CHALLENGES OF IMPLEMENTING THE DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT

Authors

Kristina Casscles Godwin, USDA-APHIS-Wildlife Services
D. Tommy King, USDA/APHIS/WS National Wildlife Research CenterFollow
Peter Butchko, USDA-APHIS-Wildlife Services
Richard Chipman, USDA-APHIS-Wildlife ServicesFollow

Date of this Version

January 2003

Comments

Proceedings of the 10th Wildlife Damage Management Conference. (K.A. Fagerstone G.W. Witmer, Eds). 2003

Abstract

Double-crested cormorant populations have increased over the last 20 years within the continental United States. Problems associated with this increase include impacts to commercial aquaculture, damage to property, vegetation, recreational fisheries, and natural resources, as well as concerns over inter-specific competition. Implementation of the forthcoming Environmental Impact Statement for the management of double-crested cormorants will be a monumental task. Several state and federal agencies, along with private citizens and various interest groups will have parts to play. USDA/APHIS/Wildlife Services is expected to have a large part in the implementation of the plan. We discuss the proposed actions to be taken by USDA/APHIS/Wildlife Services, including population reduction measures as well as monitoring population status and reduction of damages caused by double-crested cormorants.