Cormorant - Wildlife Control Information

23Regulation and ManagementAuthority for CormorantsThe United States Fish andWildlife ServiceThe United States Fish and WildlifeService (usfws) has the primary responsibilityand authority for managingmigratory bird populations in theUnited States. This authority was establishedby the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918, atreaty between the United States and GreatBritain (on behalf of Canada) established to:1. ensure the conservation and management ofmigratory birds internationally;2. sustain healthy migratory bird populationsfor consumptive and non-consumptive uses;and3. restore declining populations of migratorybirds.In 1972, the U.S. Convention with Mexicowas amended and the double-crested cormorantwas added to the list of Migratory Birds andgiven protection in the United States under theMigratory Bird Treaty Act. Under this protection,cormorants cannot be captured or shot,and their nests and eggs cannot be disturbedunless a permit is first obtained from usfws.Depredation permits to take cormorants havebeen issued by usfws since 1986 and may allowfor the taking of eggs, adults and young, oractive nests.USDA APHIS Wildlife ServicesAlthough the usfws has primary responsibilityfor managing cormorants, the usfwsdoes not conduct on-the-ground managementactivities when cormorants cause damage.The United States Department of AgricultureAnimal and Plant Health Inspection ServiceWildlife Services (usda aphis ws) is one of theagencies involved with on-the-ground management.Their job is to help states, organizations,and individuals resolve conflicts betweenpeople and wildlife on public and private landsby collecting information, documentingdamage, and recommending or implementingwildlife damage management options.In March 1998, usfws issued an AquacultureDepredation Order, allowing people engagedin commercial aquaculture to shootcormorants without a federal permit at freshwateraquaculture facilities or state-operatedhatcheries in Minnesota and 12 southeastern