Project Number: 6225-63000-006-00
Project Type: Appropriated

Start Date: Nov 18, 2004
End Date: Sep 30, 2009

Objective:
Develop and evaluate new, improve existing, or adapt alternative techniques to minimize depredation at aquaculture facilities. Assess and evaluate regional populations of fish-eating birds and other potential vertebrate predators that threaten or increase the risk of predation at aquaculture facilities. Identify spatial and temporal differences between nonmigratory and migratory cormorant populations to enhance management efforts within aquaculture areas.

Approach:
Apply innovative engineering design approaches to develop new or modify existing methods and technologies to control depredation. Reduce depredation by avian predators at aquaculture facilities by identifying habitat variables that can be manipulated. Evaluate best management practices to reduce risk of predation at aquaculture facilities from migrating and nonmigrating double-crested cormorants. Assess and validate fish-eating bird numbers and trends by aerial survey, use of satellite-and radio-transmitters, and double-observer counts. Quantify spatial and temporal effects on bird us patterns within and surrounding aquaculture areas under regulatory management of lethal and nonlethal roost dispersal. Identify spatial and temporal differences between nonmigratory and migratory cormorant populations to enhance management efforts within aquaculture areas.