European Parliament discusses a coordinated approach to cormorant management

Brussels, 17 March 2026 – The European Inland Fisheries and Aquaculture Advisory Commission (EIFAAC) presented the Framework for a European Management Plan for the great cormorant to the European Parliament’s Committee on Fisheries (PECH) (PECH) , calling for the Parliament’s endorsement and support for coordinated European implementation.

The framework aims to support a balanced and science-based approach to managing the increasing interactions between cormorants, fish populations, fisheries and aquaculture across Europe. It responds to requests for regional action made by the EIFAAC membership and many stakeholders throughout Europe. The presentation outlined the rapid expansion of the great cormorant across Europe, currently estimated at around two million birds, and its growing impacts on fish stocks, aquaculture production and inland fisheries livelihoods. Annual economic losses are estimated to exceed €350 million.

The large impact of great cormorants on inland fisheries and aquaculture production in Europe was widely recognised by Members of the European Parliament. Reference was made by the Members to resolutions from the European Parliament in 2008, 2018 and 2022 calling for a European management plan for the great cormorant, and that urgent and coordinated action at European level is needed.

During the exchange of views, Members from across political groups expressed support for a balanced approach that safeguards both biodiversity and the viability of fisheries and aquaculture sectors. Several Members highlighted that the migratory nature of the species makes isolated local or national measures ineffective, reinforcing the need for a European plan.

EIFAAC emphasized that successful implementation of the framework will require a dedicated European coordination mechanism, including a secretariat to facilitate cooperation between countries, and support for a Cormorant Management Advisory Group (CMAG), and to maintain shared monitoring databases and information systems.

Members also raised questions on funding, underlining the importance of ensuring adequate financial support for coordination, scientific monitoring and implementation activities at national and regional level.

The European Commission acknowledged the relevance of the issue and confirmed its continued engagement with Member States, EIFAAC and key stakeholders. The Commission referred to ongoing work on guidelines in support of the implementation of the Birds Directive, the recently organized dialogue, and to an option to develop a single species management plan under the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA).

EIFAAC asked the European Parliament to endorse the framework plan and support a small European coordination mechanism so Member States can implement effective, science-based management at a regional level. Parliament’s endorsement would help translate years of research and dialogue into practical action across Europe!

Please see the webstream here: Committee on Fisheries Ordinary meeting - Multimedia Centre. The presentation starts at 9.59 and Q&A at 10.13