WASHINGTON—Congressman Bart Stupak (D-Menominee) has re-introduced legislation aimed at better controlling the double-crested cormorant population.  Double-crested cormorants are migratory birds known for excessively preying upon fish populations in the Great Lakes.  Stupak first proposed this legislation in 2002.

The “Great Lakes Migratory Bird Research and Management Act,” or H.R. 469, would enable the Great Lakes Fishery Commission to investigate the effects of migratory birds, such as cormorants, on fish stocks in the Great Lakes. 

“Environmentalists, fishermen and outdoor enthusiasts all know that the double-crested cormorant has caused severe damage to fish populations,” Stupak said.  “This legislation will empower the Great Lakes Fishery Commission to assess the full extent of the problem and develop management plans to control cormorants throughout Michigan and the Great Lakes region.”

Double-crested cormorants are known for depleting perch, smallmouth bass and other freshwater fish populations.  For instance, in the summer of 2003, when the Les Cheneaux Islands experienced the height of their cormorant problem, it is estimated that 22,000 cormorants consumed six to ten million fish near the islands.   U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Wildlife Services efforts to address the cormorant problem in Les Cheneaux Islands dramatically curtailed the cormorant problem on Les Cheneaux Islands.  Last summer there were 3,500 fewer cormorant nests than in 2003.

Stupak said his legislation is aimed at moving cormorant control programs beyond a piecemeal approach to a more integrated and comprehensive solution.  The legislation would authorize the Great Lakes Fishery Commission, an international body, to develop a coordinated approach between Canada and affected Great Lakes states, including Wisconsin, Minnesota and Michigan.  Under the bill, the Great Lakes Fishery Commission would develop a common “Memorandum of Understanding” outlining appropriate cormorant control measures. 

“It does no good for one state or one government to adopt an aggressive cormorant control policy, if doing so simply motivates the birds to move across the lake,” Stupak said.  “By adopting a comprehensive and collaborative solution, we will more effectively protect Great Lakes fish populations from cormorants.”

“Fishing is a vital part of our northern Michigan culture and heritage and I understand that cormorants threaten those activities,” Stupak added.  “Michigan’s fisheries are among our greatest natural resources and they must be protected for future generations to enjoy and appreciate.”