Tuberville, Cotton Take Action to Allow Farmers to Protect Catfish from Predatory Birds

WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senators Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) and Tom Cotton (R-AR) reintroduced the Cormorant Relief Act, legislation that would fully reinstate the ability of catfish farmers and other aquaculture producers to remove predatory double-crested cormorant populations. The legislation would restore U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service regulations to allow producers to fight the cormorants, which threaten the livelihoods of aquaculture operations in Alabama, Arkansas, Mississippi, and other states.

"Alabama is the number two state in American catfish production, raising one-third of the world's catfish," said Senator Tuberville. "As a former catfish restaurant owner, I know firsthand how critical catfish are to our economy. America's catfish farmers should be able to protect their livelihoods against these invasive birds without fear of repercussions from the federal government. It is important that we put our American catfish farmers first!"

"Double-crested cormorants pose a significant threat to Arkansas's fish farmers, but unnecessary regulation currently prevents them from taking additional steps to protect their ponds. Our bill would once again give fish farmers the ability to adequately defend their fish populations from the birds that are eating into their bottom line," said Senator Cotton.

Text of the legislation may be found here.

This legislation is supported by the National Aquaculture Association and the Catfish Farmers of America.

BACKGROUND:

• The double-crested cormorant is a large water bird that feeds primarily on fish, consuming approximately a pound of fish per day. The cormorant population in North America has been increasing for decades as they have no natural predators and a growing prey base. As a result, these birds cause millions of dollars in losses across the aquaculture industry each year.
• From 1998 to 2016, an Aquaculture Depredation Order existed allowing aquaculture producers to take double-crested cormorants committing or about to commit depredation of aquaculture stocks. However, a lawsuit brought against the Fish and Wildlife Service challenged the Aquaculture Depredation Order renewal and in 2016 the order was vacated. Currently, aquaculture facilities must pursue individual depredation permits, which impose constraints on farmers and prevent them from adequately protecting their fish against this avian predator.

MORE:

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Following Tuberville Efforts, Biden Administration Reverses Course on Disastrous Catfish Rule

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Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans' Affairs, HELP and Aging Committees.

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