Bergman's Cormorant Control Act to Receive Committee Hearing
Washington,
February 13, 2018
Washington - Congressman Jack Bergman, Member of the House Committee on Natural Resources, released the following statement:
"The House Committee on Natural Resources will hold a hearing on my bipartisan legislation H.R. 4429 - The Cormorant Control Act Thursday, February 15th, at 2:30 PM. A witness from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) will be providing testimony on the importance and need for a comprehensive management plan for the double-crested Cormorant. Cormorants consume thousands of pounds of fish a day and scientists and experts agree that a depredation plan is necessary to ensure our natural fisheries remain healthy and vibrant. "Conserving our natural resources in northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula will always be one of my top priorities. Conservation of fish and wildlife demands an accountable management program. Management of the double-crested cormorant has long been a successful endeavor between state agencies and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service until a court order left Michigan unable to respond to the negative effects these migratory birds have on our fish populations. "H.R. 4429 would direct Secretary of Interior Zinke to reissue the 2014 rule related to double-crested cormorant depredation orders: allowing Michigan to resume responsible cormorant management activities. According to Michigan DNR, Michigan's fishing industry provides nearly 38,000 direct jobs, and adds $2.5 billion annually into the states economy." |
