As a fishing enthusiast I have become increasingly aware and concerned about the growing population of great cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo) which I regularly observe on inland fresh water rivers, reservoirs, lakes and ponds feeding on freshwater fish.

I believe the numbers of Cormorants has increased considerably over the past 5 years since the last survey was conducted and that these birds which should be feeding at sea are increasing because they have found a much easier food source in land.

Game fishers see cormorants as the greatest threat to there sport because the number of birds exceeds the numbers of fish being stocked.

In addition course anglers have noted a drastic decline in the numbers of wild course fish because of the numbers of cormorants now found on all inland fisheries. It is widely accepted that we want our youth to be outside enjoying the countryside and that all pleasure fishing numbers are in decline which will continue if less fish can be caught year on year.

Currently an application needs to be made by the fishery to gain a  permit to cull a small amount of cormorants each year per fishery, and we now request a change in the law to place The great cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo) under general licence.