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A Structured Decision Process for Revising the US Fish and Wildlife Service Policy on Double-crested Cormorant Management

The problem we addressed was how to design a national policy that provides for effective management of Double-crested Cormorant (DCCO) populations within the United States. Primary management objectives surrounding DCCOs are at times in conflict and include protecting DCCO populations as required under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act while resolving DCCO conflicts with impacts to private property, the aquaculture industry, and natural resources. Ultimately, the USFWS will decide on a national management strategy by 30 June 2014, at which time existing regulations expire. We developed a...