Fishermen voice concerns over rising cormorant population in Säkylä’s Pyhäjärvi

Fishermen in Säkylä’s Pyhäjärvi, often referred to as Satakunta’s inland sea, are expressing concerns about the increase in the population of cormorants in the area. Although cormorants are protected seabirds that typically nest along the coasts, they have been seen at inland lakes, particularly in the fall, as they gather food for their migratory journeys. This autumn, fishermen have noted a significant rise in the number of migratory cormorants at Pyhäjärvi.

According to local reports, the cormorant population may now number around 400, a stark contrast to approximately 50 five years ago, highlighting a dramatic increase, as noted by Matti Jaakkola, chair of the Pyhäjärvi Management Association.

An expert tracking cormorants in Satakunta mentioned that this influx of birds is a common phenomenon, especially during fall migration, as they arrive from both northern and coastal regions, congregating at larger lakes for easy access to food.

The Finnish Environment Institute reports almost 32,000 cormorant nests were counted nationwide this summer, reflecting a 14% increase from the previous summer, concentrated mainly in southern regions.

Fishermen worry about the potential establishment of permanent cormorant populations in Pyhäjärvi, fearing the first nesting could disrupt local fishing. Currently, cormorants migrate to coastal areas in spring, where food is plentiful.

While some experts suggest there are suitable natural reserves for cormorants in the area, they note that nesting in inland regions remains rare. Fishermen are not welcoming the presence of these birds, citing damage to fishing gear and the necessity of cleaning cabins due to droppings.

Matti Jaakkola advocates for the possibility of hunting cormorants to manage their population, while discussions are ongoing about potentially listing them as a huntable species within EU regulations.