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Why Can't You Shoot Cormorants?

Published in Wildlife Protection Laws 2 mins read

You cannot shoot cormorants freely because they are protected under federal law, specifically the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, which mandates special authorization for any lethal control.

Legal Protections for Cormorants

Cormorants in the United States are classified as migratory birds and, as such, fall under the protective umbrella of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA). This significant federal law makes it illegal to hunt, capture, kill, or possess migratory birds, their parts, nests, or eggs without a valid permit. The purpose of the MBTA is to implement various treaties with Canada, Mexico, Japan, and Russia that provide for the protection of migratory birds.

The Role of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) is the federal agency primarily responsible for the management and conservation of migratory bird populations, including cormorants. Due to their protected status under the MBTA, any actions involving the lethal control of cormorants must be specifically authorized by the USFWS.

Here's how this authorization process typically works:

  • Authorization is Required: It is illegal to shoot or otherwise kill cormorants without explicit permission from the USFWS. This ensures that any control measures are conducted responsibly and do not negatively impact the overall cormorant population or other wildlife.
  • Case-by-Case Basis: The USFWS does not issue blanket permits for cormorant control. Instead, authorization is granted on a case-by-case basis. This means each request is evaluated individually to determine the necessity and appropriateness of the proposed action.
  • Who Can Receive Authorization: The agency has historically provided authorization to various entities, including:
    • Individuals: For specific situations, often involving damage to private property or aquaculture.
    • Private Organizations: Such as conservation groups or fishing associations, when cormorant populations are impacting their interests or resources.
    • Other Agencies: Including state wildlife agencies or tribal governments, for broader management programs.

This stringent authorization process ensures that cormorant populations are managed sustainably, balancing conservation needs with potential conflicts they may cause to fisheries, aquaculture, or other protected species.