Mississippi Gulf News

Congressman Mike Ezell's bipartisan bill, the Cormorant Relief Act of 2025, was discussed in a legislative hearing by the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife, and Fisheries. As Vice Chair, Ezell addressed the subcommittee on the pressing issue of unchecked cormorant populations affecting Mississippi's fish farmers and coastal communities.

During the hearing, Ezell stated, "Today’s hearing made clear what Mississippi’s fish farmers and coastal communities have been saying for years — unchecked cormorant populations are hurting our economy and threatening our way of life. The Cormorant Relief Act is a commonsense, bipartisan solution that gives aquaculture producers the tools they need to manage this growing problem while maintaining conservation efforts."

The hearing brought to light the challenges faced by American fisheries, aquaculture, and wildlife management. Ezell's proposal received significant attention from members of both parties as it seeks to address the overpopulation of double-crested cormorants, which have adversely affected fish populations and caused damage to Mississippi’s catfish farmers and aquaculture operations.

Ezell questioned Chris McGlawn, President of the Catfish Farmers of Mississippi, during the hearing, emphasizing the need for legislative measures. The Cormorant Relief Act of 2025 aims to reinstate U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service regulations to streamline the permitting process for both lethal and non-lethal management of cormorants in areas where they threaten fish stocks or aquaculture operations.