UK Cormorant Welfare: Conflict and Population Management

Overview of cormorant welfare in the UK, including population management controversy.

Key Facts

UK cormorant populations have expanded significantly following legal protection
Conflict with inland fisheries over fish predation is a contentious management issue
Licensed cormorant shooting under Section 16 licensing occurs in some areas
Non-lethal deterrence can be effective but requires consistent application
Cormorant welfare in culling operations raises significant welfare concerns

Welfare Considerations

UK cormorant welfare sits at the centre of a contentious conservation and fisheries management debate. Populations have recovered following historical persecution and legal protection. Conflict with inland fisheries drives licensed culling in some areas. The welfare of culled cormorants and the population welfare implications of lethal management are live issues. Non-lethal deterrence approaches are available and welfare-compatible but require consistent application and investment.

What You Can Do

Support non-lethal cormorant management approaches over lethal culling
Advocate for consistent evidence-based management standards for cormorant conflict
Follow RSPB and BTO for cormorant population and management welfare news