Prepare nationwide plan

HADLEY, Mass.

Responding to increasing concerns about the possible effect of double-crested cormorant populations on recreational fishing, habitat and other migratory birds, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recently announced that it will develop a comprehensive national cormorant management plan.

The Service published a notice detailing its intent to write an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) evaluating the species' status, known and perceived impacts on other resources, and potential management strategies. The plan will also consider the administrative, logistical, and socio-economic impacts of various management strategies.

"The Service's responsibility is to maintain healthy cormorant populations across the nation. Our goal is to determine what effects current and projected cormorant populations may be having on commercial and recreational fisheries, and to use the best science available to direct future management," said Service Director Jamie Rappaport Clark.