Cumbria Police have launched an investigation following the destruction of a large number of cormorant eggs from a nesting colony at Rockcliffe Marsh north of Carlisle, Cumbria Wildlife Trust, who monitor breeding birds on the site are assisting in this process.

Cormorants are a large fish eating bird which is fully protected along with their nests and eggs under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, offences carry a possible six months prison sentence and a £5,000 fine.

Cumbria Police wildlife and environmental crime officer, PC John Shaw said, “This isn’t the first time that cormorant nests and eggs at this location have been targeted by criminals and as well as progressing this current investigation we are working with Cumbria Wildlife Trust to provide extra protection measures around the nest site for future breeding seasons”.

Joe Murphy, Senior Reserves Officer at Cumbria Wildlife Trust said, “This is wanton and malicious destruction of a beautiful species. The cormorant has had a place in human mythology for many years including being a good luck charm for fishermen. I cannot believe that any one would want to destroy such an iconic species. “

Anyone with any information into this incident are urged to contact Cumbria Police on 0845 33 00 247 or anonymously through crime stoppers on 0800 555 111