Lead Institution(s): Simon Fraser University
Collaborator(s): Ramunas Zydelis (SFU), Sean Boyd (CWS)
Location: British Columbia
Focal Species: Surf Scoter (Melanitta perspicillata), White-winged Scoter (Melanitta delgandi)
Project Description: We conducted a detailed, GIS-based analysis of Surf and White-winged Scoter winter habitat use in coastal BC. This study was designed to examine the spatial correlation between Surf and White-winged Scoter distributions and attributes of the environment in Baynes Sound, British Columbia, an important coastal wintering area. From this we can infer which aspects of the habitat are particularly beneficial or detrimental for scoters.
SDJV60 Interim Report FY05
Related Publications
Žydelis, R., D. Esler, W. S. Boyd, D. L. Lacroix, and M. Kirk. 2006. Habitat Use by Wintering Surf and White-Winged Scoters: Effects of Environmental Attributes and Shellfish Aquaculture. Journal of Wildlife Management 70:1754–1762. https://doi.org/10.2193/0022-541X(2006)70[1754:HUBWSA]2.0.CO;2
Žydelis, R., D. Esler, M. Kirk, and W. S. Boyd. 2009. Effects of off-bottom shellfish aquaculture on winter habitat use by molluscivorous sea ducks. Aquatic Conservation 19:34-42. https://doi.org/10.1002/aqc.977
