Impact of Double-crested Cormorant Depredationon the U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish Industry

Much is made of the many non-market values contributed by wildlife and the many forms of wildlife dependent recreation. However, sometimes lost in the discussion of wildlife values and the importance of wildlife are the market and non-market costs resulting from wildlife damages to human enterprises. Often these costs are significant direct costs incurred by management agencies and agribusinesses. Additionally, successful management programs may lead to increasing wildlife populations or a species expanding its range into areas where, once native, its long absence may put it into competition with human use of natural resources.

Terrill R. Hanson, Department of Agricultural Economics Mississippi State University