INTERACTIONS OF AMERICAN WHITE PELICANS AND AQUACULTURE IN THE SOUTHEASTERN UNITED STATES

D. Tommy King*
 
USDA/WS National Wildlife Research Center; P.O. Drawer 6099; MS State Univ., MS 39762;
Tommy.King@aphis.usda.gov
 

USDA Wildlife Services offices in Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi began receiving complaints concerning American White Pelicans (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos) foraging in commercial channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) ponds in 1990. Because of the relatively shallow pond depth and high fish stocking rates used by most producers, commercial catfish ponds provide a near perfect foraging environment for American White Pelicans. Damage abatement recommendations have consisted of harassment measures similar to those used for other piscivorous birds, issuance of depredation permits, and draining water from fields used as loafing sites. Since 1993, Wildlife Services, National Wildlife Research Center biologists have conducted research to learn more about pelican numbers and movements. Here, I provide an overview of past, current, and future research on American White Pelican interactions with southeastern aquaculture.