The proposal to cull…

The proposal to cull cormorants by enacting a virtually unregulated open season on them throughout the summer is dangerous and unethical, and detrimental to the environment.

Cormorants are native to Ontario and beneficial to the environment in a number of ways. They eat primarily alewives and gobies, which are detrimental to sport fishing populations. Forty per cent of Bald Eagle nests contain cormorant remains, so they are clearly supporting those populations.

An unregulated cull will also result in damage to the Heron, Egret and gull colonies that nest near the Cormorant colonies.

Attacks on cormorant populations have resulted in dispersal of them, and establishment of colonies in other parts of the province.

The rotting carcasses of birds, used for target practice, is an affront to the values of Native Canadians, who are teaching us to honor our fellow creatures, and treat them with respect.

A cull may be appropriate, but should be carried out by professionals who do it in a way that is not dangerous for the public, who are fishing, boating, spending time on the beach and wildlife viewing on the Spit.

Please consult Gail Fraser at York University who is an expert on this subject and has published papers on the subject.