This proposal is problematic…

This proposal is problematic in many ways, listed below:
-There needs to be more science to address whether cormorant numbers are actually impacting numbers of economically important species. There is currently little, if any, science that supports this assertion. The need to decrease the number of cormorants is being driven by the emotions of people who do not understand the biology of this species.
-Many other species nest in the same areas as cormorants. Opening hunting of the cormorants, especially during the breeding season and within breeding areas, will cause major disturbances that are likely to result in breeding failure or mortality in species like black-crowned night heron, great egret, and great blue heron.
-Hunting without using the carcass is in effect a cull. Culls should be done in an ethical manner by professionals if the best available science dictates a need. This is not the case in this situation.
-Without being required to retrieve the carcasses, the hunt will be out of control, and likely done in an unsafe and unethical manner. Shooting will be done recklessly and with little care for bird welfare.
-The hunt, as proposed is unscientific, unethical, and likely to result in negative consequences for other shoreline inhabitant.
-Other methods of population control such as egg oiling, or encouraging predators like bald eagles in areas where cormorants are too numerous are likely to more effective and more ethical.