WHEREAS, the Double-crested Cormorant (Phalacrocorax
auritus) is a colonial waterbird species native to North
America including the Great Lakes Region, and Lake Ontario in
New York State, and
WHEREAS, the Double-crested Cormorant has undergone
a dramatic population increase in recent years, and
WHEREAS, the Double-crested Cormorant is a species
currently protected by state and federal law as a colonial waterbird
and is a natural component of the Lake Ontario ecosystem, and
WHEREAS, concerns have been expressed by members
of the public regarding the potential impact of large numbers of
Double-crested Cormorants on the sport fishery in Lake Ontario,
and
WHEREAS, public agencies, private organizations
and concerned individuals have opened channels of communication
and worked together to attempt a reasoned scientific-based approach
to potential Double-crested Cormorant management, therefore, be
it
RESOLVED that the Federation of New York State
Bird Clubs, Inc. condemns the slaughter of nearly 1,000 Double-crested
Cormorants on Little Galloo Island, Jefferson County, New York
in July, 1998, and be it further
RESOLVED that the Federation of New York State
Bird Clubs, Inc., expects full prosecution of the perpetrators
to the full extent of the laws protecting the Double-crested Cormorant,
and be it further
RESOLVED that the Federation of New York State
Bird Clubs, Inc., opposes any management of Double-crested Cormorant
population without valid scientific data to substantiate the action(s).
Be it further
RESOLVED that all appropriate agencies and organizations
are urged to pursue research, education and enforcement needs related
to the Double-crested Cormorant issue.
|