Wildlife

Cormorant Welfare and Fisheries Persecution

Cormorants are widely persecuted by fisheries interests across Europe and North America despite evidence that their impact on commercial fish is often overstated.

Key Facts

Great cormorant populations have recovered significantly in Europe since the 1970s
Lethal control programs kill tens of thousands of cormorants annually
Studies show cormorant impact on fish stocks is often modest
Cormorants are colonial nesters sensitive to disturbance at rookeries
Cormorant stomach pouch stretching for display purposes is a form of animal cruelty

Welfare Considerations

Shooting programs cause death and wounding, with many birds surviving in injured states. Cormorant eggs oiling programs cause embryo death over days as development is blocked. Disturbance at colonies causes mass nest abandonment. Persecution has pushed cormorants out of some traditional nesting areas. Non-lethal deterrents are available but often not used before lethal methods are employed.

What You Can Do

Oppose lethal cormorant control programs without evidence of significant economic impact
Support research evaluating non-lethal alternatives to cormorant management
Donate to waterbird conservation organizations
Advocate for evidence-based cormorant management policies
Engage with fisheries associations on coexistence approaches