It is recognised that predation by cormorants may cause problems at individual fisheries by damaging stocks of fish and by reducing catches. While predation is just one of a wide range of factors that can affect fish populations, it can, on its own, have potentially serious economic implications for some fisheries. Under such circumstances, management action may be needed. Such action should balance the need to safeguard fish stocks and fisheries with the conservation of the birds, although striking such a balance may not always be easy. A range of potential management options exists. One particular technique, the use of fish refuges, has been the subject of Defra-funded research over recent years. The purpose of this leaflet is to advise fishery owners and managers in England about this ongoing work, and allow them to consider whether fish refuges might be an appropriate option for reducing the impact of cormorant predation.
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