The Provincial Government is implementing new control measures to address localized problems with double-crested cormorants, which are migratory birds that fall under provincial jurisdiction.

Double-crested cormorants feed on fish, and their breeding activity during spring and summer has increased in many areas of the province in recent years. Most depart in early autumn and prefer to overwinter outside of the province.

Concerns have arisen that rapidly increasing populations in localized areas will negatively impact native fish populations, cause property and environmental damage, and may conflict with other sea bird nesting activity.

Wildlife Division has been working with other Canadian jurisdictions over the past year to evaluate control options. As staff assess the full impacts of double-crested cormorant populations, beginning on June 15, 2022 the department will accept requests for permits to allow the humane, lethal removal of birds from specific areas, such as important fish habitat, water supplies, or aquaculture operations.

Requests for permits from property owners, businesses, or organizations must specify the location and specific problem caused by cormorants. Department staff will evaluate the identified areas of concern to determine if a permit is warranted. To request a permit, contact the Wildlife Division at 709-637-2025 or wildlifelicensing@gov.nl.ca.

Survey work to assess the number of cormorant colonies around the island of Newfoundland will begin this summer to determine whether further action may be required to protect local ecosystems.

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Media contact
Linda Skinner
Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture
709-637-2284, 632-8167
lindaskinner@gov.nl.ca