Wildlife Conservation

Cormorant Persecution: Scapegoating Wildlife for Fisheries Problems

Great cormorants are routinely culled across Europe and North America as scapegoats for fisheries decline, despite evidence that overfishing and habitat loss are the primary drivers.

Key Facts

Great cormorant populations recovered in Europe after DDT-era declines and are now stable
Anglers and fish farms lobby for culling licenses in UK, Germany, and other European countries
Scientific evidence suggests cormorant impact on fisheries is modest compared to human overfishing
Cormorants are protected under the EU Birds Directive but licensed culls are widespread
Research shows culling is ineffective at improving fish stocks where overfishing is the main driver

Welfare Considerations

Licensed culling typically uses shooting, which when poorly executed causes wounding and slow deaths. Nest destruction to prevent breeding causes egg and chick mortality. The welfare cost is paid by a species that is not genuinely responsible for the fisheries problems it is blamed for.

What You Can Do

Support sustainable fisheries policies that address the real causes of fish stock decline
Oppose unsupported culling programs by engaging with conservation organizations
Donate to RSPB and BTO monitoring programs that track cormorant population health
Advocate for evidence-based wildlife management rather than scapegoating approaches