Defra have published a new advisory leaflet to inform fishery interests about the encouraging results emerging from ongoing research into the use of fish refuges as a means of reducing the impact of cormorants at inland fisheries.
Balancing the needs of fishery interests and conservation of the fish eating bird population, including cormorants, is an example of Defra's efforts to promote the sustainable and prudent use of natural resources while at the same time protecting the public's interest in the environment. To date, Defra has funded research totalling £1.7 million into the study of fish eating birds such as the cormorant.
The research commissioned by Defra and undertaken by the Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS), in collaboration with the Central Science Laboratory (CSL), has already provided very clear evidence that refuges can protect fish and reduce the foraging efficiency of cormorants in certain situations. The leaflet summarises the findings to date and provides practical guidance for fishery interests who may wish to utilise this management technique. Work is continuing to evaluate the full potential of fish refuges and to establish how best the technique might be applied across a range of fishery types. The advisory leaflet will be updated as new findings emerge.
Copies of the leaflet can be downloaded from the Defra website www.defra.gov.uk/ or hard copies can be obtained (free of charge) from the Defra National Wildlife Management Team at Bristol. The telephone helpline is 0845 6014523.
RSPB Enlists New Recruits In Cormorant Battle
The RSPB has enlisted a new ally in its fight to overturn the government's policy allowing the culling of 3,000 cormorants a year in England.
During the Civil War, the Sir Gervase Lucas' Company, also known as the Belvoir Cormorants, were one of the first adherents to the Royalist cause. Originally formed in 1642, the Belvoir Cormorants will go into battle to protect its emblem and namesake.
A small detachment of troops from the Belvoir Cormorants, wearing 17th Century costume, will read a proclamation offering their support to the RSPB. The Belvoir Cormorants, accompanied by a drummer, will attend the RSPB's Stand (D433) at the CLA Game Fair at Belvoir Castle, Grantham, on Saturday 23 July at 10am.
