allright, this one will get me talking but i have worked with this bird in the past.
first, Cormorants are not a problem, at least not in missouri. they may be munching down a few too many Alewives in the great lakes but even that isn't their fault. the pollution in those lakes has damaged the population of baitfish far more than this goofy looking bird.
in missouri, most of what we see are double crested cormorants. they are pretty cool (i think). they can dive about 30 feet deep and stay under for a minute and a half. they do not have waterproof feathers, which might seem odd, but that adaptation allows them to dive faster since the feathers do not hold air bubbles. most diving birds can stay under much longer, like a loon, so the air bubbles are not a problem for them.
these birds do not necessarily indicate a healthy fishery, but they are still a good sign. greater diversity in any habitat equals greater recreational activity for outdoorsmen and women.
these birds were smashed hard by DDT in the 50-60's, and they are just now beginning to experience good population growth. this explains why you don't remember seeing them 30 years ago as that was the lowest their population had ever really been.
people in texas will shoot anything. lots of birds eat fish, hell, lots of fish eat fish, this one isn't any major player for those of us in MO to worry about. is anyone worried about herons or bald eagles? also, for snake haters out there, cormorants like to eat water snakes!
"We abuse land because we regard it as a commodity belonging to us. When we see land as a community to which we belong, we may begin to use it with love and respect"
-Aldo Leopold