EU debate on measures against the cormorant

Brussels – Sweden is one of several EU countries concerned about the great cormorant, not least about the large amount of fish taken by the growing population. However, the EU Commission is clearly hesitant to change the protection status of the great cormorant.

“I hear your proposal to list the great cormorant as a huntable species in the EU. We can look into this, but I first want to discuss further with you whether this is really a way that would reduce the administrative burden,” said the EU’s Environment Commissioner Jessika Roswall at a meeting with the agricultural and fisheries ministers of the member states in Brussels this week.

Instead, she primarily promises dialogue with stakeholders and updated guidelines on how member states can make exceptions to the protection of the cormorant to keep the population down.

(September 23)