A local bird watcher is questioning the actions taken by the provincial government to deal with the two-headed cormorants, better known as the “steps”.
Seabirds have become problematic in some areas, such as Ontario and Nova Scotia, and the provincial government has signaled its intention to destroy birds from certain areas in the province.
The government is considering issuing permits to residents as part of the plan.
Wayne Barney, a senior manager responsible for wildlife management, says he has received a growing number of complaints about birds in recent years.
He says cormorants nest in places that are “atypical” for historical populations. This, says Barney, is indicative of a large increase in the number of cormorants.
Bruce McTavish says that as far as he is concerned, fishing birds are not a serious problem in this province and he believes that any action taken here may be premature.
“I don’t think they’re still a problem in Newfoundland and I don’t know if they ever will be.” He says the numbers are definitely increasing, but are relatively low compared to places like Ontario and Nova Scotia where there has been destruction.
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