The Great Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo) raises strong emotions among certain groups of people. Since its population significantly declined in the 1970s, the bird species has been protected under the European Community's Bird Directive.
Nevertheless, its increasing numbers in the Czech Republic have caused conflicts with fishermen. Hence the authors have been studying the Great Cormorant's diet.
Stomach analysis of some individuals wintering in Prague shows a surprisingly high proportion of fish species, which are not important for fisheries, e.g. the Eurasian Ruffe (Gymnocephalus cernuus) or the Common Roach (Rutilus rutilus).