I am very strongly opposed…

I am very strongly opposed to the proposal to allow a hunting season on cormorants. The population is stabilizing and is serving as prey for eagles and other predators, who will be disadvantaged in their own recovery if the numbers of cormorants suddenly plummet. We are seeing a return to a more natural state after the decline in bird population because of pesticide use. Now is no time to interfere in the cycle. The proposal to allow carcasses to spoil is repellent and allowing shooting from a boat is hazardous. Altogether this proposal will encourage irresponsible shooters whereas responsible hunters will not be interested in slaughtering a large number of birds considered inedible. It is indeed sad that certain treasured islets have lost vegetation because of cormorant guano. To reduce this development, along with the levelling off of the population of cormorants, the Ministry could investigate constructive ways of discouraging them from settling in some areas. In trying to solve problems with maximum efficiency and firepower we have often created more problems and lost many benefits offered by the natural world. Let's be smart and avoid the regrettable and irreversible side effects this time. Thank you.