By Steve Chaconas

Cormorants topped the discussions at January’s MD DNR Black Bass Advisory Committee meeting. Members voiced concerns about the voracious fish-eating habits of this migratory bird and requested the Department begin the process to seek approval from The US Fish and Wildlife Service for aggressive cormorant removal.

This species has a significant impact on fisheries, as they consume large quantities of fish of various sizes and species, leading to conflicts with recreational and commercial fishing interests. Abundant cormorant populations have made fish stocking impractical, leading to calls for management interventions.

Following a low point in the 1960s and 1970s, cormorant populations have surged since the 1990s due to environmental recovery and reduced pesticide use, raising concerns about effects on local ecosystems, aquaculture, and other bird species. Wildlife agencies are seeking management strategies.

Studies on Double Crested cormorants haven’t been conducted since the 1990s. MD Tidal Bass Manager Ryan Gary says more data needs to be gathered to provide a reason to reduce their populations.  Without recent data, the impact of cormorants or what they are eating is uncertain. He also said permits are required to use non-lethal and lethal methods while proving they’re having an impact on a fishery. Currently there are no active DNR permits.

There are exceptions. Contractors in Maryland have an open permit to protect infrastructure on bridges and other structures by oiling eggs or removing nests. They also utilize devices to create loud noises to scare them off. Limited lethal taking of birds is also an option determined by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service overseeing permits for any lethal take.

A variety of efforts could be directed at reducing the impact of cormorants on sensitive habitats and fisheries. Marshes are particularly vulnerable as they are shallow and have an abundance of smaller fish. Legal restrictions limit the effectiveness of management actions.

Cormorants create a food source imbalance that impacts many other species. In addition, cormorant nesting areas can force other birds like gulls, terns, egrets, and herons out, while also leading to the destruction of shoreline trees and vegetation and subsequent rapid shoreline erosion. Cormorant guano, a college word for poop, kills vegetation. Cormorants nest in trees, on the ground, steep cliffs, and rocky or sandy islands. Bridges, wrecks, abandoned docks or towers are also nesting sites.

To make matters worse, the native population is increasing rapidly, enhanced by migratory cormorants leading to more breeding pairs in colonies ranging from several to a few thousand pairs. These birds are monogamous and tend to use their nests for several seasons, only making them bigger and more durable. Each nest produces two offspring on average. This could be leading to larger populations taking up residence.

For the MD DNR to move forward, a diet study would need to be completed to identify the quantity and species of fish on the cormorant diet. This would require finding someone who focuses on birds as DNR does not staff such experts. Gary noted cormorants may affect many species.  He suggested a working group with water bird management experience would need to be established.

As more state natural resource agencies report fish and habitat losses and consider cormorant predation to be a fisheries management issue, it’s possible an effective action based on science can be developed. Until then, MD DNR will begin efforts to seek funding for outside expert data collection to determine what fish species are being eaten by cormorants and how many are affected. Without this data permits cannot be obtained to take measures to remove or destroy cormorants. At the upcoming American Fish and Wildlife Service meeting, Gary will see how other state managers are dealing with the cormorant impact on the northeast US. He will also research what will be required for a depredation permit and requesting federal funding for a diet study.

Brendan Delbos, Virginia State Hatchery Superintendent says Virginia’s primary cormorant issue is fish predation at the State’s 9 hatcheries.   He agrees that large cormorant populations can have an adverse impact on local fish populations. To protect hatcheries, they place bird netting over raceways and tanks to keep birds out. However, this method doesn’t work well with large hatchery ponds. Other deterrents are employed, including noise and human presence. As with MD, VA’s hands are tied since cormorants are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Federal permits, issued on a case by case basis, are required to capture or dispatch them.  VA has not taken that route yet.

Many anglers haven’t paid attention to these destructive birds; however, several are beginning to take notice as they see them diving into schools of fish and bait. Some are already pointing to a perceived impact on their fishing success. Understanding the ecological and economic impacts of cormorants is an integral part of developing comprehensive management plans. Cormorants need protections, but the impact on angling and economic interests complicate management planning.

Potomac River Bassing in MARCH

Longer days and early spring temperatures are warming the river into the 50 degree range. Subaquatic vegetation is in early stages and bass are moving to main river points.

Lipless crankbaits are search baits covering all depths. Red patterns show up in early spring water. Tie to 12 pound test GAMMA Edge fluorocarbon line, slowly retrieve along gravel banks. Focus on spots with grass. Also try red squarebills. Upgrade hooks to short shank wide gap hooks.

Follow up with ½ ounce black/blue football jigs. Slowly work along cover.  Horizontal presentations are best.

Drop shots with 12 inch leaders and heavier line, like 12 pound test GAMMA CoPoly and larger baits, like 6 inch worms. Green pumpkin is very good.

With shallow wood cover and around docks, try Colorado/ Indiana gold bladed spinnerbaits. Slow retrieves while bumping cover with hesitations. In shallow water, try 3/8 ounce sizes. Deeper move up in weight.

Author Capt. Steve Chaconas is a Potomac bass fishing guide & freelance writer. Potomac River reports: nationalbass.com. YouTube channel NationalBassGuide.