Foraging location and site fidelity of the double-crested comorants on Oneida Lake
2007 Impact statement- Richmond, Milo Eugene
abstract
This study describes the foraging behavior of the double-crested cormorant on Oneida Lake in New York. Through the use of radio-tagged birds, we located primary foraging areas and created maps using geographic information system technology. We established foraging distances from the nesting island, types of substrate, water depth, and other characteristics of the foraging site. We developed a foraging model to help explain the location and frequency of foraging trips to the area. These data were coupled with the distribution of prey items to project a new model of the impact of cormorant foraging on sport fish in Oneida Lake.
submitted by
- Richmond, Milo | Scient Visit
issue being addressed
Oneida Lake, like much of upstate New York, is a destination point for sport-fishing enthusiasts throughout the northeastern United States. The economic benefits of this fishery are substantial for New York state. The collapse of the Oneida Lake and Lake Ontario sport-fishing opportunities prompted conservation biologists to examine causes for the decline in the sport fishery and the loss of interest by fishermen.
response
We have collaborated with state fish and game personnel, USDA/Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Wildlife Services biologists, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to design and implement a plan of cormorant reduction on the lakes affected by the foraging of these birds. Action has been approved and taken to reduce numbers of foraging cormorants on Oneida Lake, Lake Ontario, and other key roosting and nesting areas in the New England and Lake Ontario regions.
impact assessment
Results are still developing, but to date they include measurable recovery of the age groups of sport fish usually found in Oneida Lake and some recovery of the fishing opportunity enjoyed by the public. In addition, the models of impact to the fishery indicate a positive turn toward the recovery of the sport-fishing opportunities throughout the Northeast region.
academic priority area
- Environmental Sciences | CALS academic priority
- Land-Grant Mission | CALS academic priority
has geographic focus
- Canada | country
- Connecticut | state
- Rhode Island | state
- Vermont | state
- Massachusetts | state
- New York State | state
- New Hampshire | state
- Maine | state
- New Jersey | state
- Pennsylvania | state
funding source description
- New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
- Special Grants
- Department of Agriculture
- Hatch
- Berryman Institute, U.S. Geological Survey, USDA/APHIS Wildlife Services, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, New York Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Pittman-Robertson funds), and Cornell Biological Field Station(Oneida Lake)
collaborators
- Vermont Cooperative Fish & Wildlife Research Unit
- Cornell Biological Field Station
- Canadian Wildlife Services
- USDA/APHIS Wildlife Services
- New York Dept. of Environmental Conservation
key personnel
- Randy Jackson
- Anthony VanDeValk
- Lars Rudstam
- Jeremy T. H. Coleman
department, unit, division
- Natural Resources (NTRES/DNR) | Cornell department
mission focus
- research | project type
From CALS annual faculty reporting. Imported on August 5, 2008