Economic Losses of Catfish to Avian Predation: A Case Report

Abstract

Avian predation in catfish aquaculture has been a persistent issue throughout the history of the industry, and as production has expanded predation from piscivorous birds has intensified. Catfish ponds in the Mississippi River delta (in the Mississippi migratory flyway) provide a constant and readily accessible supply of forage for birds. Intensive foraging by fish‐eating birds has led to a specific regulatory policy and numerous on‐farm and regional management efforts. However, in 2016, legal challenges lead to recision of some federal policies and uncertainty as to allowable management, resulting in limitations on bird depredation. Estimating the extent of fish losses to avian predators is difficult, as loss estimates from farms are often confounded with disease‐ and management‐related mortalities. This study details the reported losses to birds that were observed in commercial‐scale catfish ponds at the Thad Cochran National Warmwater Aquaculture Center, Stoneville, Mississippi, during periods of limited bird management. The observed fish losses attributed to birds ranged from 33% to 95% loss in survival and potential yield losses of 4,396 to 8,889 lb/acre, increasing production costs and decreasing net returns. Net economic losses when accounting for negative net returns and lost profits ranged from US$3,518 to $4,060/acre. Losses of this magnitude on commercial fish farms are economically detrimental, especially because catfish farms lack the compensatory economic relief programs that are available in other agriculture sectors. Roost dispersal activities that are organized by federal agencies and avoiding delays in issuing bird depredation permits are vital for mitigating this persistent and growing regulatory problem in the U.S. catfish industry.

Cost of regulations on US catfish farms

“…Regulatory costs associated with the management of birds and other environmental regulations were relatively higher in Alabama, Arkansas, and Mississippi as compared with other catfish-producing states. This reflects the high bird predation problems on catfish farms within the tristate region (Kumar et al, 2021) of Alabama, Arkansas, and Mississippi, which is the corridor of migration for many migratory birds including piscivorous birds. Catfish farms in Mississippi had the highest costs associated with labor regulations because of the increased hiring of an H2A workforce.…”

Factors affecting feed conversion ratios in US commercial catfish production ponds

“…The two major sources of mortality in United States catfish ponds are losses to fish‐eating birds and losses to disease. Depredating birds cause substantial fish losses in commercial catfish ponds (Christie et al, 2021; Dorr & Fielder, 2017; Dorr & Taylor II, 2003; Kumar, Hegde, et al, 2021). Losses to birds reduce yields (Kumar, Hegde, et al, 2021) that, in turn, result in higher FCR values.…”

“…Depredating birds cause substantial fish losses in commercial catfish ponds (Christie et al, 2021; Dorr & Fielder, 2017; Dorr & Taylor II, 2003; Kumar, Hegde, et al, 2021). Losses to birds reduce yields (Kumar, Hegde, et al, 2021) that, in turn, result in higher FCR values. Many of the bird species that target catfish aquaculture farms are federally protected migratory species, making effective control more difficult.…”

Economic effects of predation by scaup on baitfish and sportfish farms

“…Most baitfish and sportfish farms in Arkansas are located within the Mississippi River Flyway, a historic corridor for millions of migrating waterfowl and other waterbirds (Bellrose, 1980). Use of fish farms by fish‐eating birds has been reported to cause substantial losses of farmed fish (Dorr, Burger, Barras, & Godwin, 2012; Dorr, Hanson‐Dorr, DeVault, Barras, & Guillaumet, 2014; Dorr, Hatch, & Weseloh, 2014; Glahn & Brugger, 1995; Glahn, Werner, Hanson, & Engle, 2002; Kumar, Hegde, Wise, Mischke, & Dorr, 2020; Stickley Jr., Warrick, & Glahn, 1992; Wywialowski, 1999). While there is a fairly robust literature on predation by fish‐eating birds such as the double‐crested cormorant, Phalacrocorax auritus , on catfish farms (See Burr, Avery, Street, & Strickland, 2020; Burr, Avery, Street, Strickland, & Dorr, 2020; and Christie, 2019 for recent summaries), bird and fish dynamics on baitfish and sportfish farms have not been studied since 2005 (Glahn, Rasmussen, Thomsa, & Preusser, 2011).…”