Evaluation of Control Techniques for Avian Predators of Pond-reared Fishes
Research and development studies involving red drum and hybrid striped bass culture in coastal ponds have been seriously impacted by avian predators, especially when overwintering was required. Studies were conducted at the Waddell Mariculture Center to document the effect of predation by birds and also to test various non-lethal control techniques. Use of pyrotechnics, flash tape, "evil-eye" balloons, aerial balloons, and various wire grid patterns over a pond offered only short term protection. Mortality of fish in ponds protected by these devices ranged from 42.0% to 99.7% depending...
