Vice Chair Ezell’s Cormorant Relief Bill Highlighted in House Natural Resources Subcommittee Hearing

Today, Congressman Mike Ezell’s (MS-04) bipartisan bill, the Cormorant Relief Act of 2025 (H.R. 2293) , was formally discussed during a legislative hearing held by the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife, and Fisheries, where he serves as Vice Chair. “Today’s hearing made clear what Mississippi’s fish farmers and coastal communities have been saying for years — unchecked cormorant populations are hurting our economy and threatening our way of life,” Ezell said. “The Cormorant Relief Act is a commonsense, bipartisan solution that gives aquaculture producers the tools they need to manage this growing problem while maintaining conservation efforts." Ezell questions Chris McGlawn, President, Catfish Farmers of Mississippi The hearing focused on legislation addressing key threats to American fisheries, aquaculture, and wildlife management. Ezell’s bill drew strong interest from both parties' members as it addresses the overpopulation of double-crested cormorants — predatory birds that have significantly harmed fish populations and caused damage to Mississippi’s catfish farmers and aquaculture operations. Background on H.R. 2293, the Cormorant Relief Act of 2025: The bill would reinstate previously authorized U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service regulations, streamlining the permitting process for lethal and non-lethal management of cormorants in areas where they are damaging fish stocks or aquaculture operations.