Alberta Wildlife Federation supports province’s plan to rein in cormorant populations

The Alberta Wildlife Federation supports its province’s decision is past smmer to allow residents to hunt double-crested cormorants on select waters. In June, the Ministry of Environment and Protected Areas added double-crested cormorants to the list of species for which Alberta residents can apply for a Damage Control Licence (DCL).

According to the ministry, a DCL may be issued “for the lethal control of specific wildlife that is causing, or is likely to cause property damage, or pose a threat to human safety.” The licences are issued with conditions specifying where and how a target species may be hunted. All regular hunting regulations also apply.

As cormorants are voracious fish eaters and their toxic droppings kill trees on their nesting grounds, AWF wildlife chair John Clarke expects most of the DCL applicants will be residents who keep stocked fish ponds. Those wanting to apply for a licence should contact their local Environment and Protected Areas office.

Overall, the cormorant population in Alberta has been increasing since the 1970s, to the point it is now getting out of control in some areas, says AWF fish chair Darryl Smith. “They are overabundant and keep expanding their range,” he says of the native species.

Historically, Alberta has taken measures to reduce cormorant numbers in areas where the birds have had the greatest negative impact. In 2005, for example, culling was introduced to complement egg oiling around Lac La Biche to rein in breeding and help restore the walleye population. Those management actions led to an 83 per cent drop in the number of nesting cormorants between 2003 and 2013.

By adding cormorants to the list of species that can be managed under a DCL, it’s hoped populations can now be reduced to more sustainable levels throughout the province. “The AWF supports the management of overabundant species, particularly when they have been demonstrated to adversely affect other populations,” Smith says. “This is not about eradication; it’s about management.”

Learn more about the AWF’s programs and positions at www.albertawildlifefederation.ca.