Whilst most problems relating to the predation of fish by piscivorous (fish-eating) birds concern cormorants, saw-billed ducks (goosanders and red-breasted mergansers) and grey herons may also cause problems at river and stillwater fisheries and fish farms, by predating fish stocks. These birds are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and cannot be killed, or their eggs or nests (when in use or being built) taken or destroyed, except under licence. The purpose of this leaflet is to help fishery owners and managers to consider ways in which problems caused by piscivorous birds (other than cormorants) might be addressed, and to outline the licensing system in England.
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