COMMENTARY : FISHING BITTEN BY CORMORANTS.

Byline: Jim Matthews Special to the Daily News

Cormorants have become such a problem to fish growers and lake managers across the nation that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing they be removed from protected status so some of the pesky birds can be killed in 33 states.

The service estimates the surging cormorant population costs private fish growers $20 million a year in lost fish. There have been no estimates done on how much the birds cost federal and state hatcheries, especially those growing trout and salmon.

The population of cormorants is at an all-time high, approaching 2 million birds, and is increasing at a rate of 8 percent per year.

Many believe the burgeoning numbers are a direct result of the draw of fish hatcheries and waters where trout and other fish are planted. Cormorants set up residence on or near the hatcheries or lakes - like most urban waters in Southern California regularly planted with trout - and exploit the free food source.

The birds are especially hard on trout. Visit Puddingstone Reservoir near San Dimas or any one of dozens of other regional lakes after a trout plant in the winter and you will understand the magnitude of the problem.

Literally hundreds of these birds can descend on a lake. It is especially troubling when the fish are freshly planted and still a little dazed from a truck ride.

The birds snatch up fish in large quantities. The trout simply don't last long, and anglers don't come back to parks that have problem cormorants. Likewise, hatcheries are seeing their revenues slip down the long necks of the cormorants' throats.

Unfortunately, California is not one of the states on the list to control cormorant numbers.

The USFWS has the authority to issue special depredation orders for specific species of migratory birds to address particular problems under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, which generally prohibits the taking of migratory birds except for game birds during regulated hunting seasons. Cormorants arguably fall under this rule.

The public may comment in writing on the federal proposal until Aug. 23. Anglers who feel California should be included among the states to manage cormorants can write to: Cormorant Rule, Migratory Bird Management Office, 4401 N. Fairfax Dr., Mail Stop 634, Arlington, Va. 22203. The feds can put pressure on California to modify its rules to allow the taking of cormorants. To further your cause, send a copy of your letter to: California Fish and Game Commission, 1416 Ninth St., Sacramento, Calif. 95814.

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Photo: Troublesome cormorants are a headache to fish growers and lake managers. Federal officials want to kill some to protect fish.

Daily News File Photo