Hello, I have read…

Numéro du REO

013-4124

Identifiant (ID) du commentaire

12615

Commentaire fait au nom

Individual

Statut du commentaire

Commentaire

Hello,
I have read through the proposed Double Crested cormorant hunting plan and have several concerns. I am indeed a supporter of sustainable hunting, but this proposal does not seem to be sustainable at all. First, the proposed cormorant hunting season spans the entirety of the breeding season, and hunting activities will likely disrupt much breeding activity and prevent the birds from replenishing hunted numbers. In addition to this, many other seabirds, such as gulls and terns, share breeding grounds with Double Crested cormorants and may also be disturbed by hunting activities even though they are not being directly targeted. My second concern involves the number of birds allowed to be hunted. A 50 per day limit and zero possession limit seems incredibly high, and given the above mentioned breeding disruption, I cannot see how this is sustainable.
I am not against the concept of a cormorant hunting season, but if one were to be implemented I would like to see the season shortened to allow the birds to breed, and a lower daily limit.
If the province continues to push for the plan as it is outlined, I would like to see some scientific research conducted by an agency not affiliated with the province or any hunting and fishing organization to prove that the plan is indeed sustainable. Additionally, the proposal states that the concerns over cormorants' impact on fishing quality have been raised by the fishing industry and property owners. I would like to see scientific research proving this claim before the proposed plan comes into effect.