Farmers and anglers press Congress for regional cormorant management tools

Members and witnesses told the subcommittee that HR 8195, the Responsible Cormorant Management and Control Act, would create regional management frameworks the Fish and Wildlife Service would implement in consultation with Flyway Councils to address localized conflicts where double‑crested cormorants are harming fisheries.

John Jones, owner of Lecco Ranch Pond and Lake Management and a fisheries biologist, described severe predation impacts to private ponds and aquaculture, saying double‑crested cormorants "consume up to 2 pounds of fish per bird per day" and that some farms incur "tens of millions of dollars in annual losses." He argued the current post‑2016 permitting environment leaves private landowners with few effective options and that a regional approach — modeled on waterfowl flyway councils — would provide better census data and right‑sized management tools.

Why it matters: Members from both parties described localized economic impacts — from catfish farms to private pond owners — and said expanded, science‑based management could protect fisheries and recreational opportunities. Sponsor Rep. Wahlberg emphasized the bill’s goal of balancing conservation with stewardship and said he was "willing to look at anything that makes this bill stronger."

Agency view and safeguards: Dave Meiko said the Service supports HR 8195’s goals and noted the Service already issues permits under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act to mitigate property and aquaculture impacts; he welcomed clarifications to ensure effective implementation and sustainable population monitoring.

Next steps: Members suggested guardrails such as periodic reviews and robust counting methods; no formal vote was taken during the hearing.