OGDENSBURG, New York (WWNY) – Double-crested cormorants, long blamed for effects on fishing and trees on eastern Lake Ontario, are now being reported in growing numbers on the St. Lawrence River.
The birds used to be an occasional sight on the river near Ogdensburg. In recent years, that has changed.
“You would mostly only see them in one group. But now when you come out on the water you see them everywhere. They pop up out of the water when you’re riding through, almost every area you go to, you see them all over the place,” said Larry Mehaffy, a longtime angler from Lisbon.
Population growth since 1972 protection
Double-crested cormorants have increased across North America since the bird became protected in 1972. On waterways including Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River, the bird’s diving ability and appetite for fish are blamed for a decline in fishing.
“Used to be, you know, you come out, you could catch perch anywhere, but now you have to locate ‘em and find perch in groups because they’re not as prevalent as they used to be,” Mehaffy said.
Protected status means the birds cannot be killed except by special permit. Across New York, control methods have centered on oiling eggs to suffocate them, removing nests and hazing.
Impact on trees along the riverbank
Downstream from Ogdensburg, dead trees line the riverbank, and wide areas of historic Chimney Island show damage. Steve Pearson, a longtime boater and angler from Ogdensburg, said one tree fell within a single year.
“One summer they completely destroyed that tree where it fell over and fell in the water. Then they just moved on to the next tree,” Pearson said.
“They’re killing the tree lines when they’re roosting up there; the droppings from the fish are absolutely disgusting,” Mehaffy said.
A Canadian expert says the cormorant’s droppings can help the environment and that the bird’s impact on fishing is exaggerated. That perspective, along with input from another longtime river observer, will be reported on Thursday.
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