MI SR0132

Urges U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to continue and extend depredation orders for managing double-crested cormorants from the current expiration date of June 30, 2014, to a 20-year review cycle.

Recommends expanding cormorant management authorization to all states currently covered by depredation orders and to states not yet included, including all saltwater coastal states from Florida to Texas.

Proposes implementing regional management plans coordinated across flyway systems and including National Wildlife Refuges and Park System lands to address cormorant migration patterns.

Recommends implementing cormorant control before breeding season begins to reduce costs and population expansion, with early removal of birds rather than waiting until eggs hatch.

Calls for agent training and certification to be maintained with five-year coverage periods, with Michigan Department of Natural Resources given authority to train agents under U.S. Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services oversight, and Michigan's statewide coordination model to serve as a template for other states.