Lead Institution(s): Ducks Unlimited Canada
Project Lead: Mark Gloutney
Collaborator(s): Katherine Mehl (UND), DUC, IWWR, ECCC, EcoAction, EDF, CWS, NLDEC, MYN, NLLNT, QLF, EHJV, ERDA, WBCDA
Focal Species: Common Eider (Somateria mollissima)
Project Description: The goal of the Eider Initiative is to develop a population model to guide Common Eider Somateria mollissima dresseri harvest regulations and management decisions. Development of such models requires current, detailed information on life-history traits throughout the life-cycle of the species. We chose Newfoundland and Labrador as the focal point for this research because Common Eider populations in this region have experienced relatively little growth following their protection by the Migratory Bird Conservation Act, compared to that of other populations south of this area. Specific reasons for depressed population growth of eiders nesting in this region are unknown. Factors that may contribute to low growth rates include anthropogenic affects such as harvest or increased disturbance through aquaculture, inter-tidal harvests, or shipping and natural processes such as shifts of the predatorprey dynamics or recruitment levels. Understanding constraints to population growth requires a strong understanding of species-specific life history traits. This information is critical for developing and implementing management strategies that promote sustainable and harvestable populations.
SDJV16 Interim Report FY03
SDJV16 Interim Report FY04
SDJV16 Interim Report FY05
SDJV16 Interim Report FY06
SDJV16 Interim Report FY07
SDJV16 Interim Report FY08
Related Publications and Media
Eider Pride:When common eider populations plummeted in Newfoundland and Labrador in the 1980s, groups of passionate volunteers worked together to save one of the province’s most iconic bird species, 2017 https://www.ducks.ca/stories/atlantic/eider-pride/
Lusignan, A. P., K. R. Mehl, I. L. Jones, and M. L. Gloutney. 2010. Conspecific Brood Parasitism in Common Eiders (Somateria mollissima): Do Brood Parasites Target Safe Nest Sites? The Auk 127:765–772. https://doi.org/10.1525/auk.2010.09207
Giroux, J. F., M. Patenaude-Monette, S. G. Gilliland, G. R. Milton, G. J. Parsons, M. L. Gloutney, K. R. Mehl, R. B. Allen, D. G. Mcauley, E. T. Reed, and N. R. McLellan. 2021. Estimating Population Growth and Recruitment Rates Across the Range of American Common Eiders. The Journal of Wildlife Management 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1002/jwmg.22122
Gloutney, M. and K. Mehl. 2010. Ducks Unlimited Canada’s Eider Initiative: Gaining Baseline Data to Predict the Effects of Oil Spills on Eider Populations. Final report submitted to the Environmental Damages Fund. DUC Eider Initiative Final Report
