How to Protect Fisheries & Aquaculture From Bird Predation

Jun 20, 2025

The US Aquaculture industry generated $1.9 billion in sales in 2024, up 26% from 2018. US fisheries supply up to 20% of the seafood Americans consume.  In the competitive world of aquaculture and commercial fishing, every kilogram of fish represents profit. Yet operators face a persistent threat that can significantly impact their bottom line: birds. From cormorants and herons at fish farms to gulls and terns at processing facilities, avian predators represent one of the most challenging management issues in the industry. This is why effective bird deterrence is critical to maintaining economic viability and ensuring food safety for US Aquaculture. 

The Real Cost of Bird Predation 

The financial impact of bird predation on fisheries is substantial and quantifiable. Studies have documented significant economic losses across various aquaculture operations: 

1. Direct Stock Loss: At aquaculture facilities, predatory birds like cormorants can consume up to a pound of fish daily, with colonies causing devastating losses. 

The U.S. catfish industry, which produced 322 million pounds in 2023, reported significant losses in some years from bird predation ranging from 33% to 95% in some cases, particularly during drought years when birds concentrate around remaining water bodies.  

      2. Hidden Costs: Beyond direct consumption, birds create numerous secondary financial impacts:  

• Stress-induced mortality, reducing growth rates, and increasing feed conversion ratios 

• Disease transmission requiring costly treatments 

• Infrastructure damage from corrosive droppings 

• Increased labor costs for monitoring and deterrent implementation 

• Food safety concerns potentially leading to costly product recalls 

Effective Deterrence Solutions 

As fisheries provide an abundant and oftentimes easily accessible food source for nuisance birds, successful bird management in fishery operations typically involves an integrated approach combining multiple methods: 

Physical Barriers 

One of the most consistently effective solutions for bird predation is complete exclusion. Overhead netting systems prevent bird access to ponds and raceways, creating a physical barrier that eliminates predation. While installation costs are significant, and the system requires regular maintenance, the return on investment is typically achieved within 1-2 production cycles through reduced losses. 

Visual Deterrents 

Automated lasers are another proven solution for fisheries, especially when used in conjunction with physical barriers. Lasers sweep a targeted area with a light beam that birds perceive as a physical threat, causing them to avoid the area. The best practice is to program lasers to swipe the open areas and tree lines where birds stage before they begin their hunt at facilities. Lasers are programmed to run in a manner that does not allow birds to habituate, often resulting in eliminating up to 95% of nuisance birds from a fishery.  

Operational Adaptations 

In addition to active bird management solutions, smart operational practices can significantly reduce bird attractiveness, including: 

• Feeding techniques that minimize surface time of feed 

• Underwater feeding systems for aquaculture 

• Regular removal of dead fish that attract scavengers 

• Elimination of perching opportunities near vulnerable areas 

Your Partner In Bird Deterrence 

Wild Goose Chase has over 10 years of experience helping fisheries, farms and other properties effectively deter nuisance birds. By combining physical exclusion with other forms of deterrents and adapting operations to reduce attractiveness, fishery operators can achieve significant reductions in bird-related losses. With proper implementation, bird deterrence measures typically deliver strong returns on investment through increased production, reduced mortality, and improved product quality. Stock loss from hungry birds does not need to be an accepted reality for US Aquaculture. If you have experienced stock loss from bird predation, reach out to Wild Goose Chase to see how we can help you bird-proof your operations.