UK Wildlife

Cormorant Inland Expansion and Conflict

The cormorant has expanded dramatically from coastal to inland habitats following legal protection, creating controversy with anglers over perceived impacts on fish stocks.

Key Facts

UK cormorant population expanded from around 9,000 to over 50,000 pairs since protection
Inland breeding colonies now established at reservoirs, gravel pits and rivers nationwide
Distinguished from shag by white facial patch and thicker neck
Needs to spread wings to dry as plumage is not fully waterproof
Can dive to 45m depth and swim underwater at speed

Welfare Considerations

Cormorant expansion following legal protection is a conservation success but creates genuine conflict with inland fisheries. Evidence shows cormorant impacts are real but often overstated. Sustainable fisheries management can accommodate cormorants. Lethal control under licence raises welfare concerns.

What You Can Do

Support evidence-based approaches to cormorant management at inland fisheries
Advocate for research into actual cormorant impacts before authorising lethal control
Appreciate cormorant recovery as a conservation success story