DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, the Double-crested
Cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus) is a colonial waterbird
species native to North America including the Great Lakes Region,
and Lake Ontario in New York State, and
WHEREAS, the Double-crested Cormorant has
undergone a dramatic population increase in recent years, and
WHEREAS, the Double-crested Cormorant is
a species currently protected by state and federal law as a colonial
waterbird and is a natural component of the Lake Ontario ecosystem,
and
WHEREAS, concerns have been expressed by
members of the public regarding the potential impact of large numbers
of Double-crested Cormorants on the sport fishery in Lake Ontario,
and
WHEREAS, public agencies, private organizations
and concerned individuals have opened channels of communication
and worked together to attempt a reasoned scientific-based approach
to potential Double-crested Cormorant management, therefore, be
it
RESOLVED that the Federation of New York
State Bird Clubs, Inc. condemns the slaughter of nearly 1,000 Double-crested
Cormorants on Little Galloo Island, Jefferson County, New York in
July, 1998, and be it further
RESOLVED that the Federation of New York
State Bird Clubs, Inc., expects full prosecution of the perpetrators
to the full extent of the laws protecting the Double-crested Cormorant,
and be it further
RESOLVED that the Federation of New York
State Bird Clubs, Inc., opposes any management of Double-crested
Cormorant population without valid scientific data to substantiate
the action(s). Be it further
RESOLVED that all appropriate agencies and
organizations are urged to pursue research, education and enforcement
needs related to the Double-crested Cormorant issue.
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