Congressman Bart Stupak has reintroduced legislation aimed at better controlling the double-crested cormorant population. Doublecrested cormorants are migratory birds known for preying upon fish populations in the Great Lakes. Congressman Stupak first proposed this legislation in 2002, and announced that he had reintroduced it Thursday, April 6.

The legislation, the "Great Lakes Migratory Bird Research and Management Act," would enable the Great Lakes Fishery Commission to investigate the effects of migratory birds, such as cormorants, on fish stocks in the Great Lakes. Congressman Stupak said his legislation is aimed at moving cormorant control programs

beyond a piecemeal approach to a more integrated and comprehensive solution.

"This legislation will empower the Great Lakes Fishery Commission to assess the full extent of the problem and develop management plans to control cormorants throughout Michigan and the Great Lakes region," Congressman Stupak said.

"Over the years, I've worked to see effective cormorant control implemented in areas like Drummond Island, Les Cheneaux Islands, Cedarville, Hessel, and Brevort," Congressman Stupak said. "This bill will apply a collaborative, regional approach to the problem. Michigan's fisheries are among our greatest natural

resources and they must be protected for future generations to enjoy and appreciate."

Since 2004, Congressman Stupak has successfully secured funding for efforts to control the double-crested cormorant population in Michigan. For fiscal year 2004, the federal government appropriated $125,000 for the project. For fiscal year 2005, $150,000 was appropriated, and $200,000 was allocated for fiscal year 2006.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Wildlife Services Division, working with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, determines areas to target for cormorant control.