In Örnsköldsvik, Sweden, the island of Dekarsjögrundet is being overwhelmed by 500 cormorants, causing environmental damage and a foul odor. The birds' droppings, rich in ammonia, are killing vegetation and threatening biodiversity. Despite local frustration, hunting the birds is prohibited under EU regulations, leaving the community seeking solutions.
Cormorants Overrun Örnsköldsvik Island: A Scene from 'Jurassic Park'
Cormorants Overrun Örnsköldsvik Island: A Scene from 'Jurassic Park'
500 cormorants have taken over Dekarsjögrundet outside Örnsköldsvik. Vegetation is dying, and a stench is spreading, reports Örnsköldsviks Allehanda. However, hunting the cormorants is prohibited, and the local population is growing weary.
On the island of Dekarsjögrundet outside Örnsköldsvik, 457 cormorants reside. Their numbers have increased significantly in recent years, partly due to favorable climate conditions.
But the spread of these birds is causing increasing frustration among Örnsköldsvik residents.
"The description of Alne Nature Reserve on the web with beautiful words like 'Pillared Hall with birdsong and nesting mute swans' is a thing of the past today. Stinking guano and evening noise reminiscent of Jurassic Park are more accurate," writes a letter to the newspaper, warning that the island will erode as the trees die.
Corrosive Droppings
Cormorants have a significant impact on their environment. Their droppings contain high levels of ammonia, which in large concentrations kill vegetation and deplete biodiversity.
"This causes the smell to spread throughout the area, which can be unpleasant," says Dan-Erik Lindström, a biologist at Örnsköldsvik Municipality, to Örnsköldsviks Allehanda.
According to Örnsköldsviks Allehanda, the island is "now completely destroyed due to the cormorants."
Photos from the island show birds perched on bare, leafless trees.
Hunting Not Allowed
The cormorant has no natural predator to keep its population in check and has been able to reproduce unhindered.
"It may be that humans need to manage the cormorant population. But that responsibility lies with the county administrative board," says Dan-Erik Lindström.
At the same time, the cormorant is protected under the EU's Birds Directive, making hunting to reduce the cormorant population prohibited.
Protective hunting is allowed under certain conditions, often related to protecting commercial fishing. However, it requires a permit from the county administrative board.