dangerous - this is a time when birders, campers and boaters are on the lake, enjoying the all-too-short summer months. Allowing hunting from a stationary motorboat only further exacerbates the potential for hunting 'accidents.'
Establishing a bag limit of 50 cormorants/day with no possession limit is without scientific merit. It is a seemingly arbitrary high number, and would result in a very small number of individuals being able to decimate the populations in Ontario. Reclassifying the cormorant as a game bird seems dishonest at worst, and disingenuous at best – cormorants are largely considered inedible. Acknowledging this, the proposal includes adding a provision allowing meat to spoil.
I sincerely hope that cooler heads prevail and that this proposal is not permitted to go ahead. It is not reasonable and not warranted. Thank you for providing the venue for public feedback.