The resurgence of the great cormorant population across Europe – once a conservation success story – is now causing concern among fisheries, aquaculture industries and environmental policymakers.
Thanks to the European Union Birds Directive, cormorant numbers have soared from just 50,000 in the 1970s to over 2 million today. However, this comeback has come at a cost.
To address these concerns, the Polish government, during its presidency of the Council of Europe, hosted a high-level conference drawing over 230 delegates from 35 countries. The event highlighted the escalating conflict between cormorants and European fisheries.
“Cormorants are having a serious impact on fish stocks, aquatic ecosystems, and the livelihoods of fishers and farmers,” said Jacek Czerniak, Poland’s Deputy Minister for Fisheries. “This is a transboundary issue and coordinated international action is essential.”
Raymon van Anrooy, Secretary of the European Inland Fisheries and Aquaculture Advisory Commission, presented stark figures: freshwater aquaculture production in the EU has dropped 19% since 1990, with many farms suffering unaddressed economic losses due to bird predation.
A draft European management plan for cormorants was presented by Ian Cowx of the University of Hull, emphasising adaptive, science-based approaches. The framework aims to reconcile conservation success with ecosystem health, fisheries sustainability and food security.
FAO representative Raschad Al-Khafaji stressed the need for policy evolution. “The conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity and natural resources is complex,” he said. “When policies have unintended consequences, they need to be adapted.”
The final plan, expected to be submitted to the European Parliament, could mark a turning point in reconciling bird conservation with sustainable fisheries management in Europe.
