Author
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Radomski, Andrew |
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Submitted to: Book of Abstracts Aquaculture America
Publication Type: Abstract Only Publication Acceptance Date: 2/26/2007 Publication Date: 2/26/2007 Citation: Radomski, A.A. 2007. Movement patterns of double-crested cormorants within aquaculture production areas in the Mississippi Delta [abstract]. Book of Abstracts Aquaculture America. p. 126. Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: Increasing numbers of Double-crested Cormorants (Phalacrocorax auritus) and other fish-eating birds at commercial aquaculture production facilities have resulted in biological, economical, and social conflicts. Unfortunately, there is not a concerted effort to determine over-wintering populations or movement patterns of these birds. During the past seven consecutive years (1999-2006), aerial surveys by fixed-wing aircraft were conducted to monitor and quantify the wintering cormorant numbers. In addition, this past winter 2005-2006, 12 double-crested cormorants were captured, leg banded, and fitted with global positioning system (GPS) satellite transmitters and another 8 cormorants were fitted with radio transmitters and remotely monitored to determine movement patterns within the Mississippi Delta and their respective roost sites. Of the 12 GPS satellite transmitters, only 4 birds transmitted locations during their spring migration and only 2 birds transmitted locations for a full year. The information gained from this study to determine movement patterns will assist catfish farmers within the Mississippi Delta as well as the policy and management decisions regarding this species. |
