Herons and Egrets

Herons and egrets commonly cause damage at aquaculture facilities and recreational fishing waters where fish are held at high densities. Fish-eating birds also can have an impact on intensively managed sport fisheries. Damage occurs when herons and egrets feed on fish purchased and released for recreational sport fishing activities. Values of these fish can be quite high given the intensity of management activities and the direct relationship of fishery quality to property value. Herons and egrets are freshwater or coastal birds of the family Ardeidae. Herons and egrets discussed in this section are all piscivorous. They are opportunistic feeders, however, and will consume small amphibians, insects, and reptiles. Due to these food preferences, herons and egrets are attracted to shallow lakes and human-made impoundments. Native bird species are covered under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) and given federal protection. Depredation permits can be obtained through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. In addition, individual states may require their own permits for legal take of these bird species.