I strongly recommend that…

I strongly recommend that the Ministry reject the proposal to allow hunting permits for the hunting of double crested cormorants.
1) There is no evidence that this species has had any detrimental effect on fishing or on private property. If so could this please be published on the Ministry web site. I mean scientific evidence with references and hard data not simply statements that representations to this effect have been made.
2) The proposal would be detrimental to many other species that share habitat in close proximity to the cormorants. They would undoubtedly be disturbed by hunting activities particularly at nesting time.
3) There are 6 species of cormorant resident in Ontario but the Ministry has only issued permits for the double crested cormorant. Distinction at a distance may be difficult even for experts. How will the Ministry ensure that only the species named will be hunted and what would be the penalties for hunters who kill similar species when permits are only for one named species?
4) The Ministry should issue a statement to clarify what it feels are the justification for this proposal and give more detailed information as to where the pressure for this proposal is coming from.