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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Stuttgart, Arkansas » Harry K. Dupree Stuttgart National Aquaculture Research Cntr » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #152351
Title: MINIMIZING CORMORANT DAMAGE

Author
item Radomski, Andrew
item Collins, Charles
item Freeman, Donald

Submitted to: Catfish Farmers of Arkansas
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/1/2002
Publication Date: 1/30/2003
Citation: RADOMSKI, A.A., COLLINS, C.M., FREEMAN, D.W. MINIMIZING CORMORANT DAMAGE. CATFISH FARMERS OF ARKANSAS. 2003. p.2.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: For the past 2 winters, a comprehensive research project studied the effectiveness of physical barriers to protect catfish fingerlings from cormorants, or protect those ponds that typically have bird problems. This technique is practical, low maintenance, easy to set-up, and relatively inexpensive. In 2001-2002, 5 privately owned catfish farms in Chicot County, AR were used to evaluate the barriers. The findings for cormorants from the single farm used in 2000-2001 and the 5 farms used in 2001-2002 are shown in the table below. Aside from preventing birds from landing on ponds, the barrier also may keep additional cormorants from landing due to their social behavior. For this reason, the physical barrier method can be effective in preventing losses due to bird depredation. Although this technique is not the "silver bullet" to prevent all birds from landing on your ponds, it does offer some hope and economic relief.