Purpose

Cormorants are protected wild birds under EU nature legislation, and their conservation has been a notable success in Europe. However, the rapid growth of cormorant populations has created increasing pressure on fish stocks and aquatic ecosystems, with significant impacts on recreational angling, fisheries, and aquaculture. Ensuring a balanced coexistence between bird conservation, healthy fish populations, and sustainable water-based activities has therefore become a key policy challenge.

Current status

Cormorants are highly adaptable predatory birds, consuming around 400–600 grams of fish per day. In 2014, their population in Europe was estimated at over 2.2 million individuals, and numbers have continued to rise. In many regions, this has led to substantial predation pressure on vulnerable fish species such as eel, grayling, and salmon, contributing to local stock declines and biodiversity loss.

Although the Birds Directive allows Member States to apply derogations where “serious damage” occurs, management measures remain fragmented and uneven across Europe. A 2008 European Parliament resolution called for a pan-European cormorant management plan, recognising that isolated local actions are insufficient. To date, however, EU action has been limited to guidance on the use of derogations, without a coordinated management framework.

Outlook & EAA position

The EAA supports the full and appropriate implementation of the Birds Directive while calling for a science-based, pan-European cormorant management plan. EAA advocates for coordinated population management measures, improved and harmonised data collection, and clearer criteria for action where fish stocks and aquatic biodiversity are at risk. A balanced European approach is essential to safeguard both bird conservation achievements and the long-term sustainability of fish populations, freshwater ecosystems, and recreational angling across Europe.