Study shows fewer cormorants on lake
October 14,2012
Fewer cormorants
on Lake Champlain
PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. — Scientists say they’ve seen a drop in the number of cormorants on Lake Champlain and the population is getting closer to a manageable level.
The Plattsburgh Press-Republican reported that anglers and other lake users have long worried about the growing number of cormorants on the lake. The long-necked diving birds eat a lot of fish and can damage the vegetation where they breed and raise young.
The Lake Champlain Basin Program recently released a study detailing management practices for cormorants living on Four Brothers Islands near Willsboro, the largest breeding population on the lake.
Scientists have been “oiling” eggs to prevent hatching. They also selectively shoot birds, including some that come from other areas.
Over the past several years, scientists have removed about 10,000 birds from the lake.
