PHOTO: NWR Double Crested Cormorants. Credit: Donna Stanley/US Fish and Wildlife Service, Public Domain
Cormorant Observation Survey
New York Sea Grant and Wayne County GIS have developed a reporting tool to help document observations and images of double-crested cormorants and their impacts in New York State. Reports will be shared with relevant agencies and regional partners to help track observations, identify trends, and improve understanding of local conditions.
Report and explore double-crested cormorant observations across New YOrk State. Use the Survey to document cormporants and their impacts at different locations and times throuhgout the year, or use the Observation Viewer to see submitted reprots in real time.
Double-Crested Cormorants in NYS
Double-crested cormorants are a native, federally protected migratory bird species. Over time, large concentrations of cormorants may cause damage to vegetation or deplete fish stocks, and management may be necessary in specific areas to protect these resources. Under federal and New York State law, it is illegal to kill, capture, harass, or otherwise harm cormorants, or to disturb their active nests or eggs, unless specifically authorized by permit. Violations of federal or state wildlife laws may result in civil or criminal penalties, including substantial fines and, in some cases, imprisonment.
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) and federal agencies may implement management actions when cormorants are causing documented impacts to natural resources, public infrastructure, public health and safety, or other protected resources. These actions are conducted only under specific legal authorities and permits. Private landowners experiencing damage on their property may apply for a federal control permit through consultation with the USDA-Wildlife Services New York office (ny.form37@usda.gov or 518-477-4837).
More Resources
Use these links to learn more about double-crested cormorants in New York State.
• Double-crested Cormorant - NYSDEC
• Double-crested Cormorant Management In New York - NYSDEC
• Double-crested Cormorant Overview, All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
• US Fish and Wildlife Service Cormorant FAQ
Have questions? Contact Stacy Furgal at SLF85@cornell.edu or at 315-312-3042.