Swiss commission backs cormorant hunting despite conservation outcry
A parliamentary initiative to relax the protected status of the cormorant in Switzerland has taken a step forward. The Environment, Spatial Planning and Energy Commission of the Council of States approved the proposal, which would allow hunting of the bird in certain cases. Fishermen’s associations have welcomed the move, but nature conservation groups remain strongly opposed.
The initiative was put forward by Fabio Regazzi, a hobby hunter and former president of the Swiss Hunting Association. Its goal is to reduce the cormorant population, which fishermen claim is harming fish stocks. Over the past 20 years, the number of cormorants in Switzerland has grown, adding to tensions between anglers and conservationists.
Scientific evidence on the bird’s impact remains limited. Studies suggest that factors like built-up waterways and invasive species have a far greater effect on fish populations than cormorants do. Despite this, the commission’s decision marks a potential shift in policy. Nature conservation organisations, including Pro Natura, WWF, and BirdLife, have condemned the proposal. They argue that relaxing protections could set a dangerous precedent and weaken international species conservation efforts. The Bird Observatory Sempach also opposes the change, citing insufficient proof that cormorants significantly threaten fish stocks. The process is not yet complete. The National Council’s sister commission must still review the initiative before any legal changes can take effect. Until then, the debate between fishermen and conservationists is expected to continue.
If approved, the new rules would allow targeted hunting of cormorants under specific conditions. The final decision now rests with the National Council’s commission. Until then, the current protections for the bird remain in place.
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