The birds are trained to search for fish at their master’s signals, typically a sharp whistle, shout, or stamping of feet. Once a cormorant catches its prey, the fish is lodged in the bird’s elastic esophagus. Usually, a cord is tied around the bird’s neck to prevent it from swallowing the fish. When the cormorant’s neck is full it returns to the boat and delivers the prey to its master. To maintain the cormorants’ motivation to fish, they are kept on a reduced diet and are rewarded with food after each catch.

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