The European Anglers Alliance (EAA )* represents 18 nations with five million affiliated anglers and acts to protect the interests of 25 million anglers throughout Europe. At its 8^th annual assembly in the Czech Republic April 5 – 8^th 2002, delegates unanimously expressed grave concerns about the impacts of the cormorant species Phalocrocorax carbo carbo and P. carbo sinensis on freshwater fish stocks.

Scientific studies conducted throughout Europe by government and non-government agencies have revealed that the numbers of cormorants have increased dramatically in the last 20 years, and they have not yet stabilised. We also know – confirmed by scientific studies – that cormorants can and have caused serious damage to freshwater fish stocks in many countries.

The EAA believes that some form of Europe-wide monitoring and management plan is required to address the problem. We welcomed and have participated in the EU-funded REDCAFE ** project, but the outcomes are as yet uncertain and the project is due to terminate before it is able to yield the full benefits of this co-operative approach.

The EAA calls on all EU members and other European governments to actively pursue existing opportunities to manage cormorant populations either under article 9 of the EC Wild Birds Directive or similar national legislation.

* The EAA was launched in 1994 in Brussels.

** REDCAFE is a two-year project funded by the EU aimed at reducing the conflict between cormorants and fisheries on a pan-European scale. It comprises a working group of fisheries scientists, bird biologists, commercial fisheries interests and nature conservation organisations, drawn from 20 countries. They meet every six months to formulate, implement and report on the progress of a series of work packages. The project is now in its second year, and its outcomes should help inform and guide stakeholders throughout Europe on how to resolve cormorant problems.

For further information contact Jan Kappel.+32 2 732 03 09
e-mail eaa.aepl@skynet.be