Newson, S.E., Marchant, J.H., Ekins, G.R. & Sellers, R.M. 2007. The status of inland-breeding Great Cormorants in England. British Birds 100: 289-299.

Abstract

Since the establishment of a tree-nesting colony of Great Cormorants Phalacrocorax carbo at Abberton Reservoir, Essex, in 1981, the inland-breeding population in England has increased considerably and numbered at least 2,096 breeding pairs in 2005. This population is thought to have been founded by Continental birds of the race sinensis, although an increasing proportion of Cormorants of the nominate race from coastal colonies in England and Wales may have contributed to its development. Increasing numbers of feeding Cormorants are now attracted to inland waters in England, intensifying the conflict between Cormorants and fisheries. This prompted Defra to announce a ‘new’ policy in September 2004, which increased the number of Cormorants that could be killed under licence. It is not known how the change in policy is affecting breeding populations.

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