Press Releases

Today, Representatives Mike Ezell (MS-04), Michael Guest (MS-03), Bennie Thompson (MS-02), and Trent Kelly (MS-01) introduced the Cormorant Relief Act of 2025, legislation aimed at providing immediate relief to states struggling with the devastating effects of cormorant overpopulation on local fisheries.

"Cormorant overpopulation is hurting fish populations and threatening industries that depend on healthy fisheries," Ezell said. "This bipartisan bill gives Mississippians the ability to manage these predatory birds and keep our aquaculture industry protected. Protecting our fisheries is key to supporting local economies and farmers, and I’m proud to work with those leading this effort."

"The Cormorant Relief Act is commonsense legislation that empowers America’s aquaculture producers, including producers in my district, to take necessary and appropriate steps to protect their livelihoods," House Natural Resources Chairman Westerman said. "I'd like to thank Congressman Ezell for his leadership on this issue and look forward to working with him to move this bill through the legislative process."

“I am pleased to continue working on the Cormorant Relief Act to provide critical tools for Mississippi catfish farmers and aquaculture producers as they combat bird depredation," Guest said. "I am grateful for the partnership with my colleagues in the Mississippi Congressional Delegation and across Congress as we support our agriculture community.”

“Unchecked cormorant populations continue to devastate our fisheries, threatening the livelihoods of Mississippi’s farmers and those who depend on a thriving aquaculture industry," Thompson said. "This bipartisan effort ensures that Mississippi has the necessary tools to manage these birds effectively while maintaining protections for this migratory species. Supporting our fisheries means supporting our local economies, and I am proud to stand with my colleagues in this effort.”

"Double-crested cormorant management on catfish farms is a costly endeavor. DCC cause millions of dollars in losses on catfish farms every year through predation and the spread of disease. We appreciate Rep. Ezell and Rep. Thompson for their sponsorship of this bipartisan bill that will help farmers better manage bird depredation while still ensuring the protection of this migratory bird." - Chad Causey, Catfish Farmers of America Spokesperson

“The National Aquaculture Association strongly supports Rep. Mike Ezell’s constructive and timely bill,” commented Sebastian Belle, President. “The legislation is a return to commonsense approach of assisting farms throughout the central and southern United States in effectively managing a rapidly growing population of farmed fish eating birds. Bird populations expanded during the 18 year period when the first Aquaculture Depredation Order was in place. There will be no change in that growth under this bill. Fortunately, the legislation does relieve the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service of the task of issuing individual farm regulatory permits. The agency has been unable to do so in a timely manner which has created uncertainty in the farming community.  Farms will continue to report their bird management efforts to both the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the USDA Wildlife Services.”

Cormorants unchecked population growth has led to significant damage to fish populations, impacting commercial and recreational fishing industries and farmers. The Cormorant Relief Act of 2025 aims to grant greater flexibility in managing cormorant populations to safeguard fisheries and local economies. Congressman Ezell remains committed to advocating for policies that support conservation efforts and sustain the nation’s fishing industries.

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