The Cormorant Problem in Ireland...

Описание: Are cormorants really damaging Irish fisheries — or are we blaming the wrong predator?
In this video, I take a balanced look at the so-called “Cormorant Problem” in Ireland. Cormorants are native to Ireland and protected under EU legislation, yet many anglers believe their numbers are having a serious impact on fish stocks.
But is it really that simple?
Cormorants are highly efficient fish predators. An adult Great Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo) can consume roughly 400–600 grams of fish per day. They target a wide range of species — not just salmon and trout, but also roach, bream, perch, dace, rudd, pike and eels.
In this video, I explore:
The recovery of cormorant populations in Ireland
Their feeding behaviour and diving ability
The impact on coarse and game fish species
Winter roosts and how they can damage trees and riverbanks
Licensed control measures currently allowed in Ireland
The wider environmental pressures affecting fish stocks
Marine survival decline in Atlantic salmon
Habitat degradation, water quality and ecosystem resilience
Cormorants can have significant localised impacts, particularly in small fisheries and enclosed waters. But fish declines in Ireland are also linked to habitat loss, agricultural runoff, barriers to migration, climate change and ocean survival rates.
So the real question is:
Are there genuinely too many cormorants —
or are they exposing weaknesses in our freshwater ecosystems?
I’d genuinely like to hear both sides of this debate.
Let me know your thoughts in the comments — and please keep it respectful.

🎣 Topics Covered
Cormorants in Ireland
Great Cormorant Ireland
Fish decline Ireland
Irish fisheries
Salmon and trout decline
Coarse fishing Ireland
Roost damage trees
Wildlife management Ireland
Freshwater ecosystems