Re: Government takes aim at Cormorants - Thomas Walkom Sat. May 28/05

I read with much dismay Thomas Walkom's perspective on the very limited cull of cormorants being conducted by the Provincial Government. I believe Mr. Walkom's editorial would have greatly benefited from more thorough research, which should have included speaking with the groups representing a huge number of Ontarians who support the culling of these voracious predatory invaders.

It is not Ontario alone that is gravely concerned about the impact of the booming Cormorant population. Many areas of eastern North America have experienced a massive increase in Cormorant numbers. Mr Walkom neglected to mention that there are now in excess of 230,000 breeding adults nesting around the Great Lakes. At the current rate of growth, this population will double in five years! Additionally, they are rapidly colonizing many of our inland waters. Mr. Walkom refers to what he feels is an ironic position in his editorial. The real irony is that people like Liz White, who oppose this very minor cull, totally ignore, and show no concern for the devastating impact these birds are having on the fisheries of the province. A rather selective approach to their conservation concerns!

Cormorants currently consume over 43 million pounds of fish per year while in Ontario waters! Contrary, to Mr. Walkom's assertions, there is both scientific and anecdotal evidence which clearly show they have had a highly detrimental impact on Game species recruitment as they consume vast numbers of the juvenile fish. Additionally, they consume a huge percentage (up to 60% in Eastern Lake Ontario), of the forage fish which our Game species depend on to survive.

Contrary to the quoted position of Mayor David Miller, the grossly out of balance population of Cormorants is making a devastatingly negative contribution "to a natural and healthy environment". Perhaps instead of quoting a city bred lawyer turned politician, you might have consulted with some of the 3 million Ontarians who participate and enjoy sport fishing, and who care deeply about the environment, and who would like to see the Cormorant population at an environmentally sustainable level.

Neil MacInnes
Oakville, ON