Economic Losses of Catfish to Avian Predation: A Case Report

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