Purpose of the decree
The main aim of this decree is to limit the predation of great cormorants on fish farms and protected aquatic species. It seeks to balance species protection with the need to manage fish populations, particularly in areas where predation has a significant impact.
This order follows the Conseil d'État's annulment of the September 19, 2022 order, which had provoked strong reactions from the French National Federation for Fishing and Protection of the Aquatic Environment (FNPF). The new decree aims to provide a clear, legally compliant framework for managing interactions between cormorants and fish populations.
In short, the decree of February 24, 2025 provides a new framework for managing predation by great cormorants, balancing species protection with the need to manage fish populations, particularly in sensitive areas and on fish farms.
Key provisions
Shooting and scaring authorizations
The decree allows prefects to grant authorizations for cormorant scaring shots or destruction by prefectoral decree.
These authorizations can be granted in pond fish farming areas, as well as in other areas where cormorant predation has proven impacts on endangered fish populations. This includes rivers, connected bodies of water, ditches and canals.
Compliance with regulations
The measures taken must comply with the regulations in force for the protection of species, thus ensuring that the actions undertaken comply with existing laws and regulations.
Departmental ceilings
Departmental ceilings on the destruction of great cormorants are measures regulated by prefectoral decree, aimed at managing these birds' populations while respecting species protection requirements.
Destruction limit
Destruction ceilings may not exceed 20% of the population of wintering great cormorants estimated in the département at the time of the last national census.
In certain circumstances, this ceiling may be increased, but not by more than 30%.
Exclusions
Certain départements, notably Calvados, Côtes-d'Armor, Eure, Finistère, Ille-et-Vilaine, Manche, Morbihan and Seine-Maritime, are excluded from these measures. This is due to the presence of a strictly protected subspecies of cormorant, Phalacrocorax carbo carbo.
Flying and shooting
Shooting and scaring can be carried out throughout the hunting season, during the day, and up to 100 meters from the banks of rivers, lakes or canals.
These measures aim to limit the impact of cormorants on fish populations and protect fishing activities.
Destruction of nests and eggs
Exceptional nest and egg destruction operations may be decided by prefects, depending on specific needs and local contexts.
