Reducing Impacts of Double-crested Cormorants to Natural Resources in Central New York: A Review of a Collaborative Research, Management, and Monitoring Program

Authors

Travis L. DeVault, USDA/APHIS/WS National Wildlife Research CenterFollow
Richard B. Chipman, USDA, APHIS, Wildlife ServicesFollow
Scott C. Barras, USDA, APHIS, Wildlife ServicesFollow
Jimmy D. Taylor II, USDA/APHIS/WS National Wildlife Research CenterFollow
Carl P. Cranker III, USDA, APHIS, Wildlife Services
Elizabeth M. Cranker, USDA, APHIS, Wildlife Services
James F. Farquhar, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

Date of this Version

2012

Citation

Waterbirds 35(Special Publication 1): 50-55, 2012.

Comments

U.S. government work.

Abstract

Double-crested Cormorants (Phalacrocorax auritus) have used central New York waters for breeding and stopover habitats during migration since 1984. In response to public concern over Oneida Lake, the United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation initiated an integrated research, management and monitoring program aimed at mitigating cormorant impacts to fisheries and other natural resources in 1998. The history of this program was reviewed and efforts to reduce negative impacts of the Double-crested Cormorant population in central New York described. Management was successful, as demonstrated by a substantial decrease in cormorant use of Oneida Lake during spring, summer and fall seasons, and the apparent recovery of certain sportfish populations. Research identified cormorant movement patterns within and among water bodies and documented cormorant responses to hazing and other management techniques. The cormorant management program in central New York was intended to keep cormorant use of Oneida Lake at a level that prevents unsustainable impacts to fisheries populations.