Population Demography of Surf Scoters Wintering in the Strait of Georgia, British Columbia

Project Number: 3

Year Funded: 2005

Lead Institution(s): Simon Fraser University

Project Lead: Sam Iverson

Email:

Collaborator(s): Sean Boyd (CWS), Dan Esler (SFU)

Location: British Columbia

Focal Species: Barrow’s Goldeneye (Bucephala islandica), Common Goldeneye (Bucephala clangula), Harlequin Duck (Histrionicus histrionicus), Black Scoter (Melanitta americana), Surf Scoter (Melanitta perspicillata)

Project Description: Several Pacific sea duck populations appear to be declining. Without basic information on the age/sex structure of populations and knowledge of survival, recruitment, and dispersal rates it is impossible to identify demographic causes of population changes. We are developing new methods to collect and analyze demographic data for several species, including Black Scoters, Surf Scoter, Barrow’s Goldeneye, Common Goldeneye, and Harlequin Ducks in the Strait of Georgia, British Columbia. These data will be useful in demographic models and for monitoring purposes.