Got this email today about Cormorants.
I talked with US FWS, they expect an increase in federal applications.
Its an interesting turn of events.
"Dear Texas Nuisance Double-crested Cormorant Control Permit Holder:
This email is to inform you that the Cormorant Control Permit issued to you by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) has been suspended and until further notice, Cormorant Control Permits will no longer be issued by TPWD. All control activities previously authorized under a Cormorant Control Permit must cease immediately.
TPWD’s authority to issue Cormorant Control Permits was based on the United States Fish and Wildlife Service depredation order for double-crested cormorants to protect public resources. See 50 CFR §21.48. A recent federal lawsuit has resulted in an order issued by a federal court vacating or suspending the USFWS depredation order for double-crested cormorants to protect public resources; therefore, all Cormorant Control Permits issued by TPWD no longer authorize double-crested cormorant control activities and all previously authorized control activities must cease immediately. See Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility, et al, v. United States Fish and Wildlife Service, et al., No. 14-1807 (D.D.C. May 25, 2016) (Order and Memorandum Opinion on Vacatur).
Although control activities are no longer authorized under Cormorant Control Permits, the reporting requirements remain. Persons issued a Cormorant Control Permit must have maintained records of all permitted activities, including those of designated individuals operating as sub-permittees, and submit the required annual report to TPWD no later than August 1, 2016. The reporting period shall be from the date of permit issuance through May 25, 2016.
If you need to control cormorants due to depredation, you will now have to apply with the USFWS Permits Office (505-248-7882) for a new individual Migratory Bird Depredation Permit (FWS Form 3-200-13). See 50 CFR 21.41.
This information will also be mailed to the address you provided TPWD for your permit."
