State Reps. Ken Borton (R-Gaylord) and Alicia St. Germaine (R-Harrison Township) today introduced a resolution calling on Congress to move legislation that will address the damages caused by rising cormorant populations. 

“These birds are causing severe problems throughout the state,” said Borton. “Their droppings are extremely acidic, and as they congregate in colonies, they are killing local vegetation and wildlife. Their presence in large numbers poses a very serious threat to both recreational fishing and commercial fisheries.” 

During the 119th Congress, U.S. Congressman Tim Wahlberg introduced House Bill 8195, titled the “Responsible Cormorant Management and Control Act of 2026,” which would establish science-based regional frameworks for managing and controlling overabundant cormorant populations. 

“We need to act now before this damage escalates,” Borton said. “We know the destruction that is occurring, and we have trusted strategies available to curtail cormorant colony growth. Congress needs to pass Representative Wahlberg’s legislation to make their removal easier.”