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Chasing Away Cormorants From Black Lake

Story Published: Jul 5, 2012 at 5:39 PM EDT

Story Updated: Jul 5, 2012 at 7:06 PM EDT

Even though Ben Ward hasn't seen as many cormorants on Black Lake as he has in prior summers, he still worries the long-necked fish-eating birds may grow in numbers and threaten the sport fishing population if not adequately controlled.
 
"If cormorants get a hold here, that'll go right down hill," said Ward.
 
Cormorants are continuing to migrate onto Black Lake to feed from the nearby St. Lawrence River where they have taken up an unwelcome presence.

The voracious bird can eat up to a pound of fish a day.

Locals estimate up to 200 birds may feed on lake fish in a day.
 
Many worry if the cormorant population isn't brought under control, it could have an adverse effect on the fisheries population.

That's one reason why a harassment committee has been formed to try to drive the birds out.
 
"Our fisheries will not and cannot sustain that kind of pressure," said St. Lawrence County Fisheries Advisory Board member Jim Snyder.

Snyder says a trained group of volunteers will be permitted by the state to control the cormorant population by chasing them away in boats or using a pyrotechnic type gun.

"We can use air horns, whistles, we can holler, we can scream," he said.

The harassment method, which has begun on a limited basis, is seen as an alternative to shooting, oiling eggs or destroying nests.
Saturday, May 18, 2013
, Watertown, NY

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