On April 2nd, Congressman Tim Walberg (MI-05) took a decisive step toward safeguarding the nation’s aquatic ecosystems by introducing the Responsible Cormorant Management and Control Act. This landmark legislation seeks to implement a science-based framework for the management of double-crested cormorant populations, whose rapid expansion has increasingly threatened the delicate balance of American fisheries and wildlife habitats.
By directing the Secretary of the Interior to establish regional management structures in coordination with the four National Flyway Councils, the bill – should it ever one day become federal legislation – would ensure that population control is both collaborative and rooted in modern ecological data.
For decades, the overabundance of double-crested cormorants has created an uphill battle for conservationists and anglers alike. In Rep. Walberg’s Great Lakes region, the impact has been particularly severe; unchecked cormorant populations have devastated local fish stocks, resulting in millions of dollars in economic damage. The new legislation addresses these challenges head-on by providing state and tribal agencies with the specific tools required to manage regional impacts effectively while maintaining the long-term sustainability of the species.
“Great Lakes fisheries are essential to Michigan’s economy, outdoor recreation, and cultural heritage,” said Rep. Walberg. He noted that recreational fishing across the Great Lakes generates $5.1 billion in economic benefit, supporting vital local jobs and tourism. He emphasized that when cormorant populations grow beyond sustainable levels, they can significantly deplete the very stocks that sustain these communities. This legislation, he noted, ensures a responsible, science-driven shield for Michigan’s fisheries.
The initiative has garnered significant support from leading conservation and sporting organizations. Taylor Schmitz, Senior Vice President of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, highlighted that the rapid proliferation of these birds poses a unique challenge to both public and private aquaculture and land management. He praised the bill for delegating management authority to the states where it is most needed. Similarly, Connor Bevan of the American Sportfishing Association lauded the act as a vital framework for protecting aquatic habitats. He thanked Congressman Walberg for his leadership on behalf of the nation’s recreational fishing industry, noting that the bill provides a workable, regionalized solution to a concern shared by anglers from the Atlantic to the Pacific. Through this comprehensive approach, the Responsible Cormorant Management and Control Act promises a future where both avian
