Hearing of the Federal Lands Subcommittee of the House Committee on Natural Resources - Testimony of Rep. Jack Bergman, Hearing on Cormorant Control Act

Hearing

"Through support of House Bill 4429, the State of Michigan is supportive of reinstating effective cormorant management, applied in the same collaboratively way that we use to protect our natural resources and people, to maintain a sustainable balance between fisheries and wildlife populations in the Great Lakes region and across the United States." - said Claramunt.

Claramunt continued - "The Great Lakes supports several important fisheries including commercial, recreational, and tribal which are collectively valued at more than $7 billion annually and support more than 75,000 jobs. From a Great Lakes perspective, these highly valued resources are jointly managed through comprehensive efforts by all levels of government. Through support of House Bill 4429, the State of Michigan is supportive of reinstating effective cormorant management, applied in the same collaboratively way that we use to protect our natural resources."

During opening remarks Congressman Bergman stated - "The First District of Michigan is one of the largest breeding sights for cormorants. While Fish and Wildlife gives states the authority to control cormorant populations through a federal Depredation Order, a May 2016 court order stopped my state of Michigan--among others--from being able to effectively manage these bird populations."

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