Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland

MARINE BIRD IMPORTANT BIRD AREAS IN SOUTHEASTERN NEWFOUNDLAND

Conservation Concerns and Potential Strategies

2001

Prepared for the Canadian Nature Federation and the Natural History Society of Newfoundland and Labrador

Acknowledgements:

The Important Bird Areas Program is part of the Natural Legacy 2000 program, a nation-wide initiative to conserve wildlife and habitats on private and public lands. We gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada’s Millennium Partnership Program and Ducks Unlimited Canada. This report could not have been produced without the assistance of Laura Dominguez, Joanne Fifield, Dan Best, Rachel Bryant and The Alder Institute. We’d also like to thank Gail Davoren, Bruce MacTavish, Joel Heath and Iain Stenhouse for their contributions to the species accounts.

We gratefully acknowledge the support of the Advisory Committee:

Rita Anderson, Natural History Society of Newfoundland and Labrador David Fifield, Natural History Society of Newfoundland and Labrador Leah de Forest, Species at Risk Program Manager, Parks Canada Marc Johnson, Canadian Nature Federation Bill Montevecchi, Memorial University of Newfoundland Greg Robertson, Canadian Wildlife Service Douglas Ballam, Parks and Natural Areas Division, Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, Prov- ince of Newfoundland and Labrador Brian McLaren, Wildlife Division, Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation Mark Gloutney, Manager, Conservation Programs, Ducks Unlimited Gerry Yetman, Eastern Habitat Joint Venture Stewardship Program, Wildlife Division, Province of New- foundland and Labrador

Suggested citation:

Russell J. and D. Fifield 2001. Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeast Newfoundland: Conserva- tion Concerns and Potential Strategies. Can. Nature Fed., Bird Studies Can., Natural History Society of Newfoundland and Labrador, 160pp. Table of Contents Executive Summary...... xi 1. Introduction...... 1 1.1. The Formal Political Context in Newfoundland and Labrador ...... 2 1.2. The Informal Political Context in Newfoundland and Labrador...... 6 2. The IBA Program...... 9 3. IBA Site Information ...... 11 Witless Bay ...... 16 Cape St. Mary’s ...... 19 Corbin Island...... 22 Middle Lawn Island ...... 24 Green Island...... 26 Grand Columbier Island...... 28 Northeast Coast of Miquelon Island ...... 30 4. IBA Species Information ...... 33 4.1. Excerpts from the 2001 CWS Report entitled Population status of Migratory Game Birds in Canada ...... 39 4.2. Harlequin Duck Satellite Tracking Project...... 39 4.3. Voisey’s Bay...... 40 4.5. Razorbill...... 49 4.6. Harlequin Duck...... 52 4.7. Common Eider...... 54 4.8. Atlantic Puffin...... 56 4.9. Common Murre...... 59 4.10. Black-legged Kittiwake ...... 63 4.11. Leach's Storm-Petrel...... 66 4.12. Herring Gull...... 69 4.13. Red-necked Grebe...... 72 5. Other Elements of Interest ...... 75 5.1. Other Birds...... 75 Witless Bay Islands...... 75 Gull Island...... 75 Green Island...... 76 Great Island...... 76 Pee Pee Island ...... 76 Cape St. Mary's...... 77 Corbin Island...... 77 Middle Lawn Island ...... 77 Green Island...... 78 Grand Colombier Island...... 78 Miquelon Island ...... 79 5.2. Historical Significance...... 81 Witless Bay Islands...... 81 Cape St. Mary’s ...... 81 5.3. Bird Aggregations and Local Nutrient Cycles...... 81

i 6. Land Ownership and Use...... 83 7. Conservation Concerns ...... 85 7.1. Vulnerability of Wintering Seaducks ...... 85 7.2. Vulnerability of Breeding Birds ...... 85 Cliff Nesting Seabirds...... 85 7.3. Harvesting...... 85 Management Regime ...... 85 The Turr Hunt ...... 86 Hunting Behavior...... 88 7.4. Fishery Interactions...... 88 Incidental Catch of Seabirds by Fisheries...... 88 Perception of Top Predators as Our Competitors for Prey Species...... 89 Indirect Effects of Fishing Through Habitat Destruction ...... 89 Aquaculture...... 91 7.5. Disturbance ...... 91 Marine Vessel Traffic ...... 91 Tourism...... 92 The IBA Program...... 92 7.6. Marine Oil Pollution ...... 92 Seabirds and Oil...... 92 Ship-source Oil Pollution...... 93 Offshore Oil & Gas...... 93 7.7. Voisey’s Bay...... 95 7.7.1. Excerpts from the Environmental Assessment Panel’s Report on the Proposed Voi- sey’s Bay Mine and Mill Project ...... 95 13.1 Seabirds and Coastal Waterfowl ...... 95 Recommendation 62...... 96 Recommendation 63...... 96 Recommendation 64...... 96 13.2.1 Harlequin Ducks ...... 96 Loss of Habitat...... 97 Additional Breeding Disruption...... 97 Genetic Studies ...... 98 Conclusions and Recommendations ...... 98 Recommendation 65 ...... 98 Recommendation 66 ...... 99 Recommendation 67 ...... 99 7.8. Hydro-electric Development in Harlequin Duck Breeding Territory...... 101 7.9. NATO Low Level Flight Training...... 103 Environmental and Assessment Review Process (EARP)...... 104 7.10. Forestry ...... 105 8. IBA Conservation Resources...... 107 8.1. Organizations Delivering the IBA Program in Canada ...... 107 BirdLife International (BL) ...... 107 The Canadian Nature Federation (CNF)...... 107 Long Point Bird Observatory (LPBO) and Bird Studies Canada (BSC)...... 107

ii The Natural History Society of Newfoundland and Labrador (NHSNL)...... 108 8.2. Organization Delivering the IBA Program in France...... 108 Ligue pour la Protection des Oiseaux (LPO)...... 108 8.3. Newfoundland and Labrador Aboriginal Organizations...... 109 The Labrador Inuit Association (LIA)...... 109 The Innu Nation ...... 109 Labrador Métis Nation...... 109 Mi’kmaq...... 109 8.4. Government Departments and Programs of Relevance to Marine Birds in Newfoundland and Labrador ...... 110 8.4.1. Federal Government Departments ...... 110 Environment Canada...... 110 Atlantic Region Sensitivity Mapping Program...... 110 Canadian Wildlife Service (CWS)...... 110 Gazetteer of Marine Birds in Atlantic Canada: An Atlas of Seabird Vulnerability to Oil Pollution...... 111 PIROP (Programme Intégré de Recherches sur les Oiseaux Pélagiques) ...... 111 Other CWS Programs ...... 111 Department of National Defense, The Goose Bay Office, Ottawa...... 111 Parks Canada...... 112 Marine Conservation Areas Program ...... 112 Transport Canada Atlantic Region ...... 112 Canadian Marine Advisory Council (CMAC)...... 112 Canadian Coast Guard ...... 112 Lighthouses...... 112 Fisheries and Oceans Canada; Science, Oceans and Environment Branch...... 114 The Program for the Conservation of Arctic Flora and Fauna (CAFF)...... 114 CAFF Circumpolar Seabird Working Group (CSWG) CAFF Seabird Projects .114 U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)...... 115 8.4.3. Provincial Government Departments...... 116 Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation...... 116 Parks and Natural Areas Division...... 116 Wildlife Division ...... 116 Culture and Heritage Division, Newfoundland Museum ...... 117 The Cruiseship Authority of Newfoundland and Labrador (CANAL)...... 117 8.5. Government Department of Relevance to marine birds in Saint Pierre et Miquelon .....117 8.6. Non-Governmental Groups and Programs with Mandates Relevant to Marine Birds in Newfoundland and Labrador ...... 117 The International Maritime Organization (IMO)...... 117 Grenfell College Environmental Science Programme, Memorial University of Newfound- land, Corner Brook ...... 117 Fish, Food and Allied Workers (FFAW/CAW)...... 117 Fisheries Resource Conservation Council (FRCC) ...... 117 Atlantic Canadian Conservation Data Center...... 118 Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Network (NLEN) ...... 118 NLEN Youth Caucus ...... 118

iii Coasts Under Stress ...... 118 Protected Areas Association ...... 118 Atlantic Coastal Zone Information Steering Committee (ACZISC) ...... 118 8.7. Key Groups and Organizations with Interests Relevant to Marine Birds Near the Southeast Coast of Newfoundland ...... 119 Atlantic Cooperative Wildlife Ecology Research Network (ACWERN), Department of Bi- ology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s...... 119 Biopsychology Programme, Departments of Biology and Psychology, Memorial Universi- ty of Newfoundland, St. John’s ...... 119 Atlantic Policy Congress of First Nation Chiefs Secretariat ...... 119 Ducks Unlimited (DU)...... 119 Eastern Habitat Joint Venture (EHJV)...... 119 The Seaduck Joint Venture (SJV)...... 120 Friends of Cape St. Mary's...... 120 Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Association...... 120 Development Associations and Associated Projects ...... 120 Newfoundland and Labrador Association Of Community Business Development Cor- porations Inc...... 120 Other Economic Development Information ...... 120 Quebec-Labrador Foundation (QLF)...... 120 Atlantic Center for the Environment ...... 120 Manomet Center for Conservation Sciences ...... 121 The Lighthouse Society of Newfoundland and Labrador...... 122 8.8. Other Bird and/or Marine Web Sites and Educational Resources of Interest...... 122 Newfoundland Bird Sightings on the Internet ...... 122 International Migratory Bird Day (IMBD)...... 122 BirdLife International Seabird Conservation Programme ...... 122 Opportunities for Birders Volunteer Directory...... 122 Open Air: Natural History Radio from Newfoundland and Labrador...... 123 John Maunder's Newfoundland and Labrador Natural Sciences Website...... 123 The Newfoundland Bird Paintings of Roger Tory Peterson...... 124 Climate Change Education Centre in Newfoundland...... 124 Protocol for Monitoring Seabirds ...... 124 Ecology Action Centre, Nova Scotia...... 124 Bird Study Merit Badge...... 124 Online Data Base of Canada’s International Commitments, Commissioner of the Environ- ment and Sustainable Development...... 124 Interactive Web-Based Ecology Course ...... 124 National Film Board of Canada (NFB)...... 125 8.9. The Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Community ...... 125 The Craft Council of Newfoundland and Labrador...... 125 The Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council ...... 125 Newfoundland Independent Filmmakers Cooperative (NIFCO)...... 126 8.10. Communication Opportunities...... 126 The Telegram...... 126 The Charter ...... 126

iv The Southern Gazette...... 126 The Osprey...... 126 IBA News Canada ...... 126 Nature Canada...... 126 Quebec Labrador Foundation Compass...... 126 Ornithos ...... 126 L'Oiseau Magazine ...... 126 8.11. Funding Sources ...... 127 Important Bird Areas – Community Action Fund (IBA-CAF) ...... 127 Bird Studies Canada-The James L. Baillie Memorial Fund ...... 127 The Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council ...... 128 Craft Council of Newfoundland and Labrador ...... 128 Environment Canada's Science Horizons Youth Internship Program ...... 128 Community Services Council Newfoundland and Labrador...... 128 Community Business Development Corporation Programs...... 128 CBDC Financial Assistance...... 129 Self - Employment Benefit (SEB) Program ...... 129 Young Entrepreneurs ConneXion - Seed Capital and Counseling Program ...... 129 Conservation Corps Green Teams ...... 129 Funding Guide Available from Environment Canada ...... 129 Quebec Labrador Foundation, Partners in Learning...... 130 The North American Commission for Environmental Cooperation (NACEC) ...... 130 Canadian Museums Association Youth Employment Strategy...... 130 8.12. Electoral District and Political Representation...... 131 8.13. Additional District Maps of Interest for Newfoundland and Labrador ...... 132 9. What’s Next: Recommendations ...... 135 9.1. Suggestions for Research...... 135 9.2. Suggestions Specific to Wintering Seaducks...... 135 9.3. Suggestions Specific to Breeding Birds...... 135 9.4. Suggestions for Education and Public Awareness...... 135 9.5. Suggestions Specific to Harvesting ...... 136 9.6. Suggestions Specific to the Fishery ...... 137 9.7. Suggestions Specific to the Tourism Industry ...... 138 9.8. Suggestions Specific to Marine Oil Pollution...... 138 9.9. Suggestions for Formal Protection ...... 138 9.10. Sea Duck Joint Venture ...... 138 References...... 139 Appendix I Contacts ...... 143 Appendix II Sea Duck Joint Venture...... 147 Introduction...... 147 Current Funding and Program Status...... 148 Strategic Considerations ...... 148 FUNDING STRATEGIES ...... 149 APPENDIX B – INFORMATION NEEDS AND STRATEGIES FOR 20 POPULATIONS OF NORTH AMERICAN SEA DUCKS ...... 150 Common Eider, Northern Race ...... 150

v Common Eider, Southern Race ...... 152 Harlequin Duck, Eastern Population ...... 153 Black Scoter...... 154 Surf Scoter ...... 156 APPENDIX C - SEA DUCK JOINT VENTURE GUIDELINES FOR PROPOSAL SUB- MISSION AND EVALUATION ...... 157

vi List of Figures Figure 1-1: Map showing LIA land claims area in Labrador reproduced from LIA website. (http:/ /www.nunatsiavut.com/claim_area.html) Onshore land claims areas are indicated by green hatching and offshore land claims areas are colored blue...... 3 Figure 1-2: Maps showing the Innu Nation land Selection Proposal reproduced from the Innu Na- tion website. (http://www.innu.ca/landselect.html) ...... 4 Figure 1-3: Map showing Labrador Métis Nation (LMN) land claim area, adapted from LMN website (http//www.labmetis.org/landright.htm) ...... 5 Figure 3-1: Important Bird Area (IBA) sites for marine birds in Newfoundland and Labrador; the sites in Southeastern Newfoundland covered by this document are indicated...... 11 Figure 3-2: Important Bird Area sites for marine birds in Newfoundland and Labrador covered by this document...... 12 Figure 3-3: Ecoregions of Newfoundland and Labrador adapted from Caring for Our Special Plac- es, a publication of the Parks and Natural Areas Division of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador ...... 14 Figure 3-4: Map reproduced from The Gazetteer of Marine Birds in Atlantic Canada (Lock et al, 1994) showing bathymetry of the Northwest Atlantic...... 15 Figure 3-5: Map reproduced from The Gazetteer of Marine Birds in Atlantic Canada (Lock et al, 1994) showing ocean currents of the Northwest Atlantic...... 15 Figure 3-6: Topographic map showing the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve and area, adapted from 1:250,000 map sheet “1N”...... 17 Figure 3-7: Map showing the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve, adapted from Newfoundland and Labrador Seabird Ecological Reserves, Govt. Newfoundland and Labrador...... 18 Figure 3-8: Topographic map showing Cape St. Mary’s and area, adapted from 1:250,000 map sheet “1L” ...... 20 Figure 3-9: Map showing Cape St. Mary’s Ecological Reserve, adapted from Newfoundland and Labrador Seabird Ecological Reserves, Govt. Newfoundland and Labrador...... 21 Figure 3-10: Topographic map showing Corbin Island and area, adapted from 1:250,000 map sheet “1L” ...... 23 Figure 3-11: Topographic map showing Middle Lawn Island and area, adapted from 1:250,000 map sheet “1L” ...... 25 Figure 3-12: Topographic map showing Green Island and area, adapted from 1:1,000,000 map sheet “NK/NL-21/22” ...... 27 Figure 3-13: Topographic map showing Grand Colombier Island and area, adapted from 1:50,000 map sheet “11-I/16 East Half” ...... 29 Figure 3-14: Topographic map showing Cape Miquelon and area, adapted from 1:50,000 map sheet “11 P/1 West Half” ...... 31 Figure 4-1: Movements of a Harlequin Duck fitted with a satellite telemeter (http:// www.qc.ec.gc.ca/faune/sauvagine/html/hd_satellite.html)...... 42 Figure 4-2: Movements of a Harlequin Duck fitted with a satellite telemeter (http:// www.qc.ec.gc.ca/faune/sauvagine/html/hd_satellite.html)...... 42 Figure 4-3: Aerial seabird survey Coverage, Labrador, 1995-1996: reproduced from Figure 2.6 Jacques Whitford Environment Limited Project No. 1048, 1996 Voisey’s Bay Avifauna Tech- nical Data Report, November 18, 1997 ...... 43 Figure 4-4: Harlequin Duck observations, Voisey’s Bay area, 02-05 June 1997: reproduced from

vii Appendix D Harlequin Duck Survey Results 1997, Jacques Whitford Environment Limited Project No. 1048, 1996 Voisey’s Bay Avifauna Technical Data Report, November 18, 1997... 44 Figure 4-5: Observations of Harlequin Duck broods Voisey’s Bay, Labrador, 1996 reproduced from Figure 2.3 Jacques Whitford Environment Limited Project No. 1048, 1996 Voisey’s Bay Avifauna Technical Data Report, November 18, 1997...... 45 Figure 6-1: Map reproduced from The Gazetteer of Marine Birds in Atlantic Canada (Lock et al., 1994) showing shipping routes of the Northwest Atlantic ...... 84 Figure 7-1: Map showing Migratory Bird hunting zones adapted from Migratory Birds Hunting Regulations, 2001 (http://www.cws-scf.ec.gc.ca/pub/summ/nfld.pdf). “Coastal” refers to that portion of the coast lying within 100 metres of the mean ordinary high water mark, including the coastal portions of offshore islands and the adjacent marine coastal waters...... 86 Figure 7-2: Turr Hunting districts adapted from Proposal to Amend the Canadian Migratory Birds Regulations: CWS December 2001 ...... 87 Figure 7-3: Map showing NAFO Fishing Area boundaries and other fishing information by species, adapted from DFO website (http://www.nfl.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fm/maps/fishingareas.htm)90 Figure 7-4: Map showing Intersection of 15 km eider colony buffer zones with areas of low, moderate, and high suitability for mussel growing. (Simms, 1994) in Burnett et al. 1994 ...... 91 Figure 7-5: Oil Exploration and other licenses held off the coast of Newfoundland, adapted from CNOPB website (http://www.cnopb.nfnet.com/) ...... 94 Figure 7-6: Map of Proposed Voisey’s Bay Mine and Mill Project from the Environmental Assess- ment Panel Report March 1999 ...... 100 Figure 7-7: Map of proposed location for Voisey’s Bay Mine/Mill Project ...... 101 Figure 7-8: Map showing the outer boundaries of the NATO low level flight training area (see text) 103 Figure 7-9: Example of a Flight Track Compliance Monitoring Map from DND website (see text) 103 Figure 8-1: Map showing locations of Coast Guard light stations in Northeast Newfoundland adapted from Coast Guard website (hhttp://www.nfl.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/CCG/ATN/HL/navigation.htm)...... 113 Figure 8-2: Map showing CAFF area boundaries adapted from CAFF website (http://www.grida.no/caff/images/basemap.jpg) ...... 115 Figure 8-2: Map of Wilderness and Ecological Reserves in Newfoundland and Labrador (http:// www.gov.nf.ca/parks&reserves/map.htm) ...... 116 Figure 8-3: Map Showing Federal Political Representation in Newfoundland and Labrador ....131 Figure 8-4: Map Showing Provincial Political Representation in Newfoundland and Labrador 131 Figure 8-5: Provincial School Districts ...... 132 Figure 8-6: Strategic Social Plan Regions ...... 132 Figure 8-7: Economic Planning Zones ...... 132 Figure 8-8: Health and Community Service Board Districts...... 133

viii List of Tables Table 2-1: Initial set of conservation strategy documents created under the auspices of the IBA Pro- gram in Newfoundland and Labrador...... 10 Table 3-1: Marine Bird IBA Sites in Southeastern Newfoundland ...... 13 Table 4-1: IBA Species Breeding on Gull Island, Witless Bay...... 33 Table 4-2: IBA Species Breeding on Green Island, Witless Bay ...... 34 Table 4-3: IBA Species Breeding on Great Island, Witless Bay ...... 35 Table 4-4: IBA Species Breeding on Pee Pee Island, Witless Bay ...... 36 Table 4-5: IBA Species Breeding at Cape St. Mary's...... 36 Table 4-6: IBA Species Breeding on Corbin Island ...... 37 Table 4-7: IBA Species Breeding on Middle Lawn Island...... 37 Table 4-8: IBA Species Breeding on Green Island...... 38 Table 4-9: IBA Species Breeding on Grand Colombier Island ...... 38 Table 4-10: IBA Species wintering off Miquelon Island (Northeast coast) ...... 38 Table 5-1: Other Seabird Species Breeding on Gull Island...... 75 Table 5-2: Other Seabirds Breeding at Green Island, Witless Bay Islands ...... 76 Table 5-3: Other Seabirds Breeding at Great Island, Witless Bay Islands ...... 76 Table 5-4: Other Seabirds Breeding at Pee Pee Island, Witless Bay Islands ...... 76 Table 5-5: Other Seabirds Breeding at Cape St. Mary's...... 77 Table 5-6: Other Seabirds Breeding on Corbin Island ...... 77 Table 5-7: Other Seabirds Breeding on Middle Lawn Island...... 77 Table 5-8: Other Seabirds Breeding on Green Island...... 78 Table 5-9: Other Seabirds Breeding on Grand Colombier Island...... 78 Table 5-10: Other Seabirds Breeding on the Miquelon Isthmus ...... 79 Table 5-11: Other Seabirds Breeding on Miquelon Cape...... 80

ix x Executive Summary

Executive Summary and Red-necked Grebes wintering off the northeast coast of Miquelon Island. The IBA program is an international initiative coordinated by BirdLife International, a partner- The IBA program relies on grassroots involvement ship of member-based organizations in over 100 to develop and implement effective conservation countries seeking to identify and conserve sites plans. This document is one of a set of documents important to all bird species worldwide. The Cana- covering over thirty marine bird IBA sites in New- dian BirdLife co-partners are the Canadian Nature foundland and Labrador and adjacent waters. It is Federation (CNF) and Bird Studies Canada (BSC). intended as a first step by which to generate interest, provide basic information and spark ideas for In Newfoundland and Labrador the Important Bird potential conservation strategies, projects, project Areas program partner is the Natural History Soci- partners and sources of funding. The funding and ety of Newfoundland and Labrador. The IBA pro- time resources for this early phase of the IBA Pro- gram in this province began with the identification gram in Newfoundland and Labrador were insuffi- and designation of IBA sites. Marine birds were cient to allow for much travel and community selected as the focus of the first phase of the IBA consultation. The geographical territory involved program because Newfoundland and Labrador is vast and the array of human communities and includes so many sites of global importance to this interests that potentially overlap with the interests group of birds. of marine birds at the identified sites is extremely diverse and evolving politically. Therefore, this The identification of important bird habitat is a first step was taken without community consulta- necessary first step in establishing habitat-based tion. There will be many gaps in this document priorities in bird conservation. The designation of a that will reflect this deficiency. The authors take network of sites can help decision-makers focus full responsibility for this. We hope that this docu- their efforts and protect the most critical bird habi- ments will be treated, not as a vessel half empty but tat. as one worth filling through the involvement of interested communities and individuals. In the part of the Northwest Atlantic covered by this document Witless Bay, Cape St. Mary’s, We hope that the distribution of this set of initial Corbin Island, Middle Lawn Island, Green Island documents will inform the growing public aware- in Newfoundland and Grand Colombier Island and ness about the sites and the birds that use them. the northeast coast of Miquelon Island in the These documents are intended to evolve with use. French islands of Saint Pierre et Miquelon have They aim to begin by facilitating the building of been designated as Important Bird Areas (IBAs) partnerships at all levels: international, national, for marine birds. The species responsible for trig- provincial, and local to conserve these IBA sites gering these IBA site designations are Atlantic Puf- for both the birds and the people that benefit from fins, Leach’s Storm-Petrels, Common Murres, their continued existence. Black-legged Kittiwakes and Herring Gulls breeding in the Witless Bay Islands Seabird Ecological The list of marine bird IBA sites in Newfoundland Reserve; breeding Northern Gannets, Common and Labrador and the information available about Murres, Black-legged Kittiwakes and wintering the sites through documents such as this one will Harlequin Ducks at Cape St. Mary’s; Leach’s evolve as additional information becomes avail- Storm-Petrels and Herring Gulls breeding on able. The public is encouraged to notify the Cana- Corbin Island; Manx Shearwaters and Leach’s dian IBA program if they have any information to Storm-Petrels breeding on Middle Lawn Island; offer in this regard. For further information on the Leach’s Storm-Petrels breeding on Green Island IBA program please visit the Canadian IBA web and Grand Colombier Island and Common Eiders site http://www.ibacanada.com

Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 xi Executive Summary

xii Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 Chapter 1: Introduction

1. Introduction of marine bird life. Some still maintain a rich knowledge of their natural environment but for Many species of seaducks and seabirds breed, many, the contemporary North American lifestyle moult or winter in the waters surrounding the has displaced the need for local ecological knowl- island of Newfoundland and the coast of Labrador. edge. The pendulum, however, is swinging back. Some, like the Black Guillemot or “Pigeon”, are Appreciation for the value of an ecological per- resident year round while others migrate elsewhere spective is experiencing a renaissance. for part of the year. Harlequin ducks breeding in Northern Labrador winter in Greenland. Eiders Worldwide, pressures on dwindling resources have breeding around Newfoundland may winter off the lead to a false separation of ecology from econ- United States. Dovekies here in winter will leave omy, as if without ecology there would still be an for the summer to breed in Greenland. Shearwa- economy. In the global context of environmental ters “wintering” on the Grand Banks migrate all the degradation Newfoundland and Labrador are still way to the South Atlantic to breed (Brown & Net- blessed with environmental riches, especially off tleship 1984). our coasts. Unfortunately, we are also world famous for having decimated marine life through The Grand Banks have been dubbed the Seabird over harvesting. Examples abound. Funk Island Cross Roads of the Atlantic. In the same spirit, the was perhaps the largest colony of Great Auks in the entire stretch of Labrador and Newfoundland world (Montevecchi & Tuck, 1987). Today they coastline swept by the Labrador Current can be lik- are extinct. Northern Cod were so prolific in our ened to a busy marine bird highway. This eastern waters they made history half way around the edge of Canada is dotted with sites known for their world (Innis 1940). In 1998 Northern Cod were importance to sea ducks and seabirds. Newfound- listed by the Committee on the Status of Endan- landers and Labradorians, therefore, have a special gered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) as a Species opportunity to contribute to marine bird conserva- of Special Concern. While cod was a prized com- tion. Having defined ourselves largely with refer- mercial catch, the Barndoor Skate, was mainly ence to the sea, marine birds hold a special killed as by-catch. Despite its size and low com- significance for Newfoundland and Labrador cul- mercial value, this skate has approached extinction tures. Conserving areas important for the survival largely unnoticed (Casey & Myers, 1998). With of seaducks and seabirds is a fitting challenge for our history of destroying marine ecology in the the people of this province. name of the economy, there is no shortage of local lessons from which marine bird conservation could Evidence of human occupation on the Labrador benefit. side of the Strait of Belle goes back 8000 years (LIA 1977). On the Newfoundland side, archaeo- Habitat required by marine birds within New- logical evidence beginning 5500 years ago and foundland and Labrador increasingly falls under spanning several cultures has shown that all peo- human influence. Our activities are the main ples that inhabited the region ate marine birds source of stress for the marine environment, both (Tuck 1976). Contemporary Newfoundlanders and directly through such things as oil pollution and Labradorians continue this utilitarian relationship indirectly through our influence on climate change to marine life, although fewer species are harvested and primary productivity of the marine food web. today than in the past. Although most marine life is out of sight and eludes our empathy, marine birds are an obvious Most contemporary residents of the province, other liaison between us and the ocean. than hunters and fishermen, remain familiar only with those marine birds still hunted for the table, Visible and aesthetically pleasing, birds have cap- mainly eider ducks and turrs (murre sp.). How- tured our imagination and garnered more support ever, prior to confederation and the Migratory Bird than most marine life forms. Birds require a func- Act, people were familiar with a greater diversity tioning marine ecosystem to survive. Through knowing birds better we will come to know much

Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 1 Chapter 1: Introduction else, less obvious and beautiful, but no less impor- The audience for this document includes anyone tant. with an interest in, or a mandate that effects the conservation of marine birds. No previous knowl- In 1990, the 20th World Conference of the Interna- edge of marine birds is assumed. This audience tional Council for Bird Preservation held a Special- includes local residents living adjacent to or sea- ist Group Workshop and published the sonally occupying an IBA area, but also includes Proceedings. The last sentence of the Proceedings decision-makers far removed from the local con- underlines the true importance of seabird conserva- text. While this plan deals with southeastern insu- tion. “If we cannot conserve seabirds, the most lar Newfoundland, the birds of interest are obvious and easiest to monitor of all organisms of migratory, traveling in some cases throughout the two-thirds of our planet's surface, then how do we province if not further afield. Therefore, the per- plan to conserve the rest of Earth?” (Duffy, 1994). spective taken here is broader than the geographic location of the specific IBA sites in the part of In response to that challenge, the purposes of this Newfoundland and Labrador covered by this docu- report are to: ment. To set the context for everyone, we begin with the general political context of the province. 1. outline the challenges facing the conservation of marine birds which use areas of Newfound- 1.1. The Formal Political Context in Newfound- land and Labrador designated as Important land and Labrador Bird Areas (IBAs) In 2000, the province of Newfoundland and Labra- 2. suggest strategies and some of the resources dor had a combined population of 538,823 (Statis- available to address these challenges tics Canada, Demography Division). 28,763 people live in Labrador and the remainder on the island. The guiding principle for this work is that set by Much of the population is concentrated on the Duffy's challenge; IBAs must be viewed from an island's Avalon Peninsula where 252,365 people ecological perspective that connects bird conserva- live. tion with the necessities of life on earth. There is no choice about whether to conserve birds rather In addition to the federal and provincial govern- than people. If we fail to maintain conditions in ments there are aboriginal nations within the prov- which marine birds can flourish, neither will we. ince and France also holds territory off the south coast of Newfoundland. There are sites of rele- Our recent failure to protect Northern Cod popula- vance to marine birds within all these jurisdictions. tions from managed over-fishing is a rich source of Some of the birds using the IBA sites in this part of conservation lessons. Among them is a growing Newfoundland and France also use other parts of realization that we can not “manage” wildlife pop- the province at other times of the year. ulations. Rather, the most we can aspire to is to manage our own behavior as it relates to other spe- Labrador Inuit Association (LIA) The LIA is a cies. This document will attempt to outline some non-profit organization formed in 1973 and incor- of the interactions between human behavior and porated under Newfoundland law in 1975. The wild marine birds around which we have some LIA is affiliated with the Inuit Tapirisat of Canada hope of creating conservation strategies for the (ITC) and represents roughly 4,000 Inuit living future of the birds and ourselves. The objective is mainly in the five coastal Labrador communities of to provide a base tool from which to build grass Nain, Hopedale, Postville, Makkovik and Rigolet. roots involvement in conservation plans, help gen- In 1977 the LIA filed a statement of land claims erate public awareness about birds and help build with Canada. In June, 2001 the LIA, the Canadian partnerships between various interest levels: inter- and the Newfoundland governments signed the national, national, provincial and local. Labrador Inuit Land Claims Agreement-in-Princi- ple (AIP).

2 Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 Chapter 1: Introduction

Figure 1-1: Map showing LIA land claims area in Labrador reproduced from LIA website. (http:// www.nunatsiavut.com/claim_area.html) Onshore land claims areas are indicated by green hatching and offshore land claims areas are colored blue.

The AIP provides for the Inuit to establish pro- filed land claims with the Canadian Government in tected areas on lands where it has jurisdiction. 1977. In 1990 the provincial and federal govern- Within the settlement area off Inuit lands the Inuit ments accepted the Innu Statement of Claim and in and government will establish protected areas 1999 the three parties reached an agreement in (including marine protected areas) in the context of principle on the next steps in the process. the co-management regimes established through the agreement. Métis. Residents of Labrador descended from both Europeans and Inuit and living from Lake The Innu Nation. The roughly 1,700 Innu of Melville south to the Strait of Belle Isle are known Labrador live in the communities of Sheshatshiu as Métis. In 1982 the Canadian Constitution Act and Utshimassit (Davis Inlet). They are repre- included Inuit, Indians (First Nations) and Métis as sented politically by the Innu Nation, which first aboriginal peoples. The Labrador Métis Associa-

Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 3 Chapter 1: Introduction

Figure 1-2: Maps showing the Innu Nation land Selection Proposal reproduced from the Innu Nation website. (http://www.innu.ca/landselect.html)

4 Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 Chapter 1: Introduction tion was formed in 1985 to represent roughly 5000 Northern Development (DIAND) reject the Métis members and in 1998 took the name Labrador claim. On February 24, 2001, an Ontario Court of Métis Nation. In 1991 the Labrador Métis Nation Appeal recognized the Métis as a distinct people submitted a land claim to the Government of Can- with constitutional rights comparable to other ada. In 1998 the Department of Justice recom- aboriginal groups. mended that the Department of Indian Affairs and

Figure 1-3: Map showing Labrador Métis Nation (LMN) land claim area, adapted from LMN website (http// www.labmetis.org/landright.htm)

Mi'kmaq. A population of roughly 3600 Mi'kmaq Port au Port East, Stephenville/Crossing, Exploits, live on the island of Newfoundland. The largest Glenwood, and Gander Bay. community is Miawpukek (Conne River) which was recognized as a status Indian Reserve by the Saint Pierre and Miquelon. Saint Pierre and Government of Canada in 1987. In 1972 the Fed- Miquelon is a self-governing territory of France. It eration of Newfoundland Indians (FNI) was estab- is an archipelago 25km off Newfoundland's south lished to promote the social, cultural, economic coast, populated by 6500 people living year round and educational well-being and seek official recog- in St. Pierre and 700 in Miquelon. The territorial nition through the Indian Act or a self-government waters of France extend 12 nautical miles around process for its members in ten bands on the island. the archipelago with the addition of a marine corri- There are Band Councils in Corner Brook, Benoit's dor extending 200 nautical miles (see Figure 7-3 on Cove, Bartlett's Harbour, Flat Bay, St. George's, page 90).

Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 5 Chapter 1: Introduction

anything. In a province where harvesting wildlife Two of the IBA sites identified here fall within the for the table is still a strong part of the culture this French territory of Saint Pierre and Miquelon. misunderstanding is a challenge for conservation. They are included here because of their proximity and relevance to the nearby Canadian IBA sites Lack of organized community conservation and because due to their logistical remoteness from groups. The absence of a widespread network of France, they may perhaps be more efficiently organized groups with a mandated interest in natu- included with the Canadian IBA Program than the ral history and conservation means that conserva- mainland France equivalent (Les Zones Impor- tion measures have often come from the top-down, tantes pour la Conservation (ZICO, ou Important mainly from government. While in hindsight peo- Bird Areas, IBA, http://www.lpo-birdlife.asso.fr/ ple may appreciate restrictions placed on our etudes/zico/index.htm)). The inclusion of the behavior for conservation reasons, government ini- French sites in this document is a reminder that tiatives are generally viewed with suspicion. A marine birds frequenting the waters off the south- Parks Canada bid to create a marine conservation east coast of Newfoundland and Labrador are not area in the Bonavista-Notre Dame Bay region was limited by the same political jurisdictions as we shelved in 1999 due to public opposition. While are. It is hoped that those engaged with issues sur- many people supported the initiative in principle, rounding the marine birds using the Canadian IBA they did not trust the government to protect tradi- sites here will seek to collaborate with our French tional rights of access. Communities need the tools neighbours. and confidence to initiate conservation measures themselves. 1.2. The Informal Political Context in New- foundland and Labrador A further consequence of the lack of a widespread network of organized community conservation The harvesting of wildlife is important to many groups is that grass roots projects requiring capital people throughout Newfoundland and Labrador often have difficulty raising the matching funds and the French Islands of Saint Pierre and Mique- necessary to access national funding opportunities. lon. The coastal communities have a tradition of subsistence harvesting of marine life. These tradi- Northern Cod tragedy. Public perception of tions are maintained to varying degrees throughout government conservation initiatives in Newfound- the province and retain tremendous significance in land are tainted by the recent managed collapse of the lives of many people. In addition to subsis- Northern Cod by the Department of Fisheries and tence harvesting traditions there is a highly devel- Oceans (Finlayson 1994). DFO failed to conserve oped commercial harvesting sector focused on the Northern Cod from over-harvesting. The Gov- marine resources. ernment administered a managed collapse during which it was legal to over-harvest and warnings Nonetheless, conservation can be a dirty word in from fixed gear fishermen were ignored (Steele et Newfoundland. Anti-sealhunt protests in the 1970s al 1992). Political pressure to maintain harvest made the word “Greenpeace” into a generic term. rates at unsustainable levels contributed to the When used in the pejorative, “Greenpeace” can be demise of the fishery. loosely interpreted as “interfering conservation groups making money off foreign urbanites at the The public has associated the managed over-har- expense of people from Newfoundland and Labra- vesting of northern cod with a failure of science dor.” The legacy of negative feelings towards any- and a widespread skepticism about science and sci- thing associated with Greenpeace continues to ence-based wildlife management has resulted. permeate the political culture. This creates reac- Government sponsored science failed the people of tionary attitudes from some quarters toward orga- Newfoundland and Labrador when it came to the nized conservation efforts and especially towards fishery, providing many a lesson for the conserva- efforts from outside the province. For some, con- tion of other marine life. servation is confused with not being allowed to kill

6 Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 Chapter 1: Introduction

Outdoor rights movement. There is little private land in Newfoundland and Labrador. The enor- During the establishment of Seabird Ecological mity of the landscape compared with the popula- Reserves at Baccalieu and Cape St. Mary's, resi- tion and the non-arable nature of much of the land dents of adjacent areas expressed concern about has enabled a history of public land use quite dif- loss of access to the provincial Department of ferent from most of North America. In Newfound- Tourism and there were heated public meetings. land and Labrador, one can venture into the In 1999, a proposal by Parks Canada to create a landscape pretty much wherever one chooses to go. marine conservation area off the Northeast coast of There are no privately owned rivers and lakes and Newfoundland was shelved due to public opposi- 95% of the total area of the province is public land tion. Contributing factors in all cases were mis- open to everyone. Access to a 10 m strip along all trust of government and fears that traditional rights shorelines is reserved for the public unless a spe- to inshore fishing grounds would be lost. Some cial grant expressly removes that access (The people supported the idea of protected areas in Lands Act Chapter 36, S.N. 1991 7.(1)). This free- principal but lacked the confidence to support the dom of access to the land is one that until recently government proposals. was taken for granted. The people of Newfoundland and Labrador do not Proposals to change the status quo on some rivers take the loss of their rights of access to the land- lead recently to a public outcry for the protection of scape lightly. Conservation efforts associated with outdoor rights. The government responded with a plans to restrict public access must create a full and public consultation on outdoor resources resulting informed public dialogue on the costs and benefits in the 1999 release of a two volume report of the such changes would bring. Committee of Ministers and MHAs on the Use of Outdoor Resources entitled “Protecting the Leg- Industrial resource extraction backdrop. Euro- acy” (http://www.gov.nf.ca/protecting_the_leg- pean settlement of Newfoundland and Labrador acy.htm). As part of it's Declaration of Rights of was based on the commercial extraction for foreign Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to the Use of export of codfish, then seal pelts and seal and the Outdoors the government declared the follow- whale oil (Innis 1940, Ryan 1994). Later came ing: mining, industrial forestry, the Churchill Falls mega and smaller scale hydropower projects and The Government of Newfoundland and Labra- offshore oil and gas. dor hereby declares and affirms the traditional privileges and freedoms of hunting, angling The economy of Newfoundland and Labrador continues to be based on the extraction and export of and the gathering of wild foods by the citizens raw materials. Since the collapse of Northern Cod, of this province. Government further recog- the province's fishery has flourished by moving nizes that citizens have enjoyed and will con- down the food chain and increasing the harvests of tinue to enjoy the privileges and freedoms of crab and shrimp. Ironically, and deceptively, the equal and common access to wildlife, fish dollar value of landed catch is greater now than game, wildfoods and other outdoor resources, before the collapse of northern cod although the subject to proper resource management. fishery now generates fewer jobs onshore.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labra- In Labrador, proposals to extract the mineral dor hereby declares and affirms access to pub- wealth of Voisey's Bay and dreams by the provin- lic lands and water bodies for recreational use cial government to harness the power of the Lower including hunting, angling and the gathering of Churchill with another mega hydro electric project typify the resource extraction/liquidation approach wild foods and that for these purposes the prov- the provincial economy has long relied on. This ince's citizens will have clear and open access perspective threatens basic conservation of wildlife to a buffer zone around lakes, ponds and rivers. both directly through destruction of habitat and

Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 7 Chapter 1: Introduction over harvesting and indirectly through failing to another. The huge interior landscape of Labrador appreciate the indirect and long-term contribution a has been altered in ways we will never know by the healthy culture and environment could make to our damming of Churchill Falls and by extensive mili- future. tary low-level flight training. In the absence of settled land claims the provincial government's Depressed coastal community economics. The approach has been to forge ahead with develop- extraction for export of Newfoundland and Labra- ments that significantly affect the very nature of dor natural resources, in some cases to depletion, the lands being claimed. But despite great riches in has not translated into financial security for the natural resources and the eagerness with which the province's residents. government exploits these resources, the people on the Labrador coast have benefited relatively little Newfoundland has the highest unemployment rate from the destruction of their resource base. of any province of Canada. In February 2001 the unemployment rate reported for Newfoundland Contemporary rural Newfoundland and Labrador was 16.4% compared with a low in Manitoba of is concerned with jobs. The desperation with 4.5% and the next highest rates in Prince Edward which communities seek jobs creates a vulnerabil- Island, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia respec- ity to unsustainable and/or poorly thought out job tively of 11.7, 11.6 and 8.8% (Statistics Canada, creation schemes. It also fosters a tendency on the Labour Force Survey, Mar. 2001). part of planners to support conservation only to the extent that it creates obvious jobs. This can lead to Coastal communities, in particular, have suffered a shortsighted commodification of wildlife and from the collapse of the ground fishery. While the wild spaces that may be no more sustainable than landed value of the fishing industry measured in explicit liquidation. The conservation of areas dollars is at an all time high, the number of local important for marine birds will in some cases jobs associated with those earnings has declined. require that we leave them their quotient of peace. Recent years have seen an increase in out-migra- Many people living in depressed economic circum- tion from coastal communities. Some schools have stances in coastal areas may see this strategy as an closed and there are fears for the future health of unaffordable luxury. Addressing this reality is a rural towns. significant challenge. Conservation of marine birds and their habitat faces the difficult problem of In Labrador, matters are complicated by the histor- re-connecting ecology and economy for mutual ical abuse of native people's rights. The militariza- benefit. tion of the Goose Bay area economy has polarized residents with different value systems against one

8 Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 Chapter 2: The IBA Program

2. The IBA Program 4. Sites where birds concentrate in significant numbers when breeding, in winter, or during The IBA program is an international initiative migration coordinated by BirdLife International, a partnership of member-based organizations in over 100 The identification of important bird habitat is a countries seeking to identify and conserve sites necessary first step in establishing habitat-based important to all bird species worldwide. Through priorities in bird conservation. The designation of a the protection of birds and habitats, they also pro- network of sites can help decision-makers focus mote the conservation of the world’s biodiversity. their efforts and protect the most critical bird habi- There are currently IBA programs in Europe, tat. The IBA program is inclusive and identifies Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and the Americas. important sites for all groups of birds. It integrates aquatic and terrestrial habitat conservation by pro- The Canadian BirdLife co-partners are the Cana- tecting seabird, shorebird, landbird, and waterfowl dian Nature Federation (CNF) and Bird Studies habitat. Most importantly, the program is commu- Canada (BSC). The Canadian IBA program is part nity-driven, and cooperative. It relies on grassroots of the Americas IBA program, which includes the involvement to develop and implement effective United States, Mexico, and 17 countries in Central conservation plans. The program will also help and South America. generate widespread public awareness about birds and will help build partnerships at all levels: inter- The goals of the Canadian IBA program are to: national, national, provincial, and local.

• identify a network of sites that conserve the IBA program in Newfoundland and Labrador. natural diversity of Canadian bird species and In Newfoundland and Labrador the Important Bird are critical to the long-term viability of natu- Areas program partner is the Natural History Soci- rally occurring bird populations; ety of Newfoundland and Labrador. The IBA program in this province began with the identification • determine the type of protection or stewardship and designation of IBA sites. Marine birds were required for each site, and ensure the conserva- selected as the focus of the first phase of the IBA tion of sites through partnerships of local program because Newfoundland and Labrador stakeholders who develop and implement includes so many sites of global importance to this appropriate on-the-ground conservation plans; group of birds. In 2000, a Conservation Planner was contracted to write initial conservation strat- • establish ongoing local involvement in site egy documents (including this one) for over thirty protection and monitoring. marine bird IBAs. Rather than write individual plans for each site, sites were placed into groups IBAs are identified under one or more of the fol- based on a consideration of the threats shared by lowing internationally agreed-upon categories: birds at several locations.

1. Sites regularly holding significant numbers of Marine birds are vulnerable to oil pollution and in an endangered, threatened, or vulnerable spe- today’s oceans this threat is everywhere. Variation cies. in the threat to marine birds from oil pollution was the main factor considered in the grouping of sites 2. Sites regularly holding an endemic species, or for this phase of the IBA program in Newfound- species with restricted ranges. land and Labrador. Separate conservation strategy documents have been prepared for each of the 3. Sites regularly holding an assemblage of spe- groupings (Table 2-1). cies largely restricted to a biome.

Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 9 Chapter 2: The IBA Program

Table 2-1: Initial set of conservation strategy documents created under the auspices of the IBA Program in Newfoundland and Labrador

Document Title Marine Bird IBA Sites Covered

Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Northern Galvano Islands, Seven Islands Bay and an area of Labrador: Conservation Concerns and Poten- offshore islands and coastline near Nain tial Strategies Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Labrador Quaker Hat Island, Northeast Groswater Bay, South from the Groswater Bay area south to St. Groswater Bay Coastline, Bird islands, Cape Porcu- Lewis: Conservation Concerns and Potential pine and Adjacent Marine Area, Tumbledown Dick Strategies and Stag Islands, The Backway, Table Bay and the Gannet Islands Marine Bird Important Bird Areas near the St. Peter Bay and Point Amour in Labrador, Fischot Strait of Belle Isle and Northern Peninsula: Island, Northern Groais Island and Bell Island off the Conservation Concerns and Potential Strate- Northern Peninsula gies Marine Bird Important Bird Areas on the Funk Island, the Wadham Islands and adjacent Northeast Coast of Newfoundland: Conserva- Marine Area, the Cape Freels coastline, Grates tion Concerns and Potential Strategies Point, Baccalieu Island and Cape St. Francis Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeast Witless Bay Islands, Cape St. Mary’s, Corbin Island, Newfoundland: Conservation Concerns and Middle Lawn Island and Green Island in Newfound- Potential Strategies land and Grand Columbier Island and the northeast coast of Miquelon Island in France

Information on the numbers of birds using different IBA designations will be a priority of the IBA pro- areas is incomplete. The Canadian Wildlife Ser- gram in Newfoundland and Labrador for the near vice monitors populations of migratory birds, but future. The list of marine bird IBA sites in New- has not maintained regular and consistent long- foundland and Labrador will evolve as additional term surveys of marine birds within our waters. As information becomes available. The public is a consequence, there are undoubtedly areas in the encouraged to notify the Canadian IBA program if region important to marine birds that have not been they have any information to offer in this regard. designated as such by the current round of IBA site For further information on the IBA program please designations. visit the Canadian IBA web site http://www.ibacanada.com Gathering the information required to establish what sites have been missed in this first round of

10 Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 Chapter 3: IBA Site Information

3. IBA Site Information

Figure 3-1: Important Bird Area (IBA) sites for marine birds in Newfoundland and Labrador; the sites in Southeastern Newfoundland covered by this document are indicated.

Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 11 Chapter 3: IBA Site Information Figure Area Bird 3-2: Important si tes for marine birds in Newfoundland and Labrador covered document Labrador by this and in Newfoundland birds tes for marine

12 Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 Chapter 3: IBA Site Information

Table 3-1: Marine Bird IBA Sites in Southeastern Newfoundland

IBA Site IBA Site Legal Protective Species Triggering Site Name # Status Status IBA Status1 NF002 Witless Bay Global Reserve ATPU, LHSP, COMU, BLKI, HERG NF001 Cape St. Mary's Global Reserve NOGA, COMU, BLKI, HADU NF030 Corbin Island Global none LHSP, HERG NF031 Middle Lawn Island Continental none MASH, LHSP NF032 Green Island Global none LHSP NF036 Grand Colombier Global French territory LHSP Island NF034 Miquelon Island Global French territory COEI, RNGR (northeast coast) 1. COMU = Common Murre, LHSP = Leach's Storm-Petrel, ATPU = Atlantic Puffin, BLKI = Black- legged Kittiwake, COEI = Common Eider, NOGA = Northern Gannet, HERG = Herring Gull, HADU = Harlequin Duck, MASH = Manx Shearwater, RNGR = Red-necked Grebe

There are currently a total of 30 sites in the North- the region. They are reproduced from the Gazet- west Atlantic off the coasts of Newfoundland and teer of Marine Birds in Atlantic Canada: An Atlas Labrador which have been designated as IBAs and of Seabird Vulnerability to Oil Pollution (Lock et for which conservation strategy documents are al. 1994). available (Figure 3-1). This document focuses on seven of those sites (Figure 3-2, Figure 3-1). Figure Protected Status. Designation as an official IBA 3-3 illustrates the various ecoregions of the sur- site does not bring with it any legal protective sta- rounding areas. Two of these sites are within the tus. IBA designation simply signifies that the French territory of Saint Pierre et Miquelon. While information available on the birds using a site outside the jurisdiction of the Canadian IBA Pro- meets the criteria used by the IBA Program to iden- gram their proximity and similarity to the Canadian tify and designate areas of importance for the con- sites in this part of the Northwest Atlantic creates servation of birds. an opportunity for collaboration which we hope their inclusion here will foster. Witless Bay and Cape St. Mary's are currently protected as provincial Ecological Reserves. Oceanography Brief single page descriptions of each site follow The coast of Newfoundland is strongly influenced and can also be found on the IBA website (http:// by the Labrador Current. Figure 3-4 and Figure 3-5 www.ibacanada.com). illustrate the principal currents and bathymetry of

Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 13 Chapter 3: IBA Site Information sion of the Government of andLabrador sion theGovernment Newfoundland of Figure Ecoregions3-3: of Newfo undland andLabrador adapted undland from Caring forOurCaring Special Places , a publication of the Park , apublication s and AreasNatural Divi-

14 Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 Chapter 3: IBA Site Information

Figure 3-4: Map reproduced from The Gazetteer of Marine Birds in Atlantic Canada (Lock et al, 1994) showing bathymetry of the Northwest Atlantic.

Figure 3-5: Map reproduced from The Gazetteer of Marine Birds in Atlantic Canada (Lock et al, 1994) showing ocean currents of the Northwest Atlantic.

Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 15 IBA Site Information

Witless Bay

16 N.B. Provided by Bird Studies Canada May 2001; for updates see http://www.ibacanada.com/site.htm. Chapter 3: IBA Site Information

Figure 3-6: Topographic map showing the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve and area, adapted from 1:250,000 map sheet “1N”

Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 17 Chapter 3: IBA Site Information

Figure 3-7: Map showing the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve, adapted from Newfoundland and Labrador Sea- bird Ecological Reserves, Govt. Newfoundland and Labrador

18 Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 IBA Site Information

Cape St. Mary’s

N.B. Provided by Bird Studies Canada May 2001; for updates see http://www.ibacanada.com/site.htm. 19 Chapter 3: IBA Site Information

Figure 3-8: Topographic map showing Cape St. Mary’s and area, adapted from 1:250,000 map sheet “1L”

20 Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 Chapter 3: IBA Site Information

Figure 3-9: Map showing Cape St. Mary’s Ecological Reserve, adapted from Newfoundland and Labrador Seabird Ecological Reserves, Govt. Newfoundland and Labrador

Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 21 IBA Site Information

Corbin Island

22 N.B. Provided by Bird Studies Canada May 2001; for updates see http://www.ibacanada.com/site.htm. Chapter 3: IBA Site Information d and area, adapted from 1:250,000 sheet “1L” map adapted from and area, d Figure 3-10: Topographic mapIslan showing Corbin 3-10: Topographic Figure

Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 23 IBA Site Information

Middle Lawn Island

24 N.B. Provided by Bird Studies Canada May 2001; for updates see http://www.ibacanada.com/site.htm. Chapter 3: IBA Site Information and and area, adapted from 1:250,000“1L” map sheet adapted from area, and and Figure 3-11: Topographic map showing Middle Lawn Isl Topographic 3-11: Figure

Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 25 IBA Site Information

Green Island

26 N.B. Provided by Bird Studies Canada May 2001; for updates see http://www.ibacanada.com/site.htm. Chapter 3: IBA Site Information area, adapted from 1:1,000,000sheet “NK/NL-21/22”adapted map from area, Figure 3-12: Topographic map showing Green Island and map showing Green 3-12: Topographic Figure

Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 27 IBA Site Information

Grand Columbier Island

28 N.B. Provided by Bird Studies Canada May 2001; for updates see http://www.ibacanada.com/site.htm. Chapter 3: IBA Site Information

Figure 3-13: Topographic map showing Grand Colombier Island and area, adapted from 1:50,000 map sheet “11-I/16 East Half”

Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 29 IBA Site Information

Northeast Coast of Miquelon Island

30 N.B. Provided by Bird Studies Canada May 2001; for updates see http://www.ibacanada.com/site.htm. Chapter 3: IBA Site Information

Figure 3-14: Topographic map showing Cape Miquelon and area, adapted from 1:50,000 map sheet “11 P/1 West Half”

Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 31 Chapter 3: IBA Site Information

32 Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 Chapter 4: IBA Species Information

4. IBA Species Information (CWS 2000). Eiders breeding in the Arctic are of most concern. Most of these birds winter in Green- The marine bird IBAs on the Southeast coast of land but they also winter throughout the Maritimes. Newfoundland were designated IBAs for several species including Common Eider, Harlequin Duck, Population trends for all marine bird species in Common Murre, Leach's Storm-Petrel, Black- Newfoundland and Labrador are sketchy and suffi- legged Kittiwake, Northern Gannet, Manx Shear- cient long-term surveys are lacking. water, Herring Gull, Red-necked Grebe and Atlan- tic Puffin (see Table 3-1). Tables 4-1 to 4-10 summarize some of the available survey information relevant to the species There is concern in North America for the popula- responsible for IBA site designation in this area of tion status of most of the seaducks breeding there. Newfoundland. Brief natural history biographies of Unfortunately, seaduck ecology, population these species follow in Sections 4.5. - 4.13. starting dynamics, and harvest levels are poorly known on page 49.

Witless Bay Islands

Gull Island

Table 4-1: IBA Species Breeding on Gull Island, Witless Bay

Species Season Number of Pairs Source1

Atlantic Puffin 1942 1,000 CWS-SCD “ 1950 5,000 CWS-SCD “ 1969 100,000 CWS-SCD “ 1973 60,000 CWS-SCD “ 1979 30,000 CWS-SCD Leach's Storm-Petrel 1942 500 CWS-SCD “ 1960 400,000 CWS-SCD “ 1969 500,000 CWS-SCD “ 1973 210,000 CWS-SCD “ 1979 533,186 Robertson et al., in prep. “ 1984 351,805 Robertson et al., in prep. “ 1985 305,276 Robertson et al., in prep. “ 2001 351,866 Robertson et al., in prep. Common Murre 1942 50 CWS-SCD “ 1962 45 CWS-SCD

Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 33 Chapter 4: IBA Species Information

Table 4-1: IBA Species Breeding on Gull Island, Witless Bay

Species Season Number of Pairs Source1

“ 1969 136 CWS-SCD “ 1970 260 CWS-SCD “ 1971 316 CWS-SCD “ 1977 589 CWS-SCD “ 1978 687 CWS-SCD “ 2001 1,733 Robertson, 2001 Black-legged Kittiwake 1942 500 CWS-SCD “ 1950 500 CWS-SCD “ 1951 2,000 CWS-SCD “ 1969 6,977 CWS-SCD “ 1970 8,306 CWS-SCD “ 1971 10,140 CWS-SCD “ 2001 5,202 Robertson, 2001 Herring Gull 1942 500 CWS-SCD “ 1968 1,983 Robertson et al., 2001 “ 1969 2,033 Robertson et al., 2001 “ 1970 2,544 Robertson et al., 2001 “ 1971 2,663 Robertson et al., 2001 “ 1979 3852 Robertson et al., 2001 “ 1999 2794 Robertson et al., 2001 “ 2000 2698 Robertson et al., 2001

1. CWS-SCD = Canadian Wildlife Service - Seabird Colony Database

Green Island

Table 4-2: IBA Species Breeding on Green Island, Witless Bay

Species Season Number of Pairs Source1

Atlantic Puffin 1942 5,000 CWS-SCD

34 Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 Chapter 4: IBA Species Information

Table 4-2: IBA Species Breeding on Green Island, Witless Bay

Species Season Number of Pairs Source1

“ 1973 17,000 CWS-SCD “ 1979 9,3000 CWS-SCD Black-legged Kittiwake 1942 2,500 CWS-SCD “ 1973 10,000 CWS-SCD Common Murre 1942 3,000 CWS-SCD “ 1973 74,000 CWS-SCD Leach's Storm-Petrel 1942 200 CWS-SCD “ 1979 20 CWS-SCD

1. CWS-SCD = Canadian Wildlife Service - Seabird Colony Database

Great Island

Table 4-3: IBA Species Breeding on Great Island, Witless Bay

Species Season Number of Pairs Source1

Atlantic Puffin 1950 5,000 CWS-SCD “ 1973 148,000 CWS-SCD “ 1979 52,000 CWS-SCD “ 1993-1994 123,000 Rodway et al. 1996 Black-legged Kittiwake 1950 500 CWS-SCD “ 1973 23,229 CWS-SCD “ 1993-1994 23,787 Rodway et al. 1996 Common Murre 1973 2,800 CWS-SCD Leach's Storm-Petrel 1973 170,000 CWS-SCD “ 1979 250,000 CWS-SCD Herring Gull 1958 128 CWS-SCD “ 1968 1500 Robertson et al., 2001 “ 1976 2104 Robertson et al., 2001 “ 1979 2771 Robertson et al., 2001

Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 35 Chapter 4: IBA Species Information

Table 4-3: IBA Species Breeding on Great Island, Witless Bay

Species Season Number of Pairs Source1

“ 2000 1640 Robertson et al., 2001

1. CWS-SCD = Canadian Wildlife Service - Seabird Colony Database

Pee Pee Island

Table 4-4: IBA Species Breeding on Pee Pee Island, Witless Bay

Species Season Number of Pairs Source1

Atlantic Puffin 1979 1,300 CWS-SCD “ 1984 1,500 CWS-SCD “ 1986 1,200 CWS-SCD Herring Gull 1984 75 Robertson et al., 2001 “ 2000 134 Robertson et al., 2001

1. CWS-SCD = Canadian Wildlife Service - Seabird Colony Database

Cape St. Mary’s

Table 4-5: IBA Species Breeding at Cape St. Mary's

Number of Colony Species Season 1 Pairs Source Mainland Northern Gannet 1988 400 CWS-SCD Bird Rock Northern Gannet 1883 10 CWS-SCD ““1918 2,000 CWS-SCD ““1934 4,500 CWS-SCD ““1939 4,394 CWS-SCD ““1942 5,000 CWS-SCD ““1969 3,000 CWS-SCD ““1972 5,260 CWS-SCD ““1978 5,050 CWS-SCD ““1984 5,349 CWS-SCD ““1994 7,020 Chardine, 2000

36 Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 Chapter 4: IBA Species Information

Table 4-5: IBA Species Breeding at Cape St. Mary's

Number of Colony Species Season 1 Pairs Source ““1999 12,156 Chardine, 2000 “ Common Murre 1942 2,500 CWS-SCD ““1959 2,500 CWS-SCD ““1979 10,000 CWS-SCD Black-legged Kittiwake 1942 7,500 CWS-SCD ““1972 10,000 CWS-SCD ““1979 10,000 CWS-SCD

1. Canadian Wildlife Service - Seabird Colony Database

In addition to the above breeders, Harlequin Ducks are found at Cape St. Marys in winter and during fall migration.

Corbin Island

Table 4-6: IBA Species Breeding on Corbin Island

Species Season Number of Pairs Source1

Leach's Storm-Petrel 1974 100,000 CWS-SCD Herring Gull 1974 5,000 CWS-SCD

1. CWS-SCD = Canadian Wildlife Service - Seabird Colony Database

Middle Lawn Island

Table 4-7: IBA Species Breeding on Middle Lawn Island

Species Season Number of Pairs Source1

Manx Shearwater 1977 3 active nests CWS-SCD “ 1978 3 active nests CWS-SCD “ 1979 7 active nests CWS-SCD “ 1980 12 active nests CWS-SCD “ 1981 13 active nests CWS-SCD “ 2000 3 known breeding pairs Robertson, in prep.

Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 37 Chapter 4: IBA Species Information

Table 4-7: IBA Species Breeding on Middle Lawn Island

Species Season Number of Pairs Source1

Leach's Storm-Petrel 1974 11,190 CWS-SCD “ 1975 26,000 CWS-SCD “ 1977 26,000 CWS-SCD “ 1981 26,313 CWS-SCD “ 2001 13,879 Robertson et al., in prep.

1. CWS-SCD = Canadian Wildlife Service - Seabird Colony Database

Green Island, near Point May

Table 4-8: IBA Species Breeding on Green Island

Species Season Number of Pairs Source1

Leach's Storm-Petrel 1978 72,000 CWS-SCD “ 2001 65,280 Robertson et al., in prep.

1. CWS-SCD = Canadian Wildlife Service - Seabird Colony Database

Grand Colombier Island

Table 4-9: IBA Species Breeding on Grand Colombier Island

Species Season Number of Pairs Source

Leach's Storm-Petrel 1983-1989 100,000 Cairns et at., 1989

Miquelon Island (Northeast coast)

Table 4-10: IBA Species wintering off Miquelon Island (Northeast coast)

Number of Species 1 Source Season Individuals Red-necked Grebe W,SM (1990s - 2000) 450-800 Etcheberry, pers. comm., IBA Database Common Eider W, SM (1980s - 2000) 3000 - 4000 Etcheberry, pers. comm., IBA Database

1. W = Winter, SM = Spring Migration

38 Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 Chapter 4: IBA Species Information

4.1. Excerpts from the 2001 CWS Report enti- ...The population of Harlequin Ducks wintering in tled Population status of Migratory Game Birds eastern North America has been increasing in in Canada recent years and is now estimated at about 1,800 birds, with most (~1,000) wintering in Maine at a Northern Common Eider single location (Robertson and Goudie 1999). Some birds also winter in Atlantic Canada. Counts ...the majority of Northern Common Eiders winter of Harlequin Ducks wintering in Newfoundland in southwest Greenland rather than in Canada as showed small increases in 1996 and again in 1997. was previously thought. These recent findings This was encouraging given the dramatic decline have important international management implica- that occurred there through the 1980s and early tions because they confirm that the majority of 1990s. eiders harvested in Greenland during winter breed in Canada. Population and harvest data of the Scoters northern common eider were integrated in a simulation model (Gilliland et al. 2001), and results Based on traditional mid-winter and spring water- suggested that the Greenland harvest of northern fowl breeding surveys, scoters as a group seem to eiders was not sustainable. have declined in North America over the long term (Savard et al. 1998). The three scoter species are Approximately 80,000 Northern Eiders winter in not differentiated during these surveys as it is diffi- the gulf of St. Lawrence (Bordage et al. 1998). cult to discriminate among them from fixed-winged Numbers wintering in Newfoundland seem to have aircraft. Mid-winter survey data suggested a decreased in recent years but quantitative surveys decline in scoter numbers between 1954 and 1994; are lacking (S. Gilliland, CWS Atlantic). however, the trend was not significant (Kehose, 1996). In eastern North America, breeding popu- American Common Eider lation estimates declined significantly at an approximate average annual rate of 1% between ...Based on surveys conducted in the last two 1955 and 1992 (USFW 1993). decades, breeding populations were estimated at approximately 18,000 pairs in Labrador, 3000 in ...Also, between 50,000 and 62,000 moulting sco- Newfoundland, 26,000 in the Gulf of St. Lawrence ters (mostly male Surf Scoters) were located along and St. Lawrence estuary, and 18,000 to 22,000 in the Labrador coast in 1998 and 1999 (S. Gilliland, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. pers.comm.).

Harlequin Duck, Eastern Population 4.2. Harlequin Duck Satellite Tracking Project

There is great concern about the status of the east- The following is reproduced and/or adapted from ern North American population of the Harlequin the website of the Canadian Wildlife Service in Duck, which was listed as endangered in Canada Quebec (http://www.qc.ec.gc.ca/faune/sauvagine/ in 1990. As a consequence, hunting of this species html/hd_satellite.html). was closed throughout the Atlantic Flyway. In the late 1980’s the population wintering in eastern In 1996, 1997, and 1998, biologists tracked move- North America was estimated at less than 1,000 ments of 25 Harlequin Duck drakes using satellite individuals (Goudie 1991). Overhunting, distur- telemetry. This technique consists of fitting birds bance, and habitat loss are believed to have played with radios that transmit signals to satellites, a role in the decline of the eastern population of which in turn relay information to biologists. In Harlequin Ducks (Robertson and Goudie 1999). other words, the Harlequin Ducks are captured, As a result of new information in 2001, the status fitted with a transmitter, released, and then tracked of the eastern population was downgraded to a on a daily basis from the biologist's office. population of special concern.

Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 39 Chapter 4: IBA Species Information

This study lead to the discovery of new facts on • Michel Robert, Species at Risk Biologist, Canadian Harlequin Duck movements and distribution, in Wildlife Service, Québec Region. particular the existence of two distinct populations • Glen Mittlehauser, Biologist, Coastal Maine Bio- of Harlequin Duck in eastern North America. Sat- logical Research Station. ellite telemetry work conducted in 1996-98 deter- • Guy Fitzgerald, Veterinarian, Union Québécoise mined that Harlequin Ducks breeding in northern pour la Réhabilitation des Oiseaux de Proie Québec and northern Labrador actually moult and For more information (Labrador Project): winter along the south-west coast of Greenland. • Tony Chubbs, Department of National Defence, Conversely, Harlequin Ducks wintering in Atlantic Goose Bay, Labrador Canada and/or along the eastern seaboard of the • Perry Trimper, Biologist, Jacques-Whitford Envi- United States breed and/or moult in southern ronment Québec, Labrador, and insular Newfoundland. • Peter Thomas, Species at Risk Biologist, Canadian Wildlife Service, Atlantic Region The exact distribution of the two Harlequin Duck • Todd Shury, Shury Veterinary Services. populations during the breeding season is still unknown. There may be a breeding ground overlap Partners (Maine Project): somewhere in Labrador and/or along the Québec • SCF-Québec (Michel Robert); North Shore, but this is still to be determined. As a • Hydro-Québec (Pierre Lamothe); result, eight (8) male Harlequin Ducks were fitted • Union québécoise pour la réhabilitation des oiseaux with satellite transmitters in Maine, USA (Isle au de proie (Dr. Guy Fitzgerald); Haut area) in early April, 2001, and an additional • Coastal Marine Biological Research Station (Glen five (5) transmitters were deployed on male harle- Mittlehauser); • Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife quins already on their breeding rivers in central (Brad Allen et al.). Labrador in mid-May, 2001. In this manner, biologists hope to document the northern limit of the Partners (Labrador Project): breeding range of the Eastern North American • Department of National Defence (Tony Chubbs, wintering population. Gary Humphries, Goose Bay Office); • Jacques-Whitford Environment Limited (Perry While contributing to a more complete understand- Trimper, Kathy Knox); ing of movement patterns throughout the Harle- • Canadian Wildlife Service-Atlantic Region (Peter quin Duck annual cycle, the Department of Thomas); National Defence also wishes to determine intra- • Shury Veterinary Services (Dr. Todd Shury); seasonal movement, as well as home range size of • Universal Helicopters Newfoundland and Labrador Harlequin Ducks during the summer months. This (Lorne Pike). research will assist ongoing mitigation efforts concerning Harlequin Ducks within the low-level fly- 4.3. Voisey’s Bay ing zone in south-central Labrador and northeastern Québec. Under contract to Voisey’s Bay Nickel Company Limited, Jacques Whitford Environment Limited The thirteen (13) birds fitted with transmitters were collected wildlife data for the purpose of the Voi- all males. Two examples of the maps generated by sey’s Bay Mine/Mill Environmental Impact State- such studies which illustrate the movements of ment. The study area used for seabird observations individual birds are reproduced from the Quebec overlaps more or less directly with the area of CWS website and presented here (see Figures 4-1 coastline and islands near Nain designated as the and 4-2 on page 42). These maps illustrate the Nain Coastline IBA Site (see Table 2-1 on migratory nature of these birds and the potential page 10). This study area is illustrated in Figure 4- relevance of concerns in Labrador to harlequin 3. Although Voisey’s Bay is outside the area cov- ducks wintering in southeast Newfoundland. ered by this document, Harlequin Ducks breeding there may winter at some of the sites covered in For more information (Maine Project): this document such as Cape St. Mary’s. It is

40 Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 Chapter 4: IBA Species Information important that IBAs not be treated in isolation of proposed Voisey’s Bay Mine and Mill referred to one another. The marine birds using the IBA sites above was collected by helicopter during three covered here are migratory and demand a broad days in July of 1996. The data reported does not perspective on the part of those engaged in marine distinguish between breeding and nonbreeding bird conservation. The IBA sites designated for birds and there is almost no information on the dis- the area covered by this document must not be tribution within the study area of the birds thought of as sufficient tools for conserving the observed. The area surveyed is the area through bird populations that use them. which shipping to and from the Voisey’s Bay site would occur should the project proceed. There is potential for a smelter for Voisey’s Bay ore to develop at Argentia, Placentia Bay. Should In addition to coastal marine bird observations, this happen, shipping associated directly with the Jacques Whitford Environment Limited also con- Voisey’s Bay Project would affect the IBA sites ducted inland surveys for breeding Harlequin covered by this document. The Environmental Ducks and other waterfowl. Figures 4-4 and 4-5 Impact Assessment for Voisey’s Bay did not show maps from the Voisey’s Bay 1996 Environ- include these areas in the proposed shipping lane mental Baseline Technical Data Report on Avi- so the potential effects have not been formally fauna illustrating a sample of the type of data assessed and are undetermined. collected on Harlequin Ducks breeding within the Voisey’s Bay study area (Jacques Whitford, 1997). The data on seabirds collected during the breeding See also Chapter 7. “Voisey’s Bay” on page 95. season and reported in the Avifauna study for the

Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 41 Chapter 4: IBA Species Information

Figure 4-1: Movements of a Harlequin Duck fitted with a satellite telemeter (http://www.qc.ec.gc.ca/faune/ sauvagine/html/hd_satellite.html).

Figure 4-2: Movements of a Harlequin Duck fitted with a satellite telemeter (http://www.qc.ec.gc.ca/faune/ sauvagine/html/hd_satellite.html).

42 Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 Chapter 4: IBA Species Information ted Project No. ted Project 6 Jacques Whitford Limi Environment 96: reproduced from Figure 2. Figure from reproduced 96: Figure 4-3: Aerial seabird survey Coverage, Labrador, 1995-19 Aerial4-3: survey Coverage, seabird Labrador, Figure 199718, Data Report, November Technical Bay Avifauna 19961048, Voisey’s

Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 43 Chapter 4: IBA Species Information Jacques Whitford Environment Limited ProjectJacques Whitford 1996 VoNo. 1048, FigureDuck ob Harlequin 4-4: servations, servations, Voisey’s Bayarea, 02-05June 1997: re isey’s Bay Avifauna Technical 18,1997 Report,November Data produced from AppendixD HarlequinDuck Survey Results 1997, Results 1997,

44 Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 Chapter 4: IBA Species Information ironment Limited ced from Figure 2.3 Jacques Whitford Env 2.3 Figure from ced broods Voisey’s Bay, Labrador, 1996 reprodu Labrador, Bay, Voisey’s broods Figure 4-5:of Harlequin Observations Duck Figure Data Report, November 18, 1997 Technical Bay Avifauna 1048,No.Voisey’s 1996 Project

Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 45 Chapter 4: IBA Species Information

4.4. Northern Gannet by Rachel Bryant

Latin name: Sula bassana Local name: Gannet, Guant French name: Fou de Bassan

An impression of awe is left on the mind , as one of these great white birds unfolds the vast expanse of its wings, and with the most consummate ease dives into space from the ledge . . . JH Gurney, 1913

Northern Gannets are the largest seabirds in New- foundland and Labrador, and they are the most ele- gant fliers. Their efficient flight allows them to travel far from colonies in search of schooling fish, which they feed to their single chick. Gannet chicks are raised at a very small number of colonies. There are only six gannetries in North Amer- ica; three in Newfoundland and three in Québec. The birds migrate from these breeding colonies to wintering areas in the waters off the southeastern US. As seabirds, Gannets depend on both marine and terrestrial environments. For breeding colonies, Gannets require sites which are close to areas Breeding biology rich with schooling fish, and which are safe from disturbance by mammals, including people. Biologists use the term 'breeding strategy' when Because Gannets spend most of their lives at sea, they talk about the age at which an animal first they also need healthy ocean environments. Oil at breeds, the number of young it attempts to produce sea poses the greatest marine threat to Gannets. at one time, the amount of time that passes between breeding attempts, and the number of times the ani- Distribution mal will try to breed during its life. As for most seabirds, the success of the Northern Gannets' Northern Gannets live on both sides of the north breeding strategy depends on longevity. Gannets Atlantic Ocean. On the North American side, they do not pair up and nest until they are at about four breed at 3 colonies in Newfoundland (Baccalieu or five years old. And pairs only have one egg a Island, Cape St. Mary's and Funk Island), and three year. Because most of their chicks do not survive colonies in Québec (Antacosti Island, Bird Rocks long enough to mate, a pair of Gannets must breed and Bonaventure Island). These birds spend the for many years in order to "replace" themselves winter in waters off the southeast coast of the with two chicks who reach adulthood. Barring United States, as far away from their breeding col- accidents, Gannets probably die of old age after onies as the Gulf of Mexico. In Europe, Northern reaching 16 or 20. Gannets nest on islands and cliff ledges in Scot- land, Norway, Iceland, the Faeroe Islands and Usually, Gannets return to the same mate and the northern France. After quitting their colonies, these same nest site, year after year. Their nests, con- Gannets go as far south as northern Africa. Gan- structed with materials like moss, seaweed, sticks - nets can fly nearly 200 kilometres from their sum- and even garbage from boats - lie at the center of a mer colonies in search of food. territory that is smaller than the bird's wing span.

46 Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 Chapter 4: IBA Species Information

Small territories allow for dense colonies. These doned a colony - like they once abandoned Ile aux 'gannetries' can be home to 25,000 birds, with each Perroquets in Québec - it would be unlikely for pair nesting less than a metre away from its neigh- them to colonize another area. That is because the bors. birds return to the same colony every year, and so do not have habitual site-searching behaviour. At the end of spring, the female Northern Gannet Also, decent colony sites are probably very, very lays a single egg in the nest. Both parents take scarce. If a few birds managed to find a new and turns incubating it. They keep the egg warm by appropriate colony site, they would still be hard- gently wrapping their large feet around it. After pressed to succeed there. Gannets need to breed in about six weeks, the Gannet chick breaks through large groups; a good site with no neighbors is not a its egg. It takes approximately 13 weeks for the good site at all. Gannet chick to develop from being almost totally helpless, to flying away from the nest and out to Because Gannets spend most of their lives at sea, sea. In the meantime, both of its parents feed and they depend on healthy ocean environments. Oil at protect it. sea poses a great threat to Gannets. Bilge water dumped in the ocean, occasionally or perpetually Feeding Ecology leaky off shore oil rigs, and oil shipping accidents kill Gannets. In the past, chemicals people have Gannets eat fish and other marine animals. In the used for agriculture and forestry have contami- northwest Atlantic, their diet includes oily, school- nated Gannets' prey, and subsequently lowered the ing animals like mackerel, capelin, sandlance, her- birds' breeding success. ring and squid. Gannets catch their prey by plunge diving. They fly far above the sea surface, then fold Suggested reading their body into an arrow, with their bill aimed straight down. This way, Gannets can dive metres Gurney, J.H. 1913. The Gannet: a bird with a his- below the surface. Once underwater, Gannets use tory. London: Withley and Co. their feet and wings to swim swiftly toward their prey. Nelson, J. Bryan. 1978. The Sulidae: Gannets and Boobies. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Gannets feed their young partially-digested fish or squid, which they store in their throats. Some Nelson, J. Bryan. 1978. The Gannet. South Dakota: researchers have found that the amounts of mack- Buteo Books. erel and squid in Gannet diets at Funk Island cor- responds well with fishermens' catches and Theses in the collection of Memorial University research indices across eastern Newfoundland (see of Newfoundland pertaining to Northern Gan- Montevecchi and Myers, in suggested reading). nets in Newfoundland and Labrador

Habitat Requirements Birt, V. L. (1987). Parental activity budgets and energy expenditures of Northern Gannets (Sula As seabirds, Gannets depend on both marine and bassanus). Dept. of Psychology, Memorial terrestrial environments. For breeding colonies, University of Newfoundland. Gannets almost invariably choose islands with steep cliffs. They require sites which are close to Kirkham, I. R. (1980). Chick development and areas rich with schooling fish, and which are safe parental care in the northern gannet. Dept. of from disturbance by mammals, including people. Biology, Memorial University of Newfound- Because the entire North American population of land. northern Gannets is concentrated at a very small number of colonies, its health depends on the LeGrow, K. H. (1995). Distribution patterns of sea- integrity of each of these sites. If Gannets aban- birds in Placentia Bay : changes after twenty

Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 47 Chapter 4: IBA Species Information

years. Dept. of Biology, Memorial University gannet (Morus bassanus (L.)) at Cape St. of Newfoundland. Mary's, Newfoundland.

LeGrow, K. H. (1999). Distribution of marine birds Sklepkovych, B. O. (1986). The predatory behav- in relation to water masses and fronts in the iour and impact of red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) on Strait of Belle Isle, northwestern Atlantic the seabird colonies of Baccalieu Island, New- Ocean. Environmental Science Programme, foundland. Dept. of Biology, Memorial Uni- Memorial University of Newfoundland. versity of Newfoundland.

MacCharles, A. (1986). Oil-related and natural Vaughan, R. B. (1985). The development of tem- mortality of seabirds found on beaches in perature regulation in the Northern gannet southeastern Newfoundland. Dept. of Biology, (Sula bassanus) : the interactive roles of shiv- Memorial University of Newfoundland. ering, size and down. Dept. of Psychology, Memorial University of Newfoundland. Porter, J. M. (1978). The parental time investment and feeding behavior of the North Atlantic

48 Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 Chapter 4: IBA Species Information

4.5. Razorbill by Mark Hipfner

Latin name: Alca torda Local name: Tinker Inuktitut: Saviatsojak

The Razorbill is a stocky, robust seabird widely distributed through boreal and low-Arctic Atlantic waters. Closely related to the murres, but far less numerous, Razorbills share with these two species a suite of ecological and demographic traits, but they differ markedly in others, especially their nesting habits. The Razorbill is also the closest living relative of the Great Auk (the original “pen- guin”), and like it’s much larger, flightless cousin, was historically persecuted very heavily by humans for eggs, meat, and feathers. Greatly reduced in numbers by early in the 20th century, even locally extirpated, Razorbills were spared the Labrador, where about 12,000 pairs breed. In New- fate of the Great Auk, which had been driven to foundland, largest numbers breed on islands of the extinction by the middle of the 19th century. Over Witless Bay Seabird Sanctuary, at Funk Island, and the last 20-25 years, Razorbill populations have at Cape St. Mary’s. There is little recent informa- increased quite dramatically within their limited tion on population sizes and trends at important North American range. While this is an encourag- colonies in Newfoundland, although populations ing sign, the long-term welfare of the species is far appear to have increased in recent years at those from secure because of grave, anthropogenic where such information is available (Gull Island, threats to northwest Atlantic ecosystems. Cape St. Mary’s). In winter, Razorbills mainly move south of their breeding range into ice-free, Distribution coastal waters. In North America, largest numbers are found in shoal areas of the Gulf of Maine and The bulk of the world Razorbill population breeds outer Bay of Fundy, although they are occasionally in Iceland. From there, colonies stretch to the east recorded as far south as South Carolina and Flor- through Jan Mayen, the Faeroe Islands, the British ida. Relatively few Razorbills remain in New- Isles, France, Germany, Denmark, Norway, Swe- foundland waters in winter, but they become more den, and Finland, and as far as extreme northwest- common in the spring (April and May) as they ern Russia. In the northwest Atlantic, Razorbills return to breed. breed in small to medium-sized colonies scattered through w. Greenland, Hudson Strait, Labrador, Breeding Biology Newfoundland, the islands of St.-Pierre and Miquelon, the estuary and Gulf of the St. Lawrence Razorbills employ a life-history strategy that is River, and south through Nova Scotia and New typical of marine birds. Young Razorbills first visit Brunswick to Maine. The centre of the northwest breeding colonies when 2 or 3 years of age, and Atlantic breeding distribution is in southern Labra- first breed when 4 or 5 years old. They use a wide dor and the lower North Shore of the Gulf of the St. variety of habitats for nesting, including crevices Lawrence. The North American population is esti- between boulders, fissures and cracks in rock mated at about 40,000 breeding pairs, or about 7% faces, and even burrows dug out of soft soil by of the total world population. The largest colony in Atlantic Puffins. Most use enclosed nest sites, North America is located at the Gannet Islands, which offer protection from avian predators includ-

Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 49 Chapter 4: IBA Species Information ing Great Black-backed Gulls, Herring Gulls, and Ravens. However, a few nest on narrow, open- topped cliff ledges, sometimes among murres. Unlike murres, most Razorbills build nests of small stones and other matter, and they never breed in physical contact with their neighbours. They typically breed in loose aggregations that number from a few pairs to a few thousand pairs. Only in Iceland do they breed in immense colonies that rival murre colonies in size.

The timing of egg-laying is influenced by oceano- graphic conditions, beginning 4-6 weeks earlier at southerly colonies in boreal waters (mid-May in ment their diets with a variety of crustaceans, as the Gulf of Maine) than at northerly colonies in well as polychaete worms. While most dives low-Arctic waters (mid-to-late June in Labrador). undertaken in pursuit of prey are less than 20 Razorbills lay a single egg that is about 30% metres deep, Razorbills are capable of descending heavier than predicted for the size of the adult bird. to 100 metres or more. They forage mainly where Both parents share equally in incubating the egg, prey is likely to be predictable and concentrated, which hatches in about 35 days. Both parents also often at fronts and upwellings, and usually in rela- share equally in delivering to nestlings about 3 or 4 tively shallow waters within 20 or 30 km of breed- meals a day, each consisting of 1-8 fish, which are ing colonies. In winter, they forage mainly in carried back to the nest site held crosswise in the shallow-water shoal areas, often over a sandy sea- bill. The chick leaves the nest site after about 20 bed. days, accompanied by its male parent and weigh- ing only about 30% of adult mass, to complete its development at sea. This unusual chick-rearing Habitat Requirements strategy is employed only by Razorbills and murres. Normally, about 75% of Razorbill pairs Razorbills breed mainly on rocky islands situated successfully raise a chick to nest departure; older, in coastal and continental-shelf waters, although more experienced pairs are much more likely to they are more likely than the other large alcids to succeed than are younger, less experienced pairs. breed in brackish waters such as the St. Lawrence Of those young birds that survive to nest departure, estuary. Most breeding colonies are free of mam- about 30 or 40% will then survive to join the breed- malian predators, but arctic and red foxes and even ing population 4 or 5 years later. The vast majority polar bears occasionally reach colonies and cause of these young birds return to breed at the colony considerable damage. In migration, Razorbills where they themselves were raised, and once they mainly use coastal and continental-shelf waters, begin breeding, they generally return year after and they depend on predictable aggregations of year to breed at the same site and with the same prey in important wintering areas. Human activi- partner. ties pose serious threats to Razorbills and their habitats. Large, but unknown numbers are drowned when they become entangled in fishing gear, and Feeding Ecology some are killed incidentally during the annual turr hunt around Newfoundland. However, the most Like all members of the family Alcidae, Razorbills serious threat comes from oil pollution; Razorbills are wing-propelled divers that catch their prey, are considered to be among the most vulnerable of mainly schooling fish, by underwater pursuit. In all seabirds to oil pollution. North American North American waters, important prey species Razorbill populations appear extremely vulnerable, include sandlance, herring, and capelin, varying because they congregate in large numbers in criti- with location and season. Adult Razorbills supple- cal habitats situated on major shipping lanes (such

50 Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 Chapter 4: IBA Species Information as the Gulf of St. Lawrence, and Gulf of Maine). Theses in the Collection of Memorial University Razorbills are also extremely sensitive to human of Newfoundland Relevant to Razorbills in disturbance. As a result, there is concern about the Newfoundland and Labrador integrity of many Razorbill breeding colonies as activities such as recreational use, aquaculture, and Hearne, E. P. (1999). Effect of tour boat activity timber harvesting increase. within an ecological reserve on the behaviour of three Atlantic alcids: common murres (Uria Suggested reading aalge), razorbills (Alca torda), and Atlantic puffins (Fratercula arctica). Dept. of Biology. Hipfner, J.M., and G. Chapdelaine. 2001. Razorbill Memorial University of Newfoundland Alca torda. In: A. Poole, and F. Gill (Eds.)The Birds of North America. The Birds of North Hipfner, J. M. (2000). Egg production in the thick- America Inc, Philadelphia billed murre (Uria lomvia) and razorbill (Alca torda): a life-history perspective. Faculty of Gaston, A.J., and I.L. Jones. 1998. The Auks. Science. Memorial University of Newfound- Oxford University Press, New York. land

Nettleship, D.N., and T.R. Birkhead (eds.) 1985. Rowe, S. (1998). Variation in breeding-site charac- The Atlantic Alcidae. Academic Press, Lon- teristics in relation to adult quality in the don. Razorbill, Alca Torda. Dept. of Biology. Memorial University of Newfoundland

Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 51 Chapter 4: IBA Species Information

4.6. Harlequin Duck by Joel Heath

Latin name: Histrionicus histrionicus Local names: Lords and ladies, white-eyed diver, lady bird, sea mice, squeakers, rock duck Inuktitut: Inggiganimiut; mitik/kutsiutik Innu-aimun: Nutshipaushtukueshish

Harlequin Ducks are a small sea duck of the North- ern Hemisphere. These small, robust ducks breed on fast-flowing mountain streams and moult and winter along coastal sites in rocky intertidal zones. Their ability to forage in strong river currents and Labrador include the northern tip of Labrador, St. in raging ocean surge is unrivalled while the strik- Peter’s Bay, the Gannet Islands and in Groswater ing alternate plumage of the males has captured the Bay: Tumbledown Dick Island, Stag Island, and hearts of naturalists and scientists alike and led to Herring Island. Locations in Newfoundland several dignified local names for this species, such include Stearin Island (Gros Morne National Park), as Lords and Ladies. Grey Island, and a few individuals may moult at Cape St. Mary’s. The majority of breeding activity Populations in eastern North America have until occurs throughout Labrador and north eastern Que- recently been classified as endangered. They are bec with significant numbers also breeding on the currently listed as a species of special concern by Northern Peninsula of Newfoundland. the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wild- life in Canada (COSEWIC). Habitat loss due to Life History degradation of aquatic ecosystems and to hydroelectric developments threatens breeders, while Harlequin Ducks form pair bonds during the winter oiling, illegal hunting and disturbance jeopardize months at coastal sites. Migration to breeding riv- wintering populations. ers begins in April. Unpaired and immature birds usually continue on to molting grounds while pairs Distribution move up-river, where the female will select a nest site. Timing of laying depends on spring melt con- Harlequin Ducks may be found breeding and win- ditions, but usually occurs between mid-May and tering from Iceland and southern Greenland to early July. Males depart the breeding grounds with eastern North America (from the south eastern the onset of incubation by the female, and migrate states to northern Labrador and Quebec), Southern to molting sites. Hatching occurs between late June North America (from the South western states to and July. A maximum of one brood is produced per Alaska and the Aleutian Islands) and north eastern year, consisting on average of five or six chicks. Asia. Winter distributions are restricted to marine The proportion of the population that successfully coastal regions, while breeding birds occupy both breeds each year may be highly variable. Young inland and coastal rivers. leave the nest within 1-2 days of hatching and are led by the female to foraging areas. The female In eastern North America, the majority of the win- remains with the brood throughout August after tering population is found off the coast of Maine, which she either abandons the ducklings or leads with significant populations occurring in New them downstream before beginning to molt. Birds Brunswick and Nova Scotia and at Cape St. then reunite at wintering sites between October and Mary’s, Newfoundland. Moulting locations in November.

52 Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 Chapter 4: IBA Species Information

Feeding Ecology benthic invertebrates are usually found in used areas. Narrow rivers of low acidity may also be In winter, Harlequin Ducks forage by diving in important. Ongoing analysis of long term survey rocky intertidal regions, capturing a variety of data in northern Labrador indicates that predation small invertebrate species including amphipods by raptors may be a significant factor that deter- and snails. Foraging usually occurs extremely mines distribution and local population dynamics close to shore, a niche which may serve to avoid of Harlequin Ducks in this region. competition with a variety of other sea duck species that often co-habit wintering areas. Fish roe may also be an important food source when available. In summer, on inland rivers Harlequin Ducks feed in fast flowing, turbulent river stretches with high densities of aquatic invertebrates. Black fly larvae are a primary food source, but a variety of benthic and emerging insects are likely important.

Habitat Requirements

Harlequin Ducks show high return rates to specific wintering, molting and breeding sites between years. Winter and molting sites share similar characteristics. Coastal rocky shorelines and headlands are preferred and often foraging occurs in shallow Suggested Reading water (<10 m deep) over the kelp communities of rocky outcrops and sunkers. Birds are often seen Robertson, G. J. and R. I. Goudie. 1999. Harlequin hauling out of the water onto boulders or areas of Duck (Histrionicus histrionicus).The Birds of rocky shoreline. Ongoing research in Newfound- North America, No. 466 (A. Poole and F. Gill, land suggests that the availability of haul out sites Eds.). The Birds of North America, Inc., Phila- may be a critical component of winter habitat. delphia, PA. Topographic features of a bay that provide a variety of foraging and haul out sites, which allow pro- Theses in the Collection of Memorial University tection from the most prevalent wind and sea state of Newfoundland Relevant to Harlequin Ducks conditions, may be particularly important. in Newfoundland and Labrador

Fast flowing sections of coastal and inland rivers Goudie, R. I. 1984. Comparative ecology of Com- are important areas for breeding Harlequin Ducks. mon Eiders, Black Scoters, Oldsquaws, and Recent and ongoing research in Labrador indicates Harlequin Ducks wintering in southeastern that stream sections used by Harlequin Ducks are Newfoundland. The University of Western of higher gradient and velocity, have larger sub- Ontario. strates and greater numbers of instream boulders and islands than unused areas. Instream islands Adams, P.A. 1999. Time-activity budgets of Harle- may provide important nesting areas, and both quin Ducks (Histrionicus histrionicus) moult- islands and exposed boulders may be important to ing at the Gannet Islands, Labrador. Bachelor’s resting birds. Riparian zones include greater pro- thesis, Memorial University of Newfound- portions of alders and overhanging vegetation land, St. John’s which may provide important cover for the young during early brood rearing. Higher abundances of

Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 53 Chapter 4: IBA Species Information

4.7. Common Eider this time the more northerly breeders often sup- plant southerly birds, the more northerly breeders Latin name: Somateria mollissima wintering in the breeding areas of the southerly Local names: Ducks, Eider, Eider Duck, Sealbird birds. Many of the birds wintering in Newfound- (first winter drakes), Black Duck (females), Sea land and Labrador are arctic breeders. Duck; Shore Duck; Canvasback (male) Inuktitut: Mitik Innu-aimun: Missap

The largest, most marine and relatively well studied of seaducks, the Common Eider is the duck of ducks for Newfoundland and Labrador, as codfish was the fish of fish. Eiders also share with the ill- fated northern cod a vulnerability to over-optimis- tic harvesting strategies. Over-hunted in the past and still hunted throughout it’s range by subsistence and sport hunters, harvests of Common Eider have been increasing and may exceed sustainable In heavy ice or late spring years very large collec- levels. tions of eiders can form in open water such as the outer coast or southern bays of Newfoundland and Distribution Labrador. These events can be associated with heavy adult mortality from starvation. Common Eiders have a circumpolar distribution. In eastern North America these birds breed from Breeding Biology Nunavut down through Labrador, Newfoundland and the Maritimes as far south as Massachusetts. Eiders in Newfoundland typically lay about 4 eggs The southern race Somateria mollissima dresseri and incubate them for about 26 days. Roughly breeds from Maine to Hamilton Inlet on the Labra- 85% hatch successfully and the ducklings reach dor coast while the northern race or subspecies, flying age between 55 and 70 days. Eiders don’t Somateria mollissima borealis breeds from north- breed until they are at least two years of age and ern Labrador to Baffin Island. Although some most wait to reach three or four years old. This eiders spend the winter in Labrador around Hamil- pattern of maturity which is typical of sea ducks is ton Inlet and the Strait of Belle Isle most winter delayed compared with many other duck species around Newfoundland, in the Gulf of St. Lawrence which breed in their first year. and further south. While eider hens may fatten up when they first Spring migration, when birds return from winter- arrive on the breeding grounds in spring and after ing areas to breeding grounds, runs from March nesting, while sitting on the nest they more or less and April for the earlier nesters and into June for fast. Only the female incubates the eggs. This Arctic birds. Some populations and immature birds makes nesting an energetically stressful time for do not migrate. The migrating birds mostly follow eider hens and they need to conserve their energy the coast with some land crossings such as across during this time. Disturbing nesting Eiders causes the Avalon Peninsula of Newfoundland. Migrating them to expend energy when they can ill afford it flocks can number in the thousands. In June and and can potentially affect breeding success. July shortly after the females have started incubating the eggs, the adult males, immature birds and In marine systems the most important thing may be non-breeders migrate to moulting sites. Breeding finding suitable nest sites. To avoid mammalian females follow later. In October and November predators the ground nesting eiders usually use those birds that migrate for the winter do so. At islands and in many areas these are in limited sup-

54 Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 Chapter 4: IBA Species Information ply. Eiders often nest in close association with marine birds what eiders need is an ocean free of gulls although they do like nest sites with some pollution and a healthy prey base. cover where gulls don’t like to go. The gulls usually nest in the perimeter of the colony and the hens Suggested Reading and ducklings have to pass through them when fledging. Most mortality due to predation occurs Goudie, R.I., G.J. Robertson, and A. Reed. 2000. in the first 10 days of life. Common Eiders often Common Eider (Somateria mollissima). In The combine their broods to form congregations of Birds of North America, No. 546. (A. Poole ducklings accompanied by “aunts”, or non-breed- and F.Gill, eds.). The Birds of North America, ing females. Inc., Philadelphia, PA.

Theses in the Collection of Memorial University of Newfoundland Relevant to Common Eiders in Newfoundland and Labrador

Bishop, C. A. (1971). Helminth parasites of the common eider duck (Somateria mollissima L.) in Newfoundland and Labrador. Dept. of Biol- ogy, Memorial University of Newfoundland

Goudie, R. I. (1984). Comparative ecology of common eiders, black scoters, oldsquaws and har- Feeding Ecology lequin ducks wintering in southeastern Newfoundland. Eiders usually dive to the bottom in shoal water to collect prey items (invertebrates, mollusks, crusta- LeGrow, K. H. (1999). Distribution of marine birds ceans and echinoderms) much of which they then in relation to water masses and fronts in the bring to the surface to eat. Feeding in the inter- Strait of Belle Isle, northwestern Atlantic tidal zone and a love of mussels brings eiders into Ocean. Environmental Science Programme, conflict with shellfish aquaculture. Memorial University of Newfoundland.

Habitat Requirements MacCharles, A. (1986). Oil-related and natural mortality of seabirds found on beaches in Eiders are famous for nesting in large congrega- southeastern Newfoundland . Dept. of Biology, tions. Perhaps the largest contemporary North Memorial University of Newfoundland. American colony (Ile Bicquette, St. Lawrence estuary) supports more than 10,000 breeding pairs. Ryan, P. C. (1985). Abundance and distribution of Eiders breed mainly on coastal islands although benthic invertebrates and their occurrence in some birds nest on freshwater islands. Although the diet of Common Eiders (Somateria mollis- nesting hens can drink salt water they prefer access sima) at Brierly Head, Cape St. Mary's, New- to fresh water. Shallow bays with an abundance of foundland. Dept. of Biology, Memorial seaweed within which to find prey make good University of Newfoundland. brood rearing habitat. In addition to breeding in aggregations, wintering flocks of eiders can also be Thornton, P. A. (1979). Dynamic equilibrium: set- quite large. The main requirement while breeding tlement, population and ecology in the Strait of is relief from disturbance. Otherwise, as with all Belle Isle, Newfoundland, 1840-1940.

Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 55 Chapter 4: IBA Species Information

4.8. Atlantic Puffin chicks are covered with down but still get brooded by the parents for the first week. After the first Latin name: Fratercula arctica week the parents are able to leave the chick alone Local names: Parrot, Sea Parrot, Hatchet Face, in the burrow while they forage. At this stage the Baccalieu Bird. burrow provides adequate protection for the chick, Inuktitut: Siggolutuk; kingutuk an advantage over cliff nesting birds whose chicks Innu-aimun: Muneikutan are exposed when unaccompanied by a parent. Depending on feeding conditions, after five to ten Distribution weeks the chick will leave the burrow and fly out to sea alone. The chick usually leaves the colony Atlantic Puffins are a North Atlantic species. In under cover of darkness. By September both fact, although one of four species of puffins the chicks and adults have mostly abandoned the col- Atlantic Puffin is the only one that lives in the ony until the following spring. North Atlantic. They are one of the most common seabirds in the northern hemisphere.

Atlantic Puffins mostly nest on islands around Ice- land, Norway, the Faeroe Islands, British Isles, and eastern Canada. They breed in North America from northern Maine in the United States to the Canadian Arctic. In winter they move offshore where their distribution is poorly known.

Breeding Biology

Puffins spend the winter at sea. Once they have reached breeding maturity at 4 or 5 years of age puffins return to the same breeding colony each Feeding Ecology spring to lay a single egg. The timing of their spring arrival at the breeding colony depends on Puffin parents deliver whole prey to their chicks in ice and weather conditions. Younger birds will their bill. The number of feeds per day varies, visit the breeding colony as well but show up later depending on the kind of prey being fed to the than the breeders. Once present at the colony, puf- chick. If spawning capelin are available fewer fins engage in a distinct cycle of colony atten- meals are delivered than if the chick is being fed an dance. The numbers of puffins at the colony varies assortment of small juvenile fish. up and down both within a given day and over a period of several days. People have often visited Habitat Requirements large puffin colonies and been surprised to find few birds there. At the same spot a few days later or at Puffins nest almost exclusively on islands where a different time of day one might witness large they are relatively protected from predation by ter- numbers of puffins standing around next to their restrial predators. They raise their chicks under- burrows, or flying en masse in figure-eights above ground either by digging a burrow in turf or finding the colony. tunneling within rock piles. Puffins nest in high densities and most colonies have a surplus of suit- Puffins incubate their single egg for about six able habitat into which colonies can expand. They weeks. If an egg is lost, a replacement egg is prefer to nest near the perimeter of islands. Sloped sometimes laid within 2 to 3 weeks, although Puf- areas can support higher nesting densities than flat fins are not as good replacement egg layers as ground where tunnels run directly under the sur- murres and razorbill are. When hatched, puffin face.

56 Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 Chapter 4: IBA Species Information

Bradley, L. W. (1971). Some aspects of the blood Once mated, puffins will usually return to meet the of alcids in Newfoundland. Dept. of Biology, same mate and occupy the same burrow from year Memorial University of Newfoundland. to year. Fidelity to a breeding colony is high and development of new colony locations is uncom- Burness, G. P. (1989). Variation in the bone sizes mon. The breeding site fidelity of puffins under- of great auks Pinguinis impennis (Linnaeus) scores the need to maintain attractive breeding 1758 from different North Atlantic sites. Dept. conditions at existing colonies. of Biology, Memorial University of New- foundland. The most common cause of breeding failure is desertion by the adults. Birds disturbed while Chatman, E. (1989). The influence of nesting den- incubating are particularly sensitive and likely to sity on the reproductive success of the Atlantic desert their egg. Most colonies manage to produce Puffin Fratercula arctica (L.) and the Black- chicks from three quarters or more of the breeding legged Kittiwake Rissa tridactyla (L.) on Gull pairs, but instances of catastrophic breeding fail- Island, Witless Bay, Newfoundland in 1988. ures have occurred. The causes for such breeding failures have included food shortages as occurred Creelman, E. (1987). Sex differences in reproduc- in northern Norway in the 1970s and disturbance tion effort and the potential for a mixed repro- from tourism. duction strategy in the Atlantic puffin (Fratercula arctica). Dept. of Psychology, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

Eveleigh, E. S. (1974). A study of the ectoparasites of alcids in Newfoundland. Dept. of Biology, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

Hearne, E. P. (1999). Effect of tour boat activity within an ecological reserve on the behaviour of three Atlantic alcids: common murres (Uria aalge), razorbills (Alca torda), and Atlantic puffins (Fratercula arctica). Dept. of Biology, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

LeGrow, K. H. (1995). Distribution patterns of sea- Suggested Reading birds in Placentia Bay: changes after twenty years. Dept. of Biology, Memorial University Nettleship, D. N., and Birkhead, T. R., eds., (1985) of Newfoundland. The Atlantic Alcidae: Orlando, Academic Press, p. 574. LeGrow, K. H. (1999). Distribution of marine birds in relation to water masses and fronts in the Theses in the Collection of Memorial University Strait of Belle Isle, northwestern Atlantic of Newfoundland Relevant to Atlantic Puffins in Ocean. Environmental Science Programme, Newfoundland and Labrador Memorial University of Newfoundland.

Bartlett, S. E. (1985). Cytogenetic studies in three MacCharles, A. (1986). Oil-related and natural species of larids and three species of alcids . mortality of seabirds found on beaches in Dept. of Biology, Memorial University of southeastern Newfoundland. Dept. of Biology, Newfoundland. Memorial University of Newfoundland.

Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 57 Chapter 4: IBA Species Information

Muzaffar, S. B. (2000). Ectoparasites of auks Biology, Memorial University of Newfound- (alcidae) at the Gannet Islands, Labrador: land. diversity, ecology and host-parasite interactions. Faculty of Science, Memorial University Russell, J. (1999). Chick diet and nestling condi- of Newfoundland. tion among Atlantic puffins at three northwest Atlantic colonies. Biopsychology Programme, Nettleship, D. N. (1970). Breeding success of the Memorial University of Newfoundland. common puffin (Fratercula Arctica L.) on different habitats, Great Island, Newfoundland Sklepkovych, B. O. (1986). The predatory behav- [microform]. iour and impact of red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) on the seabird colonies of Baccalieu Island, New- Piatt, J. F. (1987). Behavioural ecology of common foundland. Dept. of Biology, Memorial Uni- murre and Atlantic puffin predation on capelin: versity of Newfoundland. implications for population biology. Dept. of Biology, Memorial University of Newfound- Veitch, B. (1998). Ornament expression as an indi- land. cator of physical condition in Atlantic puffins (Fratercula arctica) at the Gannet Islands Eco- Rodway, M. S. (1994). Intra-colony variation in logical Reserve, Labrador. Dept. of Biology, breeding success of Atlantic puffins: an appli- Memorial University of Newfoundland. cation of habitat selection theory. Dept. of

58 Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 Chapter 4: IBA Species Information

4.9. Common Murre by Gail Davoren

Latin name: Uria aalge Local names: Turr, Baccalieu bird Inuktitut: Appak

The Common Murre is a long-lived (> 20 years) diving marine bird that breeds in colonies at higher densities than any other bird species. Murres typically nest in large colonies. For instance, 80% of the northwest Atlantic population breeds on Funk Island, which is also one of the largest colonies in the World. Juvenile murres have a low survival rate (12 – 47%) during their first winter at sea, compared to the high annual survival rate of breeding adults (∼ 90%).

Distribution

The Common Murre has a circumpolar distribution, breeding in the northern hemisphere within the boreal to low arctic zone. In the northwest Atlantic, murres breed commonly from the Bay of Fundy and the Gulf of St. Lawrence to central Labrador, with the highest breeding numbers in eastern Newfoundland. Birds typically winter off- pair is established, they return to the same nest site shore with most found in boreal waters. In the in subsequent years. Murres to not build nests, but Pacific, murres winter in southern California and rather lay eggs on exposed rock. Murres vigorously southern Japan and in the Atlantic murres winter compete to occupy and maintain these small 20 cm south to Georges Bank. In Newfoundland, murres by 20 cm sites and the care of both parents is essen- typically move north to the Labrador banks in tial for successfully rearing a chick. August and September (during post-nuptial moult). By December, most of these individuals have In Newfoundland, murres return to breeding colo- moved south, where they are commonly found off nies in April. Adults begin attending and defending Nova Scotia and the New England states (uncom- nest sites during this time. In May, pairs begin to mon south of Cape Cod, Massachusetts). On a copulate and a single egg is laid in early June. If a large spatial scale (100 km), murre distribution pair loses an egg early in incubation, it may be coincides with capelin distribution. replaced approximately 2 weeks later. Both parents incubate eggs alternately for equal amounts of time Breeding Biology (∼ 12 hour shifts) for 1 month. Eggs typically hatch in early July. Chicks are brooded continuously at Murres typically reach sexual maturity around 3 the colony for approximately 3 weeks by both par- years of age and begin breeding between 3-6 years ents, where one parent remains at the colony with of age. The extent to which birds return to their the chick while the other departs the colony on a natal colony to breed is unclear, but breeding at the foraging trip (∼ 4 hours). After each foraging trip, a natal colony and dispersal to other colonies has parent delivers a single fish to the chick. Parents been documented. Murres are monogamous in that deliver 3 – 5 fish to the chick per day, varying they nest with the same pair year after year. Once a between 30 – 60 g of food. Chicks leave the colony

Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 59 Chapter 4: IBA Species Information at up to 25% of adult body mass (250 g). Upon col- of capelin in chick diets. This dietary shift in the ony departure, chicks are unable to fly or feed 1990s was not accompanied with changes in breed- themselves and, thus, are accompanied by the male ing success. During the winter, murre diets incor- parent at sea for 2 - 3 months (August – October). porate both fish and crustaceans. The female parent typically attends the nest site for another two weeks after the chick has fledged. The Murres often feed in large aggregations and there is above chronology is representative of southern growing evidence that they use memory to locate breeding colonies in Newfoundland (e.g. Cape St. capelin at sea. In Newfoundland, murres tend to Mary’s, Witless Bay). Breeding is delayed farther congregate at sea in high densities (200-300 birds/ north (Funk Island and Gannet Islands: lay eggs km) where capelin aggregations are highly dense mid - late June). and predictably found (e.g. Mobile Bay, Cape Freels North, Wadham Islands). These same areas appear to be important among years and are also often good fishing grounds. The concentration of murre and human fishing effort in these areas poses a conflict, whereby murres are often entangled in fishing gear, especially gill nets.

Habitat Requirements

Murres generally require offshore islands that are free from mammalian predators and human disturbance. This species breeds both on cliff-ledges and flat-ground. The flat-ground colonies hold the highest densities of nests (> 10 birds/m2) and are Feeding Ecology the highest quality habitats because they offer maximum protection from nest-predators. Nest preda- Murres dive underwater to collect small schooling tors include Great Black-backed and Herring fish, using their wings to propel them through the Gulls, which eat eggs and chicks at the colony. water. They can dive up to 200 m but typically Human disturbance causes parents to fly off their search and capture prey in the top 20 - 50 m of the nest sites, during which chicks and eggs can be ocean. They have a smaller wing area than most knocked off ledges or into nest sites of neighbours. other bird species, due to the compromise in wing design between underwater and aerial flight. Con- Murres typically forage within 100 km of their sequently, flight requires a lot of energy. breeding colony. The close proximity of good foraging areas to the colony is important because the In Newfoundland, adults primarily eat capelin travel time between the colony and foraging areas (Mallotus villosus) and deliver capelin to their limits the amount chicks can be provisioned. If for- chicks during the breeding season. Capelin is aging sites are farther from the colony or prey believed to be one of the most important fish spe- abundance is low in one year, parents may not cies in the northwest Atlantic due to its biomass work harder to maintain provisioning rates, thereby dominance as a forage fish species. Therefore, sea- lowering chick growth. This behaviour compro- birds align their chick-rearing periods with the mises the survival of the chick, but ensures that inshore spawning activities of capelin. One excep- adults survive to breed in future years and may tion to this is murres breeding at the Gannet increase the number of young produced over the Islands, where they currently deliver a higher pro- lifetime of a pair. This, however, also results in portion of benthic fish, such as blennies and years of poor recruitment to the breeding popula- daubed shannies, to their chicks. Capelin was more tion. abundant around the Gannet Islands prior to the 1990s and this was reflected in a higher proportion

60 Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 Chapter 4: IBA Species Information

Murres spend the majority of their year at sea, lomvia) and common murres (U. aalge)). Dept. except for 3 months when they return to land to of Psychology., Memorial University of New- breed during the summer. While at sea, murres foundland. spend the majority of their time sitting on the water, due to the high energy required to fly. Bradley, L. W. (1971). Some aspects of the blood Owing to the considerable time that murres spend of alcids in Newfoundland. Dept. of Biology, sitting of the water, this species is highly vulnera- Memorial University of Newfoundland. ble to oil pollution at sea. In addition, adults lose and regrow their flight feathers after they depart Bryant, R. L. (1998). Food resource use and the breeding colony, leaving them flightless at sea responses to changes in prey availability of for 45 – 50 days in August - October. During this common and thick-billed murres (Uria aalgae period, adult males are also accompanied by their and U. lomvia) breeding at the Gannet Islands, flightless chick. Consequently, food supplies must Labrador . Biopsychology Programme, Memo- be abundant and reliable during this flightless rial University of Newfoundland. period, in order to simultaneously moult and feed their young at sea successfully. Cooper, K. G. (1974). An empirical biogeographi- cal study of murre recoveries in the western North Atlantic. Dept. of Biology., Memorial University of Newfoundland.

Davoren, G.K. 2001. Predator-prey interactions in the Northwest Atlantic: influences of capelin distribution and behaviour on foraging behaviour of common murres.Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, NF.

Eveleigh, E. S. (1974). A study of the ectoparasites of alcids in Newfoundland. Dept. of Biology, Memorial University of Newfoundland. Suggested Reading Hearne, E. P. (1999). Effect of tour boat activity Tuck, L.M. 1961. The Murres: Their distribution, within an ecological reserve on the behaviour populations and biology – a study of the genus of three Atlantic alcids: common murres (Uria Uria. Canadian Wildlife Service Monograph aalge), razorbills (Alca torda), and Atlantic Series No. 1. puffins (Fratercula arctica). Dept. of Biology, Memorial University of Newfoundland. Gaston, A.J., & Jones, I.L. 1998. The Auks. New York: Oxford University Press. LeGrow, K. H. (1995). Distribution patterns of seabirds in Placentia Bay: changes after twenty Theses in the Collection of Memorial University years . Dept. of Biology, Memorial University of Newfoundland Relevant to Common Murres of Newfoundland. in Newfoundland and Labrador LeGrow, K. H. (1999). Distribution of marine birds Bartlett, S. E. (1985). Cytogenetic studies in three in relation to water masses and fronts in the species of larids and three species of alcids . Strait of Belle Isle, northwestern Atlantic Dept. of Biology, Memorial University of Ocean. Environmental Science Programme, Newfoundland. Memorial University of Newfoundland.

Birt-Friesen, V. L. (1992). Population differentia- MacCharles, A. (1986). Oil-related and natural tion and evolution among thick-billed (Uria mortality of seabirds found on beaches in

Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 61 Chapter 4: IBA Species Information

southeastern Newfoundland. Dept. of Biology, Memorial University of Newfoundland. Piatt, J. F. (1987). Behavioural ecology of common murre and Atlantic puffin predation on capelin: Mahoney, S. P. (1979). Breeding biology and implications for population biology . Dept. of behaviour of the common murre (Uria aalge Biology, Memorial University of Newfound- aalge (Pont.)) on Gull Island, Newfoundland . land. Dept. of Biology, Memorial University of Newfoundland. Sklepkovych, B. O. (1986). The predatory behaviour and impact of red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) on McLagan, R. L. (1981). Aspects of the social the seabird colonies of Baccalieu Island, New- behaviour of juvenile common murres (uria foundland. Dept. of Biology, Memorial Uni- aalge aalge (pont.)) on Gull Island, New- versity of Newfoundland. foundland. Dept. of Biology, Memorial Uni- versity of Newfoundland. Snow, D. A. (1981). Aggressive interactions between the black-legged Kittiwake (Rissa tri- Muzaffar, S. B. (2000). Ectoparasites of auks dactyla) and the common Murre (Uria aalge), (alcidae) at the Gannet Islands, Labrador: on Gull Island, Newfoundland. Dept. of Biol- diversity, ecology and host-parasite interac- ogy, Memorial University of Newfoundland. tions. Faculty of Science, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

62 Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 Chapter 4: IBA Species Information

4.10. Black-legged Kittiwake by Dave Fifield

Latin name Rissa tridactyla Local names: tickleace, tickle-ass, lady

The Black-legged Kittiwake is a small (dimen- sions), ocean-going gull of the Northern Hemi- sphere. It breeds in cliff-based colonies in numbers in the tens or even hundreds of thousands. They are loud and raucous at the colony, where their distinctive “kitt-i-wake” call (from which they get their name) can be heard almost constantly. material is gathered in flocks, often on rainy days. Distribution Eggs (1-3) are laid late May to late June and are incubated by both sexes for 3-4 weeks. Eggs lost Kittiwakes breed in the arctic and sub-arctic world- early in the season may be replaced although this is wide, and south into Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, uncommon. When the downy chicks hatch, they New Brunswick and the Gulf of St. Lawrence in are brooded by both parents alternately for a num- North America. During the winter they disperse ber of days. As they mature, they will be left unat- widely and in eastern North America are found off- tended for longer periods while their parents search shore from the ice edge south to Florida. The for food, particularly on warm days. At around six exposed cliffs of Northern Groais Island and The weeks of age, the young birds will take their first Sisters Rocks are ideal nesting habitat for this bird. flight, but they are not ready to leave home just yet. The most recent estimate of the numbers nesting They will return to their nest to roost for several there is from x in the 1970s who estimated as many more weeks (where they may continue to be fed by as 2400 pairs were present at that time. their parents) until they leave for good.

Breeding Biology On average only 65% of constructed nests will have eggs laid in them and only 60% of these will In Newfoundland kittiwakes return to the breeding likely hatch. These facts along with subsequent colony anywhere from early February to April, chick mortality combine to give an expected breed- depending upon ice conditions and spring tempera- ing success of approximately one check per nest in tures. They are generally monogamous, keeping a good year. In poor years, breeding success can be the same mate and returning to the same nest site almost nil. for many years. Older more experienced birds arrive earliest and generally secure the best nest Feeding Ecology sites. Young birds first breed at 3-5 years of age, showing a preference for returning to the colony at Unlike many species of gulls, kittiwakes do not which they were born. When nesting space is at a frequent garbage dumps or fast food restaurants, premium these new breeders may choose to start a preferring instead to forage by daylight for small new colony or join a small rapidly growing one. fish and invertebrates near the ocean surface. They Recent expansion to Cape Breton is believed to be often feed in association with other seabirds and in due to overflow of young birds from Newfound- Newfoundland their preferred foods are capelin land colonies. and sandlance. They capture their prey while swimming at the ocean surface or through shallow Nests, constructed by both sexes, are made from plunge dives that may reach depths of up to 1 m. mud and vegetation (grasses, mosses, ferns, etc.) Like many other gull species, kittiwakes are not and are placed on narrow cliff ledges. Nesting above stealing food from other birds.

Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 63 Chapter 4: IBA Species Information

Suggested Reading During chick rearing, parents store food in their crop. Upon the parents return to the nest, chicks are Baird, P. H. 1994. Black-legged Kittiwake (Rissa fed this regurgitated, semi-digested meal taken tridactyla). In The Birds of North America, directly from their parent’s throat. No. 92. (A. Poole and F. Gill, eds.). The Birds of North America, Inc., Philadelphia, PA. Habitat Requirements Maunder, J. E. and W. Threlfall. 1972. The breed- Kittiwakes nest on narrow ledges on offshore ing biology of the Black-legged Kittiwake in islands, sea stacks or inaccessible mainland cliffs Newfoundland. Auk 89:789-816. where they are protected from terrestrial predators. In the absence of these habitats they will also use Theses in the Collection of Memorial University man-made structures such as shipwrecks and aban- of Newfoundland Relevant to Black-legged Kit- doned buildings. Their breeding colonies must be tiwakes in Newfoundland and Labrador in relative close proximity to their food supply. They typically forage within a few kilometers of Bartlett, S. E. (1985). Cytogenetic studies in three the colony and limit their foraging to ≤ 50 km from species of larids and three species of alcids . the colony during chick rearing. Within this range, Dept. of Biology, Memorial University of they feed over the Continental Shelf at upwellings Newfoundland or oceanic fronts where prey is abundant. Casey, J. M. (1994). Reproductive success of During years of poor prey availability, total breed- black-legged kittiwakes, Rissa tridactyla, on ing failure due to chick starvation can result. This Funk Island, Baccalieu Island and at Cape St. occurred in some Newfoundland colonies in the Mary's, Newfoundland, 1991-1993 Dept. of early 1990s. In addition, the larger gull species Biology, Memorial University of Newfound- such as Herring and Great Black-backed Gulls feed land: 39, xv leaves. on many of the same prey items as kittiwakes. When these species become food-stressed, they Chatman, E. (1989). The influence of nesting den- will turn to kittiwake eggs, young or even adults as sity on the reproductive success of the Atlantic an alternate food source. This predation in combi- puffin Fratercula arctica (L.) and the black- nation with the effect of their other main predator, legged Kittiwake Rissa tridactyla (L.) on Gull the Common Raven, can have a significant effect Island, Witless Bay, Newfoundland in 1988. on breeding success. These facts make kittiwakes particularly sensitive to being disturbed from their Fitzpatrick, C. (1975). The ectoparasites of three nests since gulls and ravens will take immediate species of seabirds from Gull Island, Witless advantage of absent parents to consume eggs and Bay, Newfoundland. Dept. of Biology., young. This sensitivity to disturbance may be espe- Memorial University of Newfoundland: 25 ill. cially acute early in the breeding season when kittiwakes are less effective at mobbing and dissuading Jamieson, S. E. (2000). The influence of the potential predators. inshore arrival time of capelin (Mallotus villosus) on the productivity of Black-legged Kitti- During migration kittiwakes congregate along the wakes (Rissa tridactyla): a new look at the edges of sea ice whereas during the winter months, match/mismatch hypothesis. Dept. of Biology, they disperse over the open ocean and are seldom Memorial University of Newfoundland. seen from land. LeGrow, K. H. (1995). Distribution patterns of seabirds in Placentia Bay: changes after twenty years. Dept. of Biology, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

64 Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 Chapter 4: IBA Species Information

Gull Island, Newfoundland. Dept. of Biology, LeGrow, K. H. (1999). Distribution of marine birds Memorial University of Newfoundland. in relation to water masses and fronts in the Strait of Belle Isle, northwestern Atlantic Neuman, J. A. (1993). Aspects of the behaviour Ocean. Environmental Science Programme, and ecology of black-legged kittiwakes, Rissa Memorial University of Newfoundland. tridactyla, breeding at two sites in Newfound- land, 1990-1991. Biopsychology Programme, Maccarone, A. D. (1981). Some aspects of feeding Memorial University of Newfoundland. and foraging behaviour of three corvids in Newfoundland. Dept. of Psychology, Memo- Regehr, H. (1994). Breeding performance of black- rial University of Newfoundland: 113 leaves legged kittiwakes on Great Island, Newfound- ill., maps. land, during periods of reduced food availability. Dept. of Biology, Memorial University of MacCharles, A. (1986). Oil-related and natural Newfoundland. mortality of seabirds found on beaches in southeastern Newfoundland. Dept. of Biology, Sklepkovych, B. O. (1986). The predatory behav- Memorial University of Newfoundland. iour and impact of red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) on the seabird colonies of Baccalieu Island, Massaro, M. (2000). Investigation of causes and Newfoundland. Dept. of Biology, Memorial effects of predation by herring (Larus argenta- University of Newfoundland: 190 leaves ill. tus) and great black-backed gulls (L. marinus) on black-legged kittiwakes (Rissa tridactyla) Snow, D. A. (1981). Aggressive interactions on Gull Island, Newfoundland. Faculty of Sci- between the black-legged Kittiwake (Rissa tri- ence, Memorial University of Newfoundland. dactyla) and the common Murre (Uria aalge), on Gull Island, Newfoundland. Dept. of Biol- Maunder, J. E. (1971). The breeding biology of the ogy, Memorial University of Newfoundland: black-legged Kittiwake (Rissa tridactyla L.) on 59 leaves.

Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 65 Chapter 4: IBA Species Information

4.11. Leach's Storm-Petrel by Iain Stenhouse

Latin name: Oceanodroma leucorhoa Local names: Carey chick, Mother Carey's chicken, Pall Carey

The Leach's Storm-Petrel is a small seabird which spends most of its life at sea and far offshore. It breeds in dense colonies on remote coastal islands, in tens of thousands to millions of breeding pairs. They are particularly active at colonies on dark, foggy nights where their distinctive vocalizations create something of an eerie atmosphere.

Distribution

Leach's Storm-Petrel is the most widely distributed species of the petrel family in the Northern Hemi- sphere, breeding on small islands across the northern Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. It is the smallest and most abundant seabird to breed in the North- west Atlantic, where its breeding range is centred on the southern and eastern coasts of Newfound- average every two to three days until fledging. land. This area supports over half the world's Chicks fledge at night, approximately 60 to 70 breeding population, as well as the largest breeding days after hatching, around mid-September to late colony in the world. Outside the breeding season, October. At fledging, young are completely inde- they are migratory and disperse widely across the pendent of their parents. Storm-petrels do not show Atlantic Ocean, wintering south as far as the equa- strong philopatry, and genetic studies have shown tor, particularly in regions of upwellings or oceanic that there is considerable movement between colo- fronts. nies, with most young birds nesting in different colonies than where they were raised. Despite their Breeding biology vast numbers, they are rarely seen, even at their colonies. They are small and dark, and their activ- Leach's Storm-Petrels reach maturity in their fourth ity at colony islands is strictly nocturnal. At sea, or fifth year and are thought to form a life-long they remain low over the water and, as such, monogamous pair bond. A strong attachment to remain relatively inconspicuous. their nest-site probably brings the pair back together at the start of each breeding season. They Feeding ecology nest in burrows that they excavate, or in natural rock crevices. In Newfoundland, they return to Leach's Storm-Petrels are pelagic planktivores, their breeding colonies in May, but the precise tim- feeding on zooplankton and nekton at the sea sur- ing is dependent on environmental conditions and face over areas of deep water. They forage by pick- temperatures. Egg-laying occurs around mid-May ing up individual organisms while flying or to mid-June. Both adults share the incubation of hovering low over the surface of the water, and their single egg, in shifts of approximately three occasionally patter over the surface with their feet days. Hatching occurs around late-June to early- or sit on the water surface while feeding. Zoop- August. Four or five days after hatching, the chick lankton provides a lipid-rich food source which is left alone and each adult returns to feed it on storm-petrels concentrate into oil in their stomach

66 Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 Chapter 4: IBA Species Information and store in the foregut. In this process, the water Petrels breeding on Great Island, Witless Bay, was content is eliminated and the oil and suspended sol- estimated to be 270,000 pairs, with approximately ids retained. Breeding storm-petrels forage well 50,000 individuals killed by gulls in that season offshore, possibly more than 200 km from colo- alone. nies, and the oil can then be easily transported over long distances, as well as providing a high energy Like many other birds, Leach's Storm-Petrels are meal for chicks. Main prey items include amphi- attracted to the lights of boats and man-made struc- pods, euphausids, and myctophid fishes. tures, which appears to dazzle and disorient them. Around the world, their populations suffer mortal- Habitat requirements ity due to collision with lighthouses, buildings and oil platforms. The flares of oil platforms may be Leach's Storm-Petrels breed on small, remote particularly destructive, although the extent of this coastal islands. They nest in a variety of habitats, mortality is completely unknown. Like all seabirds, and in Atlantic colonies these range from open they are vulnerable to oiling, but less so than the grassy meadows to densely-canopied coniferous pursuit divers, such as auks. They are also vulnera- forest. Within these habitats, nest-site selection is ble to "wreck" events, where stormy weather dis- influenced by characteristics of soil, slope and veg- rupts foraging and strong onshore winds blow birds etation. In addition to these environmental features, inshore, leaving them weak and disoriented. In habitat selection appears to be influenced by the Newfoundland, this is common in the fall when presence and/or reproductive success of conspecif- young birds are leaving the breeding colonies. ics. On Great Island, Witless Bay, forest habitat was found to be considerably more productive, Suggested reading: with a higher burrow density, burrow occupancy rate and reproductive success, than open meadows. Huntington, C.E., Butler, R.G. & Mauk, R.A. Leach's Storm-Petrels do not colonize new breed- 1996. Leach's Storm-Petrel (Oceanodroma ing areas easily, and, once extirpated from an leucorhoa). In Poole, A. & Gill, F. (eds), The island, have difficulty re-establishing themselves, Birds of North America, No. 233, The Ameri- due to the importance of sociality in this species. can Ornithologists' Union, Washington D.C.

Predation risk is a particularly important aspect of Theses in the Collection of Memorial University habitat suitability for Leach's Storm-Petrels. Due to of Newfoundland Relevant to Leach’s Storm- their small size and lack of direct defences, they Petrels in Newfoundland and Labrador are easily preyed upon by larger birds at breeding colonies. Herring Gulls and Great Black-backed Abbott, M. (1998). The hippocampus of Leach's Gulls are the main predators at Atlantic colonies, storm petrel : does it have a role in nest burrow but mammals are efficient predators if they reach location. Dept. of Psychology, Memorial Uni- colony islands. Red Foxes on Baccalieu Island are versity of Newfoundland. known to cache breeding seabirds, including Leach's Storm-Petrels, to sustain themselves Bryant, S.L. 1993. Influences of Larus gulls and through the winter. Storm-petrels returning to their nocturnal environmental condition on Leach's breeding colonies are particularly vulnerable to Storm-Petrel activity patterns at the breeding predation by gulls, so much so that they avoid col- colony. Memorial University of Newfound- onies on bright moonlit nights. Gull predation on land, St. John's. 84 pp. seabirds increased in Newfoundland colonies through the 1990s, due to a variety of changes in Fitzpatrick, C. (1975). The ectoparasites of three the marine ecosystem. Gulls generally feed their species of seabirds from Gull Island, Witless chicks on capelin, and, in years where capelin Bay, Newfoundland. Dept. of Biology., arrival is late, predation on storm-petrels is pro- Memorial University of Newfoundland: 25 ill. longed. In 1997, the population of Leach's Storm-

Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 67 Chapter 4: IBA Species Information

Gosse, J. (1994). Food samples from Leach's hoa) at Pearl Island, Nova Scotia and Middle (Oceanodroma leucorhoa) and fork-tailed (o. Lawn Island, Newfoundland . furcata) storm-petrels at Buldir Island, Alaska and at Baccalieu Islands, Newfoundland. Dept. Paterson, I. (1997). Molecular genetic (RAPD) of Biology, Memorial University of New- analysis of Leach's storm petrels (Oceano- foundland. droma leucorhoa) from three breeding islands in Atlantic Canada Grimmer, B. L. (1980). Habitat selection of Leach's storm petrel (Oceanodroma leucor- Sklepkovych, B.O. 1986. The predatory behaviour hoa) in three Newfoundland colonies. Dept. of and impact of Red Foxes (Vulpes vulpes) on Psychology, Memorial University of New- the seabird colonies of Baccalieu Island, New- foundland. foundland. Memorial University of Newfound- land, St. John's. 190 pp. Johnson, S. D. (1978). Role of olfaction in burrow location by Leach's petrel, Oceanodroma leu- Spencer, C. J. (1979). Homing in Leach's storm corhoa . petrel Oceanodroma leucorhoa . Dept. of Psy- chology, Memorial University of Newfound- LeGrow, K. H. (1999). Distribution of marine birds land. in relation to water masses and fronts in the Strait of Belle Isle, northwestern Atlantic Stenhouse, I. J. (1998). Habitat utilization and Ocean . Environmental Science Programme, breeding success of Leach's storm-petrel, Memorial University of Newfoundland: 58 Oceanodroma leucorhoa. Biopsychology Pro- leaves ill., map. gramme, Memorial University of Newfound- land. Linton, A. (1978). The food and feeding habits of Leach's storm-petrel (Oceanodroma leucor-

68 Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 Chapter 4: IBA Species Information

4.12. Herring Gull by Bruce Mactavish

Latin Name: Larus argentatus Local Names: Bluie, Gluie

Herring Gull is the common gull of Newfoundland and most of Labrador. Ubiquitous in a wide range of habitats from cities, fishing communities to inland wilderness lakes. It is this species that forms the core of most gull flocks in Newfound- land and the southern half of Labrador during the non-winter months. The variable plumaged brown and white immature birds mix with the familiar black wing-tipped, gray and white adult. Feeding Ecology Distribution In natural conditions Herring Gulls feed on a vari- Breeds in Siberia, North America and Europe. In ety of aquatic and marine life as well as berries and North America it breeds in all Canadian provinces carrion. Freshwater fish may be caught in shallow and territories and south to the northern United water by plunge-diving with no more than the head States. In winter it is found along the Pacific coast and neck extending below the surface of the water. from Alaska to California, through the southern On the coast Herring Gulls search for marine United States, the Great Lakes, St. Lawrence worms, crabs, sea urchins, shellfish, starfish and River, Maritime Provinces and Newfoundland. various crustaceans at low tide. Sea urchins are Adults generally winter farther north than the sub- often dropped from the air on to a hard surface, adults. It breeds throughout Newfoundland and such as a beach or wharf, to crack open the hard Labrador in suitable habitat. In winter it is found shell and allow access to the soft body tissues on the coast of the southern half of insular New- inside. During capelin spawning season Herring foundland. Gulls swarm the beaches picking off unwary fish and those that are dying on the beach after spawn- Breeding Biology ing. In late summer many Herring Gulls eat berries, especially crowberry Empetrum nigrum and The Herring Gull reaches breeding maturity at four blueberries Vaccinium sp., that grow on barren years of age. They usually nest in colonies of rang- headlands and open fields on the Newfoundland ing from several to a few thousand pairs. Occa- and Labrador coast. sionally nesting as a solitary pair, especially where food is scarce, such as on inland lakes of Labrador. Herring Gulls has adapted and greatly benefiting Nests or colonies are usually on an isolated rock, from the urbanization of North America. This is islet or island in a lake or on the coast, or a coastal largely due to its apparent intelligence and the abil- cliff. Nests are typically a slight depression on the ity to eat just about any form of animal matter and ground lined with grass, seaweed and frequently processed foods. Herring Gulls usually form the bits of nylon rope or plastic garbage. In some areas majority of gull species at a fish plant and garbage Herring Gulls have learned to build nests in tops of dump. Large throats capable of swallowing bulky thick wind shaped trees. Lays 2-3 eggs; brownish objects whole and the ability to requirgitate pellets with irregular spots and blotches. Incubation 25- of non-digestible items outfits the Herring Gull 28 days; mainly by the female. Males can some- with the attributes necessary to make them success- times be told from females when standing together ful garbage dump scavengers. In recent years Her- by larger size. ring Gulls have learned to intercept garbage bags

Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 69 Chapter 4: IBA Species Information before they get to the dumps by ripping them open beach. Potential predators include foxes, dogs and on the side of the street in residential areas. The people. species was quick to discover strip malls and fast food restaurants where occasional French fries and Suggested Reading other discarded food items were to be found in the parking lots and uncovered dumpsters. They also Bent, A.C. 1963. Life Histories of North American visit farm fields to search for invertebrates espe- Gulls and Terns. United States National cially after a rain or being plowed. Museum Bulletin 113

Godfrey, W.E. 1986. The Birds of Canada. Revised edition. National Museum of Natural Sciences (Canada).

Theses in the Collection of Memorial University of Newfoundland Relevant to Herring Gulls in Newfoundland and Labrador

Bartlett, S. E. (1985). Cytogenetic studies in three species of larids and three species of alcids. Dept. of Biology, Memorial University of Newfoundland. Habitat Requirements Fitzpatrick, C. (1975). The ectoparasites of three The highly adaptable Herring Gull utilizes a species of seabirds from Gull Island, Witless diverse range of habitats. It is amazing to think Bay, Newfoundland. Dept. of Biology., that the bird which can scrape up a living of trout, Memorial University of Newfoundland. occasional carrion and berries in the Labrador wilderness is the same species that thrives on raiding LeGrow, K. H. (1995). Distribution patterns of sea- plastic garbage bags in urban settings. In the sum- birds in Placentia Bay : changes after twenty mer Herring Gulls are found on all large inland years. Dept. of Biology, Memorial University water bodies in Newfoundland and Labrador. of Newfoundland. They patrol shorelines for food items. It is more abundant on the seacoast where it uses beaches, LeGrow, K. H. (1999). Distribution of marine birds tidal flats, estuaries, rocky coasts and islands for in relation to water masses and fronts in the feeding. Not usually straying much beyond sight Strait of Belle Isle, northwestern Atlantic of land. Attracted to human settlement, particu- Ocean. Environmental Science Programme, larly garbage dumps, fish plants, farm fields, fast Memorial University of Newfoundland. food restaurants, sewage outflows and city ponds where bread the public feed bread to feral water- MacCharles, A. (1986). Oil-related and natural fowl. In winter Herring Gulls in Newfoundland mortality of seabirds found on beaches in are more dependant on human wastes at garbage southeastern Newfoundland. Dept. of Biology, dumps, fish plants and sewage outfalls than natural Memorial University of Newfoundland. food sources. Massaro, M. (2000). Investigation of causes and Herring Gulls spend the night in large or small effects of predation by herring (Larus argenta- groups at sites offering protection from, or easy tus) and great black-backed gulls (L. marinus) detection, of predators. Roost sites can be an on black-legged kittiwakes (Rissa tridactyla) island, the middle of a large lake, a cliff or an open on Gull Island, Newfoundland. Faculty of Sci-

70 Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 Chapter 4: IBA Species Information

ence, Memorial University of Newfoundland: Sklepkovych, B. O. (1986). The predatory behav- xvi, 123 leaves ill., maps (some col.). iour and impact of red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) on the seabird colonies of Baccalieu Island, New- Pierotti, R. J. (1979). The reproductive behaviour foundland. Dept. of Biology, Memorial Uni- and ecology of the herring gull in Newfound- versity of Newfoundland. land [microform] .

Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 71 Chapter 4: IBA Species Information

4.13. Red-necked Grebe between leaving their breeding site and arriving at the wintering grounds the birds undergo a flightless Latin name: Podiceps grisegena moult. French: Grèbe jougris Local Newfoundland names (from Montevecchi & Breeding Biology Tuck 1987): Spraw-Foot, Key-foot, Fingernail Bird, Piker, Spirit Bird, Winker Red-necked Grebes do their courting on the wintering grounds and many arrive at the breeding sites Known as a very vocal bird on the breeding already paired. Couples take only a day or so to grounds, wintering Grebes are fairly quiet. In build a floating, anchored nest together. In the fol- flight mainly only while migrating, the Red-necked lowing two weeks, four to five eggs are typically Grebes wintering in the northwest Atlantic are laid but the number can vary from one to nine. If coastal feeders. Strong swimmers and divers, they nests are lost the pair can relay replacement are usually seen feeding alone but also sometimes clutches up to five more times. Both parents share in association with groups of Scoters. Next to noth- the nearly continuous incubation duties. The first ing is known about the wintering lives of this spe- chicks hatch after 22 - 35 days and the parents care cies although wintering sites are suspected as the for their young for 6 - 8 weeks. Young grebes can main source of contamination sufferred by Red- fly at 7 - 9 weeks of age and fledge their lakes necked Grebes. Population trends are poorly when 9 - 10 weeks old. understood. Red-necked Grebes may breed in their first year Distribution but probably most wait until they are two. Nesting success is variable and from the one brood raised Wintering off both North Atlantic and Pacific per year the mean number of survivors measured at coastlines and to a lesser degree in the Great Lakes, different lakes ranges from 0.4 to 1.8 young per the Red-necked Grebe has a northerly circumpolar brood. distribution. It breeds on fresh inland waters, for the most part migrating out to marine waters for Not enough data from banding studies exists to winter. allow estimation of Red-necked Grebe life spans but it is known that they can live to atleast six years In Canada, Red-necked Grebes breed from south- of age. western Quebec westward and northward to near the treeline in the Yukon and Northwest Territo- Feeding Ecology ries. Birds wintering in the western North Atlantic are found from Newfoundland south to North Red-necked Grebes are known to eat a variety of Carolina, with most of them from Nova Scotia to fish, crustaceans and aquatic insects. They catch Long Island, New York. most of their prey by diving but also catch insects from the air. They swallow prey whole, making Red-necked Grebes migrate more from east to west sure to eat fish head first. and back again, than from north to south. In March and April Red-necked Grebes gather for spring While these birds mainly feed alone, wintering migration and large flocks can be seen along the Grebes often mix in with foraging Scoters. north Atlantic coast. The birds occupy freshwater breeding sites shortly before the end of spring Habitat Requirements breakup. These same sites are mostly vacant of Grebes again by mid September with some adults The main cause of nest and egg losses is wave leaving as early as late July. Those heading for the action from storms. Protection from physical dis- Atlantic can arrive as early as late August but more ruption or flooding is therefore key in defining often in October and November. Somewhere nesting habitat. While high breeding site fidelity

72 Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 Chapter 4: IBA Species Information has been measured in one marked breeding popula- grebes extremely vulnerable to local marine oil tion there is no such data on which to determine pollution. Their diving habits also make them vul- fidelity to wintering sites. nerable to being drowned in gill nets.

As a fish eater Grebes are high on the aquatic food Suggested reading web and consequently exposed to pollutants that (and main source for this brief biography) are concentrating up the web. Exposure to pollution is thought to occur mainly on wintering Stout, B.E., and G.L. Nuechterlein. 1999. Red- grounds. One study found the highest concentra- necked Grebe (Podiceps grisegena). In the tions of organochlorine residues in the eggs of Birds of North America, No. 465 (A. Poole and birds believed to winter on the Atlantic coast. F. Gill, eds.). The Birds of North America, Inc., Philadelphia, PA. These birds seldom fly and spend most of their time sitting on the water or diving. This makes

Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 73 Chapter 4: IBA Species Information

74 Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 Chapter 5: Other Elements of Interest

5. Other Elements of Interest Newfoundland. These species are no less important than the so called IBA species whose numbers 5.1. Other Birds met the criteria required to trigger IBA site designation (see Table 3-1 on page 13 for a list of these The following tables summarize some of the avail- other species responsible for triggering IBA site able information on other seabirds present at the status) designated marine bird IBA sites in this part of

Witless Bay Islands

Gull Island

Table 5-1: Other Seabird Species Breeding on Gull Island

Species Season Number of Pairs Source1

Black Guillemot 1979 20 CWS-SCD Great Black-backed Gull 1942 12 CWS-SCD “ 1943 6 CWS-SCD “ 1969 36 Robertson et al., 2001 “ 1970 40 Robertson et al., 2001 “ 1979 118 Robertson et al., 2001 “ 1999 115 Robertson et al., 2001 “ 2000 88 Robertson et al., 2001 Razorbill 1959 10 CWS-SCD “ 1969 39 CWS-SCD “ 1970 46 CWS-SCD “ 1971 37 CWS-SCD “ 1973 30 CWS-SCD “ 1979 50 CWS-SCD “ 1983 60 CWS-SCD “ 1999 172 Robertson, 2001 “ 2000 261 Robertson, 2001 “ 2001 213 Robertson, 2001

1. CWS-SCD = Canadian Wildlife Service - Seabird Colony Database

Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 75 Chapter 5: Other Elements of Interest

Green Island

Table 5-2: Other Seabirds Breeding at Green Island, Witless Bay Islands

Species Season Number of Pairs Source1

Great Black-backed Gull 1979 50 CWS-SCD Razorbill 1942 100 CWS-SCD “ 1973 170 CWS-SCD “ 1979 170 Chapdelaine et al., 2001 Thick-billed Murre 1973 600 CWS-SCD

1. CWS-SCD = Canadian Wildlife Service - Seabird Colony Database

Great Island

Table 5-3: Other Seabirds Breeding at Great Island, Witless Bay Islands

Species Season Number of Pairs Source1

Great Black-backed Gull 1968 40 Robertson et al., 2001 “ 1976 40 Robertson et al., 2001 “ 1979 80 Robertson et al., 2001 “ 2000 28 Robertson et al., 2001 Razorbill 1973 120 CWS-SCD “ 1979 100 Chapdelaine et al., 2001 Northern Fulmar 1973 6 CWS-SCD “ 1979 24 CWS-SCD “ 1983 17 CWS-SCD

1. CWS-SCD = Canadian Wildlife Service - Seabird Colony Database

Pee Pee Island

Table 5-4: Other Seabirds Breeding at Pee Pee Island, Witless Bay Islands

Species Season Number of Pairs Source1

Great Black-backed Gull 1984 3 Robertson et al., 2001

76 Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 Chapter 5: Other Elements of Interest

Table 5-4: Other Seabirds Breeding at Pee Pee Island, Witless Bay Islands

Species Season Number of Pairs Source1

“ 2000 7 Robertson et al., 2001

1. CWS-SCD = Canadian Wildlife Service - Seabird Colony Database

Cape St. Mary's

Table 5-5: Other Seabirds Breeding at Cape St. Mary's

Species Season Number of Pairs Source1

Razorbill 1979 100 Chapdelaine et al., 2001 Thick-billed Murre 1959 285 CWS-SCD “ 1979 1,000 CWS-SCD

1. CWS-SCD = Canadian Wildlife Service - Seabird Colony Database

Corbin Island

Table 5-6: Other Seabirds Breeding on Corbin Island

Species Season Number of Pairs Source1

Great Black-backed Gull 1974 25 CWS-SCD Black-legged Kittiwake 1974 50 CWS-SCD

1. CWS-SCD = Canadian Wildlife Service - Seabird Colony Database

Middle Lawn Island

Table 5-7: Other Seabirds Breeding on Middle Lawn Island

Species Season Number of Pairs Source1

Black Guillemot 1977 5 CWS-SCD “ 1981 8 CWS-SCD Great Black-backed Gull 1974 26 CWS-SCD “ 1975 26 CWS-SCD “ 1976 26 CWS-SCD “ 1977 26 CWS-SCD

Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 77 Chapter 5: Other Elements of Interest

Table 5-7: Other Seabirds Breeding on Middle Lawn Island

Species Season Number of Pairs Source1

“ 1981 2 CWS-SCD “ 1989 6 CWS-SCD Herring Gull 1989 20 CWS-SCD

1. CWS-SCD = Canadian Wildlife Service - Seabird Colony Database

Green Island

Table 5-8: Other Seabirds Breeding on Green Island

Species Season Number of Pairs Source1

Herring Gull 1978 25 CWS-SCD “ 1988 1 CWS-SCD

1. Canadian Wildlife Service - Seabird Colony Database

Grand Colombier Island

Table 5-9: Other Seabirds Breeding on Grand Colombier Island

Species Season Number of Pairs Source1

Atlantic Puffin 1984 1,000 CWS-SCD “ 1987 400 CWS-SCD Black-legged Kittiwake 1987 15 CWS-SCD “ 1989 200 CWS-SCD Great Black-backed gull 1983 12 CWS-SCD “ 1984 8 CWS-SCD “ 1985 5 CWS-SCD “ 1986 15 CWS-SCD “ 1987 5 CWS-SCD Great Cormorant 1983 30 CWS-SCD “ 1984 22 CWS-SCD “ 1985 15 CWS-SCD

78 Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 Chapter 5: Other Elements of Interest

Table 5-9: Other Seabirds Breeding on Grand Colombier Island

Species Season Number of Pairs Source1

“ 1986 22 CWS-SCD “ 1987 22 CWS-SCD “ 1989 22 CWS-SCD “ 2001 about 30 Etcheberry, 2001 Herring Gull 1983 58 CWS-SCD “ 1984 109 CWS-SCD “ 1985 127 CWS-SCD “ 1986 84 CWS-SCD “ 1987 113 CWS-SCD Razorbill 2000 125 Chapdelaine et al., 2001 Northern Fulmar 2001 prospecting Etcheberry, 2001

1. CWS-SCD = Canadian Wildlife Service - Seabird Colony Database

Miquelon Island

Table 5-10: Other Seabirds Breeding on the Miquelon Isthmus

Species Season Number of Pairs Source1

Arctic Tern 1983 25 CWS-SCD “ 1984 60 CWS-SCD “ 1985 60 CWS-SCD Common Tern 1983 30 CWS-SCD “ 1984 30 CWS-SCD “ 1985 60 CWS-SCD Tern spp. 1986 304 CWS-SCD “ 1989 279 CWS-SCD Greater Black-backed Gull 1983 2 CWS-SCD “ 1984 24 CWS-SCD “ 1985 15 CWS-SCD

Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 79 Chapter 5: Other Elements of Interest

Table 5-10: Other Seabirds Breeding on the Miquelon Isthmus

Species Season Number of Pairs Source1

“ 1986 39 CWS-SCD “ 1987 10 CWS-SCD Herring Gull 1983 34 CWS-SCD “ 1984 71 CWS-SCD “ 1985 131 CWS-SCD “ 1986 89 CWS-SCD “ 1987 65 CWS-SCD Ring-billed Gull 1983 596 CWS-SCD “ 1984 821 CWS-SCD “ 1985 693 CWS-SCD “ 1986 623 CWS-SCD “ 1987 793 CWS-SCD “ 1989 1155 CWS-SCD

1. CWS-SCD = Canadian Wildlife Service - Seabird Colony Database

Table 5-11: Other Seabirds Breeding on Miquelon Cape

Species Season Number of Pairs Source

Black-legged Kittiwake 1987 2,415+ Cairns et al., 1989 Herring Gull “ 265 Cairns et al., 1989 Greater Black-backed Gull “ 7 Cairns et al., 1989 Black Guillemot “ present Cairns et al., 1989 Razorbill 2000 4 Chapdelaine et al., 2001

80 Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 Chapter 5: Other Elements of Interest

5.2. Historical Significance 5.3. Bird Aggregations and Local Nutrient Cycles The following extracts are taken verbatim from Newfoundland Birds: Exploitation, study, conser- Islands where marine birds nest in large numbers vation by William Montevecchi and Leslie Tuck, concentrate the birds’ bodily wastes. Guano is rich 1987. in nutrients. In Newfoundland and Labrador, the breeding seasons for marine birds overlap with rain Witless Bay Islands and fog which washes the guano into the sea. Gull, Great, and Green Islands comprise the Large bird colonies are perennial suppliers of nutri- Witless Bay Provincial Seabird Sanctuary that lies ents to the local marine environment. just south of Bay Bulls and north of Calvert (formerly Caplin Bay, an English place name that Bob Hooper of Memorial University has dove superceded the Portuguese R. das patas, i.e., goose beneath the waters around several large seabird or auk river; Seary, 1971). According to Seary colonies in Newfoundland. In the mid 1980s he (1971), Younge in 1664 was the first to use the compared the abundance of underwater life around name Witless Bay, which may have been derived the perimeters of a large seabird colony with com- from the Newfoundland surname Whittle. It may parable zones without nesting birds. He asked have also stemmed from the West Country English whether the nitrogen and phosphorus from seabird word “whittles” used to refer to locally predomi- guano was fertilizing the near shore underwater nant shrubs, or as a metaphor about the “witless” environment. or crazy seas in the bay. Seary (1971) suggests that Great Island corre- What Hooper found under the water next to seabird sponded to the island the Portuguese called Y. de colonies was a jungle (Hooper pers. comm.). Bio- los patas (Santa Cruz, 1545, in Seary 1971) and logical activity by kelp in this zone was elevated, that formerly was referred to as Goose Island. In taking up all the nutrients washing off the island so 1671 John Seller produced “ Chart of the Coast of that only a short distance away from the island high America from New found land to Cape Cod,” levels of nutrients were no longer apparent. Sea- which depicted Gull, Goose, and Great(?) Islands weeds around the breeding island were growing at near Bay Bulls (Seary, 1971). Captain James Cook twice the rate of those at comparable sites without referred to Great Island on a chart in 1762. birds. In addition to more kelp, there were an order of magnitude more primary grazers like amphipods Cape St. Mary’s and snails than at comparable sites without birds. ...In 1529 Ribeiro, a Portuguese cartographer, In association with the increased kelp and grazing depicted on a map of Newfoundland C. de St. Iago life were juvenile and adult fish feeding on the (Cape St. James) in the location of Cape St. amphipods and snails and increased densities of Mary’s. This placename was superseded shortly sea urchins. Run-off from the large seabird colo- thereafter by the Portuguese Cabo de Sancta nies that Hooper visited creates oases of underwa- Maria and the French Cap de Saincte Maria ter life around the colonies. (Oviedo, 1536 and Alphonse, 1544, in Seary, 1971). Little is known about the early history of Marine birds cycle and redistribute nutrients. the cape’s seabirds, though there is considerable Their influence on marine nutrient and energy documentation from the latter part of the 19th cen- cycles is poorly understood. However, conserving tury. sites where birds aggregate may affect other marine life indirectly and benefit fish populations and fisheries by contributing to fish survival and recruitment.

Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 81 Chapter 5: Other Elements of Interest

82 Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 Chapter 6: Land Ownership and Use

6. Land Ownership and Use Reserve. The province owns and operates an Inter- pretation Centre at Cape St. Marys. All three of This coast is subject to a great deal of year-round these sites have been the subject of a diverse array shipping activity that passes very near by. In addi- of ornithological research efforts over the years tion, commercial fishing vessels transit and operate conducted primarily by researchers at Memorial in much of the coastal area adjacent to the IBAs University, the Canadian Wildlife Service and the covered here. provincial Department of Tourism.

There is considerable offshore oil activity directly The Canadian Coast Gaurd owns and operates two off this coast (see Chapter 7. for further detail). In manned light stations on Green Island and Cape St. addition Placentia Bay is the site of an oil refinery Marys. at Come By Chance and a transshipment facility at Whiffen Head. As a consequence most of the IBA Two of the IBA sites described here are within the sites in this part of Newfoundland are exposed to French territory of Saint Pierre and Miquelon. oil tanker traffic nearby. Bay Bulls, just north of They are included here because of their proximity the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve is being devel- and relevance to the nearby Canadian IBA sites oped as an offshore supply port. As the develop- and because due to their logistical remoteness from ment of this port proceeds the frequency of local France, they may perhaps be more efficiently industrial shipping activity in the vicinity of the included with the Canadian IBA Program than the Witless Bay Bird Islands will increase. The nature mainland France equivalent. of this shipping remains to be determined but will likely include hazardous materials. The principal land use activities in the area of relevance to marine birds are scientific research, com- The Witless Bay Islands and Cape St. Mary’s both mercial shipping and local vessel traffic, fishing, have the Provincial designation of Ecological hunting and an active and growing interest in Reserve. There are research cabins on Gull Island marine based eco-tourism. and Great Island in the Witless Bay Ecological

Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 83 Chapter 6: Land Ownership and Use

Figure 6-1: Map reproduced from The Gazetteer of Marine Birds in Atlantic Canada (Lock et al., 1994) showing shipping routes of the Northwest Atlantic

84 Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 Chapter 7: Conservation Concerns

7. Conservation Concerns tage of the unguarded nest to consume the exposed contents. Some disturbed birds, particularly those 7.1. Vulnerability of Wintering Seaducks who are disturbed frequently, abandon their nests.

Wintering seaducks spend time relatively close to In addition it must be remembered that true sea- shore feeding and resting. Sitting on the water birds only come to land during the breeding season makes them very vulnerable to marine oil pollu- and seabird breeding colonies are an important site tion. Feeding near shore makes them very vulnera- for social interactions in the birds year. Disturbing ble to disturbance. these social behaviors can affect pair formation, parental attendance and have a variety of indirect Wintering sites ideally provide seaducks with ade- effects on breeding success that may not be imme- quate feeding opportunities, protection from preda- diately obvious or easily measured (Hearne 1999). tion and disturbance. Open waters adjacent to offshore islands or coastlines with the proper con- 7.3. Harvesting ditions are ideal for this purpose. These habitats are not found everywhere and so the chosen win- Management Regime tering sites may host many birds at once. Not only are the individuals vulnerable, but by aggregating, The Canadian Wildlife Service (CWS) of Environ- significant portions of the population may be vul- ment Canada has responsibility for the manage- nerable together. ment of migratory birds. Harvesting mortality of marine birds is regulated with reference to the It is critical for seaduck conservation that wintering Migratory Birds Convention Act. seaducks be protected from excessive disturbance and oil pollution. In addition, their food source The CWS equivalent of the Canadian Department must be protected from contamination. of Fisheries and Oceans’ (DFO’s) Stock Status Reports is the CWS Migratory Birds Regulatory The Migratory Bird Act makes it illegal to harass Report published in the fall. This annual Report any migratory bird. Deliberately disturbing win- contains population and other biological informa- tering birds is already against the law. Most people tion which is used as the scientific basis for man- however, do not intend to harass birds. Distur- agement decisions. The regulatory report is bance usually happens by accident, through igno- followed in December by another annual report, rance of the consequences for the birds. An “Proposals to Amend the Canadian Migratory exception of note is illegal hunting activity. Birds Regulations” and both documents are publicly distributed to provide opportunity for public 7.2. Vulnerability of Breeding Birds input on changes to the hunting regulations. In July of the same year, a third report called “Migra- Cliff Nesting Seabirds tory Game Bird Hunting Regulations in Canada” is issued. Hunting regulations for the upcoming sea- Many marine birds congregate to breed in large son are contained in the annual July report (CWS, numbers on coastal islands or cliff faces. Colonial 2001a). nesters are vulnerable as a consequence of their social breeding habits. Many bodies in one place On the island of Newfoundland the open season for at a given time means an increased vulnerability to hunting seaducks (Oldsquaw, eiders, and scoters) localized events such as oil spills. in all coastal zones is from the fourth Saturday of November to the last day of February with a daily Cliff nesting birds are also vulnerable to distur- bag limit of six birds. After the first Monday in bance. When birds are flushed from their nests February not more than three of the six birds may they may knock eggs into the water or predators be eiders It is not legal to have more than 12 like gulls and ravens may swoop in and take advan- seaducks in possession at one time and after the first Monday in February not more than six may be

Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 85 Chapter 7: Conservation Concerns eiders. It is illegal to hunt Harlequin Ducks at any tain cases, species-specific surveys (CWS 2001b). time. Adult birds are worth more in terms of reproductive potential and proven ability to survive than Migratory game bird harvest levels are estimated young birds so it is of interest to know what age through national harvest surveys and only in cer- class of birds are harvested by hunting.

Figure 7-1: Map showing Migratory Bird hunting zones adapted from Migratory Birds Hunting Regulations, 2001 (http://www.cws-scf.ec.gc.ca/pub/summ/nfld.pdf). “Coastal” refers to that portion of the coast lying within 100 metres of the mean ordinary high water mark, including the coastal portions of offshore islands and the adjacent marine coastal waters.

Eiders and turrs (Common and Thick-billed population health, much more so than the survival Murres) are the most commonly hunted marine of eggs or chicks. Waterfowl management is shift- birds. These birds have life history strategies that ing towards a new realization that seaducks can not make them vulnerable to relatively small increases tolerate the same levels of harvesting as other in the amount of adults dying each year. The popu- waterfowl and several seaduck populations are in lation depends on adults living a long time in order decline, possibly due to managed over-harvesting to reproduce themselves, as the birds do not mate (Goudie et al. 1994, Gilchrist et al 2001). until they’re several years old and then either have very few young each year or successfully rear very The Turr Hunt few young each year. Low productivity and inher- ent variability in annual reproductive success is The following is reproduced verbatim from the countered by the fact that birds that survive to Migratory Game Bird Hunting Regulations in Can- adulthood, live long lives. If the population loses ada (Canadian Wildlife Service Waterfowl Com- too many of it’s older experienced breeders, the mittee, 2001a) reproductive potential of the remaining breeders is less than their numbers would indicate as older The Migratory Birds Convention was signed by birds are more successful in raising chicks. Great Britain (on behalf of Canada) and the United States of America in 1916. The purpose in These life history traits of marine birds make adult concluding the Convention was to prohibit in the mortality rates the most important influence on two countries the indiscriminate taking of birds,

86 Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 Chapter 7: Conservation Concerns their nests and eggs. Particular problems that were mercial and sport hunts, as well as the taking of curbed by this agreement were large scale com- birds for the millinery trade.

Figure 7-2: Turr Hunting districts adapted from Proposal to Amend the Canadian Migratory Birds Regula- tions: CWS December 2001

The Convention protected most bird species, con- Administrative Order under the Migratory Bird trolled the harvest of others, and prohibited the Convention Act. commercial sale of all species. The Convention created three categories of migratory birds: game In order to address the gap in the Convention with birds (such as ducks, geese, cranes), insectivorous respect to the murre hunt, as well as to resolve birds (perching birds such as robins, sparrows, other issues, Canada negotiated amendments to wrens, and woodpeckers), and non-game birds the Migratory Birds Convention, known as the (such as loons and seabirds, including murres). Parksville Protocol, in 1995. Under the terms of The Convention also established a closed season, the Protocol, the harvest of murres by residents of with limited exceptions, on the hunting of migra- Newfoundland and Labrador is authorized and will tory game birds from March 10 to September 1 be controlled at sustainable levels in much the throughout Canada and the United States. same manner as waterfowl harvesting is currently regulated. However, there are some differences. The hunting of murres is a long established tradition in Newfoundland and Labrador, where the Under the new regulations, which came into effect birds have been taken for subsistence purposes for for the 2000-2001 hunting season, murres may be hundreds of years. However, because murres are hunted from a boat under power. At the current considered non-game species under the Migratory time, there is no plan to require the use of non- Birds Convention, the murre hunt became incon- toxic shot for murre hunting. If there are demon- sistent with the Convention when Newfoundland strated valid concerns about public health or the joined Confederation in 1949. Beginning in 1993, effects of secondary ingestion, the mandatory non- murre hunt seasons and bag limits were estab- toxic shot requirement would be considered in lished for conservation purposes through a special future.

Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 87 Chapter 7: Conservation Concerns

(Excerpt from CWS, 2001b) Finally, CWS reviewed the need to require all murre hunters to purchase a Migratory Game Bird 7.4. Fishery Interactions Hunting Permit. Without the Permit there is no direct way of knowing how many people hunt Incidental Catch of Seabirds by Fisheries murres or how many birds are taken, elements that are important to any game management program Few fisheries catch only what they want. Many to provide assurance against over-harvest and to non-targeted species are captured accidentally. ensure the continuation of the hunt into the future. While seabirds are common victims of bycatch in Recognizing the importance of harvest data gath- some fisheries (e.g. Piatt and Nettleship 1987), ered from permit holders, CWS introduced a there has been almost no study in Newfoundland requirement for murre hunters to purchase a and Labrador of the extent and preventability of Migratory Game Bird Hunting Permit beginning in this source of marine bird mortality. either the 2001 hunting season. The total cost of the Permit is $17.00, which includes the mandatory An estimated 30,000 seabirds were drowned in Canadian Wildlife Habitat Conservation Stamp inshore gillnets on the southeast coast of insular ($8.50). As this is the same Permit that is presently Newfoundland over a four year period in the early required to hunt ducks, geese and snipe, a large 1980s. 89% were Common Murres, 6% Atlantic percentage of murre hunters would not be affected. Puffins and 3% Greater Shearwaters (Piatt et al. Wildlife Habitat Canada has agreed that addi- 1984, Piatt and Nettleship, 1987). 97% of the birds tional funds derived from the sale of the Stamp to were caught in either cod or salmon gillnets with murre hunters will be earmarked for management very few in cod traps or flounder gillnets. Most of and applied research activities related to murre the diving auks (murres and puffins) were caught conservation. within 40km of seabird breeding colonies.

If you have any comments, please contact the Anecdotal information suggests that Common Canadian Wildlife Service, 6 Bruce St., Mount Eiders are caught in the inshore lumpfish fishery Pearl, NF A1N 4T3 (709-772-5585 or 709-535- and Razorbills have been killed in the inshore 0601; E-mail: [email protected]). salmon fishery off the coast of Labrador near the Gannet Islands (Chardine, 1998). During the Hunting Behavior 1980s, the annual mortality due to fishery bycatch alone was estimated by Piatt and Nettleship (1987) Hunting itself, while fatal to individual birds, if as 9.3% for Funk Island Northern Gannets, 12.4% done respectfully on the proper scale is not a threat for Newfoundland Razorbills, 5.7% for Witless to bird populations. On the contrary, subsistence Bay Common Murres, and 16.3% for Cape St. hunting has the potential to create and maintain an Mary’s Common Murres. For seabird populations ecological perspective and provide people with which count on very low levels of adult mortality rewarding relationships with the rest of nature. these levels are extremely high and if maintained Excessive or incompetent harvesting however can would lead in some cases to population declines. pose a serious threat to bird populations and is often the cause of population declines. Since the collapse of Northern Cod and various levels of moratoria on cod and salmon fishing, Embedded shot studies and band recoveries of much of the traditional gillnet fishing around sea- American Common Eiders in Newfoundland and bird breeding colonies has been on hold. Before Labrador support the contention that these popula- the 1992 cod moratorium, DFO and CWS began to tions are heavily hunted. Fifty-four percent and launch a co-operative program with fishermen to 39% of breeding females examined at colonies in reduce seabird bycatch in cod gillnets through gear Labrador and Newfoundland, respectively, had experimentation (Chardine, 1998 and http:// embedded shot (P. Hicklin and W.A. Barrow 1997, www.grida.no/caff/tr1_itr1.htm#canada). While unpub.) the moratorium on cod fishing put this program on

88 Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 Chapter 7: Conservation Concerns hold, the lull in seabird bycatch near breeding colo- dation exerted by other fish should signal the nies is an excellent time to develop communica- naiveté of proposals to save fish by culling seals. tions between the relevant parties. There are no such proposals to cull fish to save fish. This linear misinterpretation of marine trophic The incidental death of seabirds in fishing gear is a dynamics has captured the publics’ imagination world wide problem. While this issue has not been and given the right circumstances, the argument talked about either very much or very openly in could be extended to seabirds. In some places it this province, it has been a high profile issue else- already has (e.g. cormorants). where. Much can be learned from the experience of other jurisdictions. The Australian Fisheries Marine conservation is mainly a question of man- Management Authority (AFMA) convened a task- aging our own behavior. We are unlikely to suc- force resulting in the launch in June 2000 of a cessfully engineer the marine ecosystem for our Commonwealth Policy on Fisheries Bycatch and benefit by controlling population levels of other recently added relevant material on seabirds to species. Fostering ecological wisdom on such their web site (http://www.afma.gov.au). politically hot topics as culling seals to save cod is an ecological literacy challenge. How we deal Perception of Top Predators as Our Competi- with this challenge has implications for seabirds tors for Prey Species and marine ecology in general.

Human fisheries overlap with other top predators Indirect Effects of Fishing Through Habitat in our interest in marine prey. This has lead to a Destruction widely held public perception that fish not eaten by other predators would increase the potential catch Some fishing practices alter physical habitat. Bot- by humans. In Newfoundland and Labrador this tom trawling and scallop dredging for example, perception has generated formal proposals and a disturb the benthic environment, flatten the struc- heated public lobby for a cull of harp seals. The tural complexity of habitat such as deep-sea corals assumption is that reducing the population of seals and can destroy kelp beds. The fishing methods of would increase the rate of recovery of northern cod sixty-five footers dragging for scallops includes the and mean more fish for human fisheries. The fish use of rakes modified by rows of steel teeth and not eaten by the seals we kill will be caught by the weights designed to push the teeth into the benthos. fishery. This method is summed up by one marine scientist with the phrase “If I wanted to destroy the ecology This model assumes that there are no other fates for of the Grand Banks I couldn’t think of a better those fish saved from seal predation than to be way.” (Hooper pers. comm.). caught by people and that there are no relevant indirect effects from reducing seal predation on the Seabirds are only the most obvious (to us) group of rest of the food web. In a complex food web such organisms in a complex marine food web. As top as that of the Northwest Atlantic, there is no way to predators in the system they are an indirect mea- reliably predict the outcome on cod numbers of sure of the health of the marine community. With- reducing the number of seals and the opposite of out an adequate supply of good quality habitat for the desired effect is quite possible (Yodzis, 2001). juvenile fish to develop in, there are less of every- thing else that depends on eating fish and the pro- The false logic and purely competitive perspective ductivity of the whole system, is undermined. In behind proposals to cull seals to save fish could be this way, seabird conservation is very directly con- extended to marine birds. If one categorizes fish nected to the conservation of benthic habitat. eaten by predators as “fish loss” one sees that, for example, in the North Sea, birds account for Fishing methods have not been subjected to envi- greater “losses” than mammals. Other fish, how- ronmental assessment and there are rancorous ever, account for far more “fish loss” than either debates among gear sectors and others over the birds or mammals (Yodzis, 2001). The level of pre- ecological effects of one gear type or practice com-

Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 89 Chapter 7: Conservation Concerns

Figure 7-3: Map showing NAFO Fishing Area boundaries and other fishing information by species, adapted from DFO website (http://www.nfl.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fm/maps/fishingareas.htm) 90 Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 Chapter 7: Conservation Concerns pared with another. These debates are entering the court system. In 2001, the Ecology Action Centre (EAC) based in Halifax, Nova Scotia began taking the Department of Fisheries and Oceans to court. They argue that the reopening of George’s Bank to the use of dragging gear violates the Fisheries Act by dramatically altering the seabed and harming the myriad life forms that depend on it for their survival and should be subjected to environmental assessment.

Aquaculture

The culture of fish and shellfish in the wild is increasing due to the active promotion of this industry by the government. Seaducks eat mussels and are perceived by mussel farmers as a threat to their investment. The Aquaculture Association of Newfoundland has been publicly antagonistic towards seaducks and efforts to rebuild decimated Figure 7-4: Map showing Intersection of 15 km eider populations to historic levels. colony buffer zones with areas of low, moderate, and high suitability for mussel growing. (Simms, 1994) in There are anecdotal reports of some mussel farm- Burnett et al. 1994 ers shooting indiscriminately at seaducks seen near their mussel farms. In Newfoundland, where the unobserved killing of seaducks by some mussel 7.5. Disturbance farmers is feasible, this behavior is an unquantified source of mortality on adult and other birds. Marine Vessel Traffic

Habitat allocated for aquaculture is habitat lost by Marine vessel traffic brings with it two problems seaducks. Mussel aquaculture and seaducks have for marine birds and IBAs. Depending on their similar habitat needs and so overlap in their choice route and operational behavior, boats can bring dis- of preferred sites. The potential threats to seaducks turbance to wintering, moulting and/or breeding from aquaculture include direct mortality and com- birds as well as potential oil pollution. petition for preferred habitat (Burnett et al. 1994). There is a lot of commercial shipping off the Southeast coast of Newfoundland. The city of St. John’s and various other port destinations regularly receive commercial shipping. The harbour at Bay- Bulls may develop as an offshore oil supply port. Oil tankers regularly enter Placentia Bay to access the oil refinery at Come By Chance and/or the transshipment facility at Whiffen Head. Oil exploration is ongoing off this coast. There is various commercial fishing activity and traffic off the entire coast.

Seasonal coastal ferries run from Nova Scotia to Argentia, Placentia Bay and between the two islands of Saint Pierre and Miquelon and the town

Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 91 Chapter 7: Conservation Concerns of Fortune, Newfoundland. The Witless Bay Sea- bance, in some cases, the IBA Program may have bird Ecological Reserve has a flourishing seabird the potential to do more harm than good. and whale watching tourboat industry operating out of several nearby communities, principally Bay The IBA Program must be aware of it’s potential to Bull, Witless Bay and Bauline. Recreational boat- increase the vulnerability of sites requiring mini- ing and other localized traffic is present near all of mal disturbance by raising their public profile. The the unprotected IBA sites in this part of Newfound- use of Cape St. Mary’s and the Witless Bay Eco- land. logical Reserves as advertising centerfolds and tourist attractions has set an example of seabird Tourism tourism that may not be sustainable at other sites. The tourism market applies pressure to get ever The southeast coast of Newfoundland attracts closer to wildlife and with increasing frequency. increasing numbers of tourists. Tourism is ancient For sites that have no legal protective status, this and there is something inherently attractive about may create problems for the birds. The summer the notion of peoples traveling to visit others and tourism season overlaps with the period when sharing their experiences of the world. However, breeding seabirds are on land to raise their young the recent escalating commercialization of travel and are at their most vulnerable. While this makes and the scale and manner in which it has developed it incredibly easy for tourists to target them, the is cause for concern. temptation to exploit this attraction can cause birds undue disturbance and undermine their potential Recreational boating and other localized traffic breeding success. around the IBAs can potentially disturb breeding and wintering birds that depend on these sites. This is of special concern in this area where there are numerous very important sites for marine birds A recent study on Gull Island, Witless Bay found with no formal protection and about which little is that among the Auks, Razorbills were especially known and for which up to date population esti- sensitive to disturbance from the passage of tour mates are lacking. boats and that other recreational vessels such as kayaks caused even greater disturbance. (Hearne, 7.6. Marine Oil Pollution 1999). This study was done from an island which has been subjected to extensive tour boat activity Seabirds and Oil for a number of years and it is possible that many of the birds have habituated to the tour boats. It is Seabirds and oil do not mix. Oil ruins feather struc- not known how applicable the results of this study ture and impairs their insulation value. The bird’s are to the other more remote or less visited seabird buoyancy may be affected and by preening the breeding colonies covered by this document: oiled feathers, the oil may be ingested causing fur- Corbin Island, Middle Lawn Island, Green Island ther internal problems. The internal and indirect and Columbier Island. effect of oil pollution such as suppressed immune response are not treated by removal of the external The IBA Program fouling. Rehabilitation of oiled marine birds is largely ineffective (Briggs et al., 1997; Anderson et Increased awareness of the beauty or importance of al., 1996; Eppley & Rubega, 1996). It is not feasi- a place sometimes has the undesired effect of ble to save oiled birds except through prevention; increasing visitation. Increased awareness of the and preventive efforts must be applied at the scale vitality and importance of areas important to at which marine birds move through the landscape. marine birds is one of the objectives of the IBA Program. However, in the context of socioeco- The migratory nature of seaducks and the migra- nomic conditions which favour the proliferation of tory and pelagic habits of some seabird species tourism ventures in the absence of a plan to safe- limit the effectiveness of simply protecting the guard moulting and breeding seabirds from distur- small IBA sites delineated for their breeding and

92 Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 Chapter 7: Conservation Concerns moulting needs. Marine birds by definition do not nately, in Newfoundland ports, onshore facilities spend much time on land. Their fate is firmly tied for treating vessel waste oil are inadequate or to our success in reducing marine oil pollution on a expensive. Oily bilge water is frequently dumped large scale. The territory of some of the birds undiluted into the sea. using the IBA sites in this part of Newfoundland includes areas subject to heavy marine vessel traf- Oily ballast water. The other source of marine oil fic and offshore oil activity. For example, auks pollution comes from the discharge of contami- breeding here may winter on the Grand Banks near nated ballast water. Vessels with multiple storage Hibernia and other offshore oil activity. By forc- compartments for fuel or oil cargo may manage ing us to recognize the large scale at which marine rough sea conditions by filling empty compart- birds live, these birds have the potential to unite ments with seawater as extra ballast. This water is communities of people from a variety of geograph- then contaminated with oil and when no longer ical locations to prevent marine oil pollution. needed as ballast is often discharged without treatment into the sea. Ship-source Oil Pollution Offshore Oil & Gas There are two main sources for chronic ship source oil pollution, namely oily bilge water and oily bal- Offshore oil and gas activity in Newfoundland and last water. Both are dumped in Newfoundland Labrador is over-seen by the Canada-Newfound- waters illegally to a greater extent than in some land Offshore Petroleum Board (CNOPB). The comparable regions such as British Columbia. The CNOPB has a mandate to facilitate offshore oil and difference is thought to lie in operator attitude and gas exploration and development as well as regu- enforcement levels (Canadian Coast Guard, 1998). late the industry for the protection of the public Southern Newfoundland experiences a great deal interest. The CNOPB therefore may find itself, by of chronic and preventable ship source marine oil design, in a conflict of interest over which objec- pollution and the opportunity for vessels to pollute tive should take priority. The public interest is unobserved is large. The first phase of the Preven- affected by the costs and benefits associated with tion of Oiled Wildlife Project estimated that 60,000 industry activity. The predicted costs of relevance to 100,000 seabirds are killed each year off New- to seabird conservation include contamination of foundland shores due to ship-source oil discharges. the food web, sub-lethal and lethal effects of That estimate has since been increased and is chronic operational marine pollution, incineration restricted to the Southeast coast of Newfoundland of birds attracted to offshore platform gas flares where beached bird surveys are done on a regular and risk of accidental spills of oil and other pollut- basis (F. Wiese pers comm.). ants.

Oily bilge water. Motorized vessels burn fossil While the Hibernia, Terra Nova and White Rose fuels and generate waste products in the course of Environmental Impact Assessments and Public their operation. For example, a 12,000 gross ton Review Panels singled out marine birds as the eco- container vessel might generate an average of system component most vulnerable to offshore oil 2,800 litres of oily waste a day (Kiash and and gas activity, a huge information gap persists McCarter, 1997 in Canadian Coast Guard, 1998). regarding estimates of the numbers of marine birds Under the Shipping Act it is legal for the vessel to that breed in the province and/or moult or winter in discharge this waste oil into the ocean only after waters off our shores. The area of the Grand Banks diluting it to 15 ppm or less. This concentration of where offshore oil and gas activity is concentrated oil does not leave a visible sheen on the water sur- overlaps with areas of seabird feeding concentra- face. Therefore, if a sheen is visible on the water tions. In addition, much of the oil from the Grand surface then the concentration of oil present Banks is shipped in tankers to the transshipment exceeds the legal 15 ppm limit. If onboard facilities facility at Whiffen Head, Placentia Bay. In winter are unable to treat the waste it can be stored and these shipments pass through Placentia Bay IBA off-loaded in port for treatment on shore. Unfortu- sites of importance to wintering seaducks.

Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 93 Chapter 7: Conservation Concerns

influence of environmental considerations until The Southeast coast of Newfoundland is a busy development applications are applied for. By that area in the offshore oil and gas activity currently time sufficient capital has been invested in moving ongoing in the province. See Figure 7-5. a project forward that the question on the table is not “Should oil and gas activity occur in this area” The process by which the oil industry gains rights but rather “how should oil and gas activity occur in to an area is currently designed to minimize the this area”.

Figure 7-5: Oil Exploration and other licenses held off the coast of Newfoundland, adapted from CNOPB website (http://www.cnopb.nfnet.com/)

The environmental review of development application rights to the properties. The highest bidder tions in Newfoundland and Labrador’s offshore wins. A condition of the lease is that exploration (i.e. Hibernia, Terra Nova and White Rose) has wells be drilled and a minimum amount of money focused on questions of project design rather than be spent conducting exploration for commercially the question of whether an area should be subjected exploitable oil and gas deposits. This drilling to such activity in the first place. This is a conse- activity and capital investment precedes any public quence of the current design of the Rights Issuance environmental assessment process Regime by which industry acquires rights to offshore property. For those birds that spend part of their year near offshore oil activity on the Grand Banks the current The first potential at the moment for public input Waste Treatment Guidelines (which are currently into what areas are subjected to oil and gas activity under review) allow 15% by weight of oil associ- is when parcels of land are put up and bids invited ated with drill cuttings to be disposed of into the from industry with an interest in acquiring explora- ocean. This 15% is not an instantaneous measure

94 Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 Chapter 7: Conservation Concerns but a 48 hour weighted average. So sheens of oil lethal to birds can currently be created in compli- Shipping between the site and any future smelter ance with the Waste Treatment Guidelines. The built in Placentia Bay would pass many if not all of status quo therefore, does not prevent the legal dis- the seabird breeding islands and seaduck wintering charge of operational waste containing concentra- sites designated as marine bird IBAs in the area tions of oil sufficient to kill seabirds. covered by this document. However, these sites were not included in the Environmental Assess- Regarding the newer synthetic based drilling fluids ment done on shipping for the Voisey’s Bay pro- (SBMs) and their effect on seabirds, the working posal (Environmental Assessment Panel, 1999). assumption is that SBMs have the same physical “hole in the wet suit” effect as any oil based drill- 7.7.1. Excerpts from the Environmental Assess- ing fluid (OBMs). The purported low toxicity of ment Panel’s Report on the Proposed Voisey’s SBMs thus becomes an academic point regarding Bay Mine and Mill Project potential seabird mortality in the cold water environment of the Northwest Atlantic. Regardless of The following is reproduced from the Environmen- any differences in toxicity, SBMs are potentially tal Assessment Panel’s Report on the Proposed as lethal for seabirds frequenting oil installations as Voisey’s Bay Mine and Mill Project. OBMs (D. Burley, pers. comm.). 13.1 Seabirds and Coastal Waterfowl 7.7. Voisey’s Bay VBNC chose an assessment area for seabirds and There is the potential for a major industrial devel- coastal waterfowl that encompassed coastal areas opment in Northern Labrador, the proposed devel- from northern Labrador to the south and west of opment of a mine and mill at Voisey’s Bay. This Lake Melville. VBNC estimated that the breeding development may be associated with a smelter population in this area contribute 63 percent of the located in Argentia, Placentia Bay. The alteration geese, 25 percent of the dabbling ducks and 55 and loss of harlequin breeding habitat and changes percent of the diving ducks migrating annually to shipping and potential for increased disturbance along the Atlantic Flyway. The area around Nain and oiling of marine birds along the Labrador coast is described as the second most important seabird is one of the biggest challenges facing harlequin breeding area, representing about 13 percent of ducks which traverse that area. Some of these birds the Labrador population; an estimated 20,500 spend part of the year in southeastern Newfound- pairs of birds breed between Voisey’s Bay and land and may winter at Cape St. Marys. Therefore, Anaktalak Bay and east to the offshore islands. even without considering the potential smelter in The species involved include common murres, Placentia Bay, there is the potential that birds win- Atlantic puffins, guillemots, scoters, eiders and tering here could be negatively affected by the Voi- gulls. Whichever shipping route to Edward’s Cove sey’s Bay project. was chosen, the route would pass numerous important breeding colonies of seabirds. In addition, The Voisey’s Bay Nickel Company (VBNC) pro- millions of thick-billed murres and dovekies poses to mine nickel, copper and cobalt from the migrate along the offshore areas in the fall. chosen site (see Figure 7-6 for map of the site). Ore would be processed into concentrates in a mill VBNC stated that the largest potential effect on onsite producing waste tailings of finely ground these birds would be the risk of a major oil spill. rock which would be stored under water in two Such a spill, depending on the time of the year and tailings basins made from existing lakes. Product the spill location, could foul breeding areas, cause would be shipped out from Edward’s Cove to oiling that could kill many breeding birds and another, to be determined, location for further pro- affect many birds that stage in the area each fall. cessing. Shipping would begin as seasonal and The surrounding environment could take years to evolve towards year-round. recover from such an event. The Labrador Inuit Association (LIA) and Environment Canada

Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 95 Chapter 7: Conservation Concerns agreed with this assessment but also emphasized clearly identifies all potential Project interactions the risk presented by chronic oil spills. They rec- and ensures adequate protection of these areas. ommended that VBNC enlarge the assessment These plans should include consideration of all sea area to consider the entire shipping route, once the ducks and seabirds that migrate through the area destination port has been chosen. VBNC dis- and that come into contact with the shipping route. agreed, stating that the assessment area is large enough to encompass all Project waterfowl inter- Recommendation 63 actions but small enough to avoid diluting study results. The Panel recommends that VBNC, in consultation with Environment Canada and LIA, develop a ves- Noise from shore-based Project activities and from sel oily waste management plan that includes shipping activities near nesting sites could threaten breeding birds. There is evidence that breeding • procedures for identifying all potential sources of populations of some species - especially common chronic, relatively small discharges of oil, as well eider, black duck, scoters, guillemots and terns - as large oil spills; have declined during the past 20 years. One possible cause has been the decrease in food supply, • an explicit zero-discharge goal for chronic oil pol- especially capelin. Other factors include the use of lution originating from Project vessels; snowmobiles and speedboats, which gives harvest- • best management practices designed to achieve ers greater access to birds and increases noise dis- zero discharge, to be reviewed regularly; and turbance; increased recreational harvesting; and environmental hazards along the Atlantic Flyway. • provisions for adequate, land-based reception facil- VBNC quotes various studies that associate noise ities for oily wastes from Project vessels, at both and disturbance with lower breeding productivity, Edward’s Cove and at the reception port, including but it concludes that predictable noise levels below a disposal plan for such wastes. 90 kBA have little effect and lead to habituation. Recommendation 64 The Panel concludes that great care must be taken to protect this large and important breeding and The Panel recommends that VBNC, in consultation staging area for waterfowl. It agrees that assess- with Environment Canada and LIA, develop a ing the impact of Project-related shipping well monitoring program to evaluate the effects of noise beyond the Landscape Region would not be useful, and disturbance from passing vessels on breeding due to the cumulative effects of other shipping colonies. Based on the results of this program, activities. However, Project-related shipping VBNC should if necessary, develop and implement would be a critical aspect of potential Project additional mitigation measures that may involve effects on waterfowl in the Nain area and an alternate shipping routes (these are addressed in important part of the cumulative effects on birds Recommendation 37). along the shipping route off Labrador. Measures must be put in place to monitor these effects and to 13.2.1 Harlequin Ducks ensure that chronic or accidental effects do not significantly contribute to stress on seabird popula- .....The EIS and Additional Information stated that tions. the baseline information on harlequin duck distribution in the Project area came from various Recommendation 62 sources. These included a 1984 study by the Cana- dian Wildlife Service (CWS), a 1997 study by the The Panel recommends that VBNC, in consultation Department of National Defence (DND), Aborigi- with Environment Canada, LIA, the Innu Nation nal knowledge, and a series of surveys carried out and other interested parties, develop and imple- by VBNC. The VBNC surveys included nine aerial ment an environmental protection and emergency surveys of breeding pairs in 1995-1997, three response plan for seabirds and waterfowl that

96 Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 Chapter 7: Conservation Concerns aerial and ground brood surveys in July and Environment Canada also commented that VBNC August 1996, and three aerial surveys of coastal made little attempt to identify the extent to which areas in 1995 and 1996. At the hearings, VBNC harlequin ducks use coastal areas, and that it provided additional information from an aerial should carry out extensive surveys to ensure that and a ground survey carried out in 1998. The environmental protection and emergency response assessment area included the upstream potions of plans take sensitive coastal habitats into consider- rivers that run through the Claim Block. Peak ation. numbers in the area were 32 breeding pairs in 1997. This represents approximately 20 percent of VBNC states that the Project would probably result the known individuals from labrador surveys and 8 in a net loss of habitat; however, this loss does not percent of the estimated 1988 eastern population. appear to be a critical limiting factor for this popu- VBNC expects the project to displace 2 to 3 breed- lation. The company predicts that breeding pairs ing pairs from the area of the North Tailings Basin would move to adjacent habitat, with the possible and 1 to 3 pairs from Little Reid Brook, due to but not inevitable loss of one breeding season. noise and human presence during construction. Temporary loss of productivity in the North Tail- ings Basin area would not have a significant effect. Loss of Habitat VBNC indicates that the proposed phased approach to tailings disposal in the North Tailings Environment Canada said harlequin ducks have a Basin would give the company an opportunity to high adult survival rate and low breeding produc- examine mitigation measures to ensure that brood- tivity. The population estimates are based largely ing pairs are placed in alternate habitat without on the number of individuals that winter at a very loss of production. limited number of favoured locations along the eastern seaboard. If the high survival rate is accu- VBNC stated that the program to examine harle- rate, then the low growth rate of the population quin duck distribution has lasted four years and must be the result of low productivity, thus making will continue. In addition, coastal habitat has been nesting habitat critical. Environment Canada surveyed and harlequin ducks were encountered therefore stated that a better understanding of the only once. While the availability of suitable habitat extent to which habitat limits the harlequin duck does not appear to be a limiting factor, VBNC population is needed to assess the immediate and would work with other stakeholders to identify and long-term consequences of the Project, and its con- implement mitigation measures to relocate harle- tribution to cumulative effects. It also indicated quin ducks within the Claim Block. If necessary, it that the effectiveness of a habitat replacement or would consider creating or restoring habitat. relocation program would depend on the loyalty of breeding birds to nesting sites. Additional Breeding Disruption

The most evident and irrevocable loss of harlequin VBNC indicated that other factors could poten- duck habitat would take place in the brook that tially disrupt the breeding productivity of harle- drains the North Tailings Basin. This brook is one quin ducks. of the most productive harlequin duck breeding areas in the area (20 percent of broods). Environ- The company would need to install culverts across ment Canada stated that disturbance and the loss several streams to provide road access to port and of invertebrate populations caused by damming tailings facilities, but harlequin ducks do not swim lake outflow would likely render the brook unsuit- through culverts. VBNC states that harlequin able for harlequin ducks even after it is rehabili- ducks have not been observed along any of the tated. It strongly recommended that VBNC streams to be crossed. It would consider installing eliminate the North Tailings Basin by backfilling bridges if it found harlequin ducks near a stream the open pit or using an alternative lake (Option crossing. 5).

Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 97 Chapter 7: Conservation Concerns

In accordance with the precautionary approach, Eastern North America (RENEW Report No. 12, Environment Canada recommends that, when March 1995), are as follows: VBNC is designing and siting roads and other facilities parallel to a watercourse, the company be • scientific research into reproductive, feeding and required to maintain a minimum buffer distance of behavioral ecology; 100 m in areas that could provide breeding or brooding habitat for harlequin ducks. VBNC would • population monitoring, including sex and age work with CWS to identify places requiring a ratios; and buffer and would leave room for buffers where • habitat protection, including an assessment of fac- practicable. tors that affect habitat quality.

Genetic Studies • The Panel believes that VBNC could provide important data to the recovery program from its Participants also discussed the importance of ongoing monitoring programs and research into defining to which population the birds breeding mitigation measures. In addition, VBNC could near Voisey's Bay belong: the one that winters in make research in the Landscape Region invaluable Greenland or the one that winters on the eastern to the success of the recovery program by providing seaboard. This would help parties identify the financial or logistical support to CWS scientists. potential cumulative threats to the eastern popula- Such aid could well result in the development of tion. Environment Canada recommended that practical measures to replace habitat, both in the VBNC be required to undertake a study, using assessment area and elsewhere, well beyond the two to three breeding sites that the Project would telemetry or genetics, to determine the population place at risk. affinity of the birds in the Voisey's Bay area. In addition, DND and others continue to evaluate VBNC believes that CWS can best answer the pop- the effects of low-level flying on the harlequin duck ulation question and that the question is not an population. The number of breeding pairs appropriate component of the monitoring frame- recorded as part of that monitoring program sug- work. The Panel agrees that it would be best if gests the breeding population may have been CWS scientists did such a study, in conjunction underestimated. Additional work will be carried with VBNC's monitoring program. The Panel notes out in relation to the proposed hydro developments that, according to reports from the Cheviot on the lower Churchill River. Combining the Project, such research should be done cautiously. results of that research with research from the Researchers tried radio telemetry at that site, but Project could well provide an understanding of the monitors fixed to feathers were lost when the birds population dynamics of the harlequin duck that molted. Surgical implantation of the transmitters will be vital to success of population recovery apparently led to bird mortality. efforts.

Conclusions and Recommendations Recommendation 65

The Panel concludes that the Project would place The Panel recommends that VBNC develop an an additional cumulative burden on harlequin ongoing research and monitoring program for har- ducks and could permanently remove breeding lequin ducks in the Project area, in consultation habitat. No existing legislation prevents this with the Canadian Wildlife Service and other inter- removal of habitat or requires habitat replace- ested parties, to better understand the physical, ment. biological and chemical attributes of harlequin duck habitat and to refine an effective mitigation The Panel notes, however, that the first three and monitoring strategy. aspects of the recovery strategy, described in the National Recovery Plan for the Harlequin Duck in

98 Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 Chapter 7: Conservation Concerns

Recommendation 66 and

The Panel recommends that VBNC incorporate the • procedures to control dust and noise in critical following measures into its environmental protec- habitat areas. tion plan in order to protect harlequin ducks and their habitat: Recommendation 67

• construction standards and procedures that require The Panel recommends that VBNC collaborate bridges instead of culverts for crossings of waters with Environment Canada, the Department of frequented by harlequin ducks (harlequin duck nest National Defence, the Province of Newfoundland surveys should be carried out 100 m upstream and and Labrador, and other relevant parties to inte- 100 m downstream of each potential stream cross- grate the methodologies and results of VBNC's on- ing site to ensure a minimum separation zone); site harlequin duck monitoring program with those of other monitoring programs or studies related to • design standards that ensure appropriate buffer present, proposed or future developments in zones between roads and streams that provide har- Labrador, to ensure valid assessment of the cumu- lequin duck habitat, where physically achievable; lative effects of the Project, including shipping activities.

Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 99 Chapter 7: Conservation Concerns

Figure 7-6: Map of Proposed Voisey’s Bay Mine and Mill Project from the Environmental Assessment Panel Report March 1999

100 Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 Chapter 7: Conservation Concerns

Figure 7-7: Map of proposed location for Voisey’s Bay Mine/Mill Project

foundland announced that the two provincial utility 7.8. Hydro-electric Development in Harlequin companies were negotiating an agreement to con- Duck Breeding Territory struct the Lower Churchill project. It was to be the second largest hydro-electric generating station in In 1972 the Churchill Falls hydroelectric complex the world. dramatically changed the face of Labrador when it diverted several major watersheds and flooded an The bulk of the power from the proposed Lower area the size of 6,527km2. On a map of Labrador Churchill project would be sold throughout North the Smallwood Reservoir looks like an inland sea. America. The development of this project has The environmental affects of this massive alter- potential to effect Harlequin Ducks nesting on ation of the landscape are unknown. affected rivers. A power line would transport power to insular Newfoundland with two others In 1978 the Lower Churchill Development Act: An linking northern and southern Quebec Act to Facilitate the Development of the Hydro- Electric Power Potential of the Lower Churchill On November 10, 2000 provincial Energy Minister River was signed. The Newfoundland and Quebec Paul Dicks confirmed that Quebec will not be a governments planned to expand the initial partner in developing Churchill Falls hydropower Churchill Falls project to the Lower Churchill and that the size of the project would have to be River. In 1998 the Premiers of Quebec and New- scaled back from one costing twelve billion dol-

Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 101 Chapter 7: Conservation Concerns lars, to four billion. In July, 2001 Alcoa a large producer of primary aluminum and fabricator of If the project were to proceed, some Harlequin aluminum and alumina, along with the Govern- Duck breeding habitat could be lost. Harlequin ment of Newfoundland and Labrador, and New- Ducks return to the same river to breed year after foundland and Labrador Hydro Corporation, year. We do not know what breeding adults do if undertook a joint feasibility review of developing they lose their river. Some of the Harlequins win- the Lower Churchill Hydro Project and establish- tering at Cape St. Marys may breed on rivers ing aluminum processing facilities in the prov- potentially affected by the Lower Churchill hydro- ince. The future of the project is uncertain. electric plans.

102 Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 Chapter 7: Conservation Concerns

7.9. NATO Low Level Flight Training

Figure 7-8: Map showing the outer boundaries of the NATO low level flight training area (see text)

Since the early 1980’s the Department of National Defence (DND) has managed a low-level flight training program in Labrador on the Quebec/ Labrador Peninsula. NATO allies use this program to train pilots by flying military jets at low altitude through an area of roughly 130,000 km2 (see Fig- ure 7-8 for location of flight training area). Some areas considered sensitive to disturbance by the flights are designated as exclusion zones (see Fig- ure 7-9 for an example of a map indicating areas to be avoided by overflights on a given day.

Legend for sample Exclusion Zones depicted by Figure 7-9:

Low level flight tracks are shown in black; lighter colored tracks indicate higher altitudes and are therefore clear of any avoidance restrictions.

Red = Caribou Orange = Raptors Blue = Waterfowl Green = Human Grey = Miscellaneous Figure 7-9: Example of a Flight Track Compliance Monitoring Map from DND website (see text)

Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 103 Chapter 7: Conservation Concerns

The history of the military low level flight training ciencies. Shortly thereafter, the MND established a program in Labrador has been controversial. Low Project Management Office in NDHQ with a man- level flight training overlaps both in time and space date to usher the project through the review pro- with breeding waterfowl. The impacts of conduct- cess and to promote a long-term allied commitment ing such activity over what is potentially the heart to the facilities in Goose Bay. Although at the same of the breeding grounds for eastern Canadian popu- time NATO cancelled the requirement for a NATO lations of Harlequin Ducks and scoters not to men- training base, DND opted to continue with the tion many other waterfowl, is unknown. Seaducks EARP with a view to ensuring that future Military breeding in the interior of the Quebec/Labrador Training would be conducted in an environmen- Peninsula migrate to coastal sites to moult and out tally sound manner. of Labrador all together to spend the winter elsewhere. For this reason, sites designated elsewhere The revised 1994 EIS was accepted by the Panel, as IBA sites because of the importance of the sites allowing public hearings to proceed throughout to these ducks when staging, moulting or wintering the region later that year. The Panel issued its must realize the greater ecological context within report in February 1995 containing 58 recommen- which a particular IBA is nested and connect the dations, all of which were either fully or partially importance of a given IBA site to the needs of approved by Cabinet Committee and released as marine birds when they are elsewhere. Harlequin Government Decisions in May 1995. The most sig- ducks wintering at Cape St. Marys for example, nificant results included: may breed on rivers within the low level flight training area in Labrador - approval of the training activity and its controlled (http://www.goosebay.org/website/ growth; area_avoidance/avoidance_intro_e.html) - an independent environmental Institute; and Environmental and Assessment Review Process (EARP) - reconfiguration of the training area

The following background summary is reproduced Before formally establishing the Institute, Govern- from the Mitigation Orders issued by the Chief of ment directed that a facilitator be appointed to fur- the Air Staff National Defense Headquarters July ther consult with all parties and issue a report of 2000: findings. In addition, before approving the extension of Foreign Military Training in Goose Bay, Background Government wished to review the results of the international negotiations for the renewal of the In 1986, the Minister of National Defence (MND) MOU which expired in 1996. Both these reports requested the Minister of the Environment to con- were submitted to Cabinet, resulting in a second duct a public environmental assessment of both the series of Government decisions in December 1995 existing training activity and the NATO training which approved the new MOU and addressed the centre proposed for Goose Bay. The Federal Envi- specific recommendations of the facilitator regard- ronmental Assessment and Review Office (FEARO) ing the structure and operation of the Institute. appointed a review panel to issue guidelines and conduct the review process. As the proponent, The full document from which the above is DND prepared an Environmental Impact State- excerpted can be viewed at the following website: ment (EIS) which described the project, assessed (http://www.goosebay.org/website/library/report/ the potential environmental effects and proposed MOs.pdf) appropriate mitigation measures. Recently the Institute for Environmental Monitor- An initial EIS released in 1989 was found unsuit- ing and Research (IEMR) contracted the Société able by the Panel as the basis to proceed to public Duvetnor Ltée to critically review 14 technical hearings and was cited with 38 information defi- documents and assess their usefulness in evaluat-

104 Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 Chapter 7: Conservation Concerns ing the impact of low level training flights on about the response of these animals to disturbance. waterfowl populations. In its conclusions their (Duvetnor 2001) report quoted the 1994 environmental impact (http://www.iemr.org/pdfs/Duvetnor_eng.DOC) assessment as stating that “the knowledge of waterfowl in Labrador was less than adequate for water- While DND and the IEMR are engaged with others fowl management as well as for mitigation of any in monitoring the effects of low-level overflights effects of jet overflight.” Duvetnor concluded that on wildlife it must be pointed out that flight track this was still true in 2001. The review observed compliance monitoring is currently done on the that most of the government or consultants reports basis of verbal reports filed by pilots on their return that they reviewed did not meet the standards from each flight training exercise and flight track required to reach the primary peer-reviewed scien- compliance is conducted by the proponent them- tific literature. In discussing the difficulties of selves. There is currently no independent verifica- designing experimental designs for ecological tion process in place for monitoring flight track research that would measure the effects on water- compliance data. fowl of low level flights this review concluded that such designs were not possible to implement and 7.10. Forestry therefore recommended an alternative but more realistic approach. Forestry operations have the potential to effect Harlequin Duck breeding habitat both directly In this context, we favor a very different approach through the removal of nesting sites and indirectly. to the problem of mitigating impacts of these flights Indirect effects can result from forestry induced upon the waterfowl community. Using existing changes to the hydrology of breeding rivers and knowledge about the requirements of the various increased disturbance in an area through the build- species in terms of habitat requirements and timing ing of roads which increase access by humans. of the breeding season, it would probably be possi- Plans to pursue industrial scale forestry in Labra- ble to pinpoint sensitive areas that should always dor and the Great Northern Peninsula may escalate be excluded from overflights without developing an over the next few years. The resulting potential experimental program whose outcome is question- habitat alteration of breeding harlequin duck terri- able from the start. A precautionary approach in tory may be of relevance to harlequin ducks win- this context seems appropriate to us and is legiti- tering in southeastern Newfoundland at sites such mate in view of the existing body of knowledge as Cape St. Marys.

Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 105 Chapter 7: Conservation Concerns

106 Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 Chapter 8: IBA Conservation Resources

8. IBA Conservation Resources membership organization and became the Cana- dian Audubon Society in 1948. After consulting This document aims to facilitate the building of with members, the Society assumed a broader con- partnerships for marine bird conservation activities servation mandate and became the Canadian at all levels: international, national, provincial, and Nature Federation (CNF) in 1971. local to conserve IBA sites for both the birds and the people that benefit from their continued exist- The CNF is Canada’s voice for the naturalist com- ence. Following are some suggestions for sources munity and works closely with its provincial, terri- of potential partners, funding and communication torial and local affiliated naturalist organizations, opportunities. For potential project ideas see to directly reach 100,000 Canadians. The strength Chapter 9. This information is in no way exhaus- of CNF’s grassroots naturalists’ network allows it tive. This document is intended as a starting point to work effectively and knowledgeably on national only. It is meant to evolve through amendment and conservation issues that affect a diversity of eco- review by those using it. systems and human populations in Canada. The CNF also works in partnership with other environ- 8.1. Organizations Delivering the IBA Program mental organizations, government and industry, in Canada wherever possible. The approach is open and cooperative while remaining firm in CNF’s goal of BirdLife International (BL) developing ecologically sound solutions to conservation problems. A pioneer in its field, BirdLife International (BL) is the first non-government organization dedicated The CNF’s approach is based on the philosophy to promoting worldwide interest in and concern for that natural ecosystems are vital to humans and a the conservation of all birds and the special contri- healthy planet. The organization’s conservation bution they make to global biodiversity. BirdLife programs strive to protect Canadian biodiversity. operates as a worldwide partnership with one, or in Rather than focus on one species or one region, the Canada’s case two, lead organizations in each CNF’s programs ensure all types of landscapes, country. These organizations provide a link to on- habitats, animals and plants are protected. Success the-ground conservation projects that involve local comes from a two-pronged strategy of protecting people with local expertise and knowledge. Since vulnerable ecosystems and promoting ecologically 1993, lead organizations from more than 40 coun- sound land, water and wildlife management poli- tries have become full BirdLife partners. cies.

Countries with a BirdLife partner or partner-desig- Long Point Bird Observatory (LPBO) and Bird nate in the Americas include Argentina, Belize, Studies Canada (BSC) Bolivia, Canada, Chile, Ecuador, Paraguay, the United States and Venezuela. Other countries with Founded in 1960 to monitor bird migration, the non-voting representative organizations include the Long Point Bird Observatory (LPBO) was the first Bahamas, Cuba, El Salvador, Honduras, Mexico observatory of its type in North America and is still and Uruguay. the only one with year-round staff in Canada. LPBO is committed to involving Canadians in the The Canadian Nature Federation (CNF) conservation of birds and their habitats. LPBO conducts its national and international programs The Canadian Nature Federation is a national con- through Bird Studies Canada (BSC). servation organization with a mission to be Can- ada’s voice for the protection of nature, its Since its founding, LPBO’s program has grown diversity, and the processes that sustain it. Initially and developed considerably. Its principle focus is established as the journal Canadian Nature by still bird population monitoring and research on Reginald Whittemore in 1939, it evolved into a bird migration but the Observatory now runs many other programs as well, including education and

Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 107 Chapter 8: IBA Conservation Resources province-, nation- and continent-wide surveys of 8.2. Organization Delivering the IBA Program bird populations. Amongst these are the Canadian in France Lakes Loon Survey, Project FeederWatch, Christ- mas Bird Counts and educational and site survey Ligue pour la Protection des Oiseaux (LPO) work in Latin America, Ivory Coast and Malaysia. In addition, LPBO conducts research into other The LPO works for the protection of birds and the aspects of natural history and applied conservation places on which they depend for nesting, wintering management. The Observatory has a special inter- and during their migration. est in promoting the participation of amateurs and volunteers in research, believing that many people In 1912, it created its first bird reserve, 'les Sept- working together can accomplish a great deal more Iles', off the north Brittany coast, to protect the than could a few professionals working alone. seabirds breeding there, particularly the important colony of Puffins – and hence its adoption of the These philosophies made CNF and LPBO/BSC species for its logo. logical choices to become BirdLife International’s Canadian partners in September 1993. Since then the LPO has purchased several more key nature reserves and visitor centres, as well as The Natural History Society of Newfoundland being involved in the management of many others – and Labrador (NHSNL) places such as the Basses Vallées Angevines, the Ile de Ré, the marshes of the Vendée and Poitou- The NHS is a province-wide organization whose Charentes, the Lac du Der-Chantecoq in the primary interest is promoting the enjoyment and Champagne region, etc. birds, with centres for vic- protection of all wildlife and natural history tims of oiling at l'Ile Grande in Brittany and for resources in Newfoundland, Labrador and sur- raptors and other birds in the Auvergne. rounding waters. The NHSNL is a broadly based group with a well-established network of local con- There is a continuing programme of protection for tacts around the province. Approximately one third individual species – Montagu's Harriers in cereal of members are avid birders, including ornitholo- crops, terns nesting along the rivers Allier and gists employed by Memorial University and by the Loire, Peregrines in the Massif Central, Corn- federal and provincial governments. The Society crakes in Anjou, White Storks using artificial nest- sponsors a monthly lecture series, an outdoor pro- ing platforms more and more widely. gram, publishes a quarterly journal (The Osprey), recognizes individual contribution to the well- A series of Annual Campaigns have raised aware- being of the natural resources of the province ness and funds for specific projects. Among some through the Tuck-Walters award and the Wild more recent ones have been those to conserve frag- Things Scholarship, and makes representations to ile populations such as those of Little Bustards and municipal, provincial, and federal governments Lesser Kestrels and to raise awareness of threats concerning projects and events that affect our natu- to still common birds like Swallows and House ral environment as they arise. The Society was a Martins. The LPO also masterminded the petition lead intervener in the Terra Nova and White Rose which raised over two million signatures (over a offshore oil development environmental assess- million in France itself) in favour of restricting the ments, mainly due to their concern for the risks to hunting season in France, still one of the longest in seabirds. The Society continues to be a strong pro- Europe. Since 1980 based in the historic Corderie ponent of conservation and protection. Royale in Rochefort, the LPO has a network of active local branches throughout France to spread the word as widely as possible. It is the French partner for BirdLife International, and is coordi- nator of the Important Bird Areas programme. (http://www.chew.demon.co.uk/ lpo.htm#LPO%20Background)

108 Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 Chapter 8: IBA Conservation Resources

None of the sites designated as IBAs for marine Their central website is located at the following birds covered in this document are within the Innu URL: Nation’s proposed land selection area. However, (http://www.lpo-birdlife.asso.fr/) the migratory nature of marine birds creates the 8.3. Newfoundland and Labrador Aboriginal potential for partnerships between Labrador and Organizations the island of Newfoundland.

The Labrador Inuit Association (LIA) The Innu Nation employs an environmental advi- sor and maintains a special involvement in follow- The LIA is a non-profit organization formed in ing the development of low-level flight training by 1973 and incorporated under Newfoundland law in NATO allies in Labrador, the development of the 1975. The LIA is affiliated with the Inuit Tapirisat Lower Churchill, National Parks, highways and of Canada (ITC) and represents roughly 4,000 Inuit forestry and Voiseys Bay. living mainly in the five coastal Labrador commu- (http://www.innu.ca/the_innu.html) nities of Nain, Hopedale, Postville, Makkovik and Rigolet. In 1977 the LIA filed a statement of land Labrador Métis Nation claims with Canada. In June, 2001 the LIA, the Canadian and the Newfoundland governments Residents of Labrador descended from both Euro- signed the Labrador Inuit Land Claims Agreement- peans and Inuit and living from Lake Melville in-Principle (AIP). south to the Strait of Belle Isle are known as Métis. In 1982 the Canadian Constitution Act included The AIP provides for the Inuit to establish pro- Inuit, Indians (First Nations) and Métis as aborigi- tected areas on lands where it has jurisdiction. nal peoples. The Labrador Métis Association was Within the settlement area off Inuit lands the Inuit formed in 1985 to represent roughly 5000 members and government will establish protected areas and in 1998 took the name Labrador Métis Nation. (including marine protected areas) in the context of In 1991 the Labrador Métis Nation submitted a the co-management regimes established through land claim to the Government of Canada. In 1998 the agreement. the Department of Justice recommended that the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Devel- None of the sites designated as IBAs for marine opment (DIAND) reject the Métis claim. On Feb- birds covered in this document are within the LIA ruary 24, 2001, an Ontario Court of Appeal Land Claims area. However, the migratory nature recognized the Métis as a distinct people with con- of marine birds creates the potential for partner- stitutional rights comparable to other aboriginal ships between Labrador and the island of New- groups. foundland. (http://www.nunatsiavut.com) None of the sites designated as IBAs for marine birds covered in this document are within the Innu The Innu Nation Nation’s proposed land selection area. However, the migratory nature of marine birds creates the The Innu of Labrador live in the communities of potential for partnerships between Labrador and Sheshatshiu and Utshimassit (Davis Inlet). They the island of Newfoundland. are represented politically by the Innu Nation, which first filed land claims with the Canadian Mi’kmaq Government in 1977. In 1990 the provincial and federal governments accepted the Innu Statement A population of roughly 3600 Mi'kmaq live on the of Claim and in 1999 the three parties reached an island of Newfoundland. The largest community is agreement in principle on the next steps in the pro- Miawpukek (Conne River) which was recognized cess. as a status Indian Reserve by the Government of Canada in 1987. In 1972 the Federation of New- foundland Indians (FNI) was established to pro-

Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 109 Chapter 8: IBA Conservation Resources mote the social, cultural, economic and educational Environment Canada Atlantic Region has become well-being and seek official recognition through a licensed distributor of digital base maps. The the Indian Act or a self-government process for its ARSMP uses the Natural Resources Canada digital members in ten bands on the island. There are series of base maps at a scale of 1:50,000 and Band Councils in Corner Brook, Benoit's Cove, 1:250,000. Different scales are essential to repre- Bartlett's Harbour, Flat Bay, St. George's, Port au sent specific information: the system uses 1:50,000 Port East, Stephenville/Crossing, Exploits, Glen- for accurate depiction of fish and shellfish habi- wood, and Gander Bay. tats, human & biological resources, shoreline protection, etc. Maps at 1:250,000 and 1:1,000,000 8.4. Government Departments and Programs of are mainly used to show locations or to represent Relevance to Marine Birds in Newfoundland regional information such as mammal distribu- and Labrador tions.

8.4.1. Federal Government Departments Once all the base maps are available, data collection has become the next step: biological Environment Canada resources, physical and human-use resources, small craft harbour infrastructure plans & photos, Atlantic Region Sensitivity Mapping Program videos of the Atlantic coastline taken from an helicopter, bird photographs, etc. The National Sensitivity Mapping Program (NSMP) was a Green Plan initiative established in A user interface has been developed to provide a 1991 and managed interdepartmentally. The need system which allows easy access to information for improvement in marine spill response capabil- with minimal training. The Atlantic region has ity, in particular the development of a Canada- been subdivided into 16 sub-regions. This allows wide sensitivity mapping system, was documented the user and the computer to speed-up the process in a number of government and public reviews of searching for data. Once the user interface and undertaken following the EXXON VALDEZ and the databases are integrated, each sub-region will NESTUCCA oil spills. A coordinated program was have its own CD with all the information related to required to develop maps of vulnerable resources it. For example if there is a spill somewhere in in order that the Regional Environmental Emer- region #3, the user can load this CD on a PC or a gency Team (REET) could respond quickly and portable computer and access all the information effectively to marine pollution emergencies. desired. (http://www.ns.ec.gc.ca/) Each region in Canada manages their own sensitivity mapping program. These regional programs Canadian Wildlife Service (CWS) follow national standards developed through the national program in order to be consistent across The management of wildlife in Canada is shared by the country. the federal, provincial, and territorial governments. The Canadian Wildlife Service of Environ- The Atlantic Region program is primarily a com- ment Canada handles wildlife matters that are the puter based system offering a variety of coastal responsibility of the federal government. These information useful to environmental responders include protection and management of migratory developing their clean-up and protection plans. A birds as well as nationally significant wildlife hab- software interface has been developed to make the itat. Other responsibilities are endangered species, system more interactive with the user. In addition control of international trade in endangered spe- to digital data, paper atlases are also being pre- cies, research on wildlife issues of national impor- pared. tance, and international wildlife treaties and issues. As part of its responsibility to manage In order to facilitate the distribution of the Atlantic migratory birds, the Canadian Wildlife Service Region Sensitivity Mapping Program (ARSMP),

110 Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 Chapter 8: IBA Conservation Resources consults with provinces and territories and issues Other CWS Programs annual migratory game bird hunting regulations. For more information on bird related CWS activi- By and large, provincial and territorial wildlife ties visit the following page: http://www.cws- agencies are responsible for all other wildlife mat- scf.ec.gc.ca/th02_e.cfm where, among others, you ters. These include conservation and management can visit the sites listed below. of wildlife populations and habitat within their borders, issuing licenses and permits for fishing, Canadian Atlas of Bird Banding game hunting, and trapping, guidelines for safe Canadian Bird Banding Office angling and trapping, and outfitting policies See Canadian Bird Conservation Program also Section “Management Regime” on page 85. Canadian Bird Trends database Canadian Bird Trends Newsletters There are three Migratory Bird Sanctuaries in the Canadian Landbird Monitoring Strategy province, Ile aux Canes / Green Island (150 hect- Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in ares), Shepherd Island (16 hectares) and Terra Canada - (COSEWIC) Nova (870 hectares). There are no National Wild- CWS Migratory Birds Regulatory Report Series life Areas in the province of Newfoundland and Environmental assessment guideline for forest Labrador. habitat of migratory birds Hinterland Who's Who series Gazetteer of Marine Birds in Atlantic Canada: Migratory Bird Populations Division An Atlas of Seabird Vulnerability to Oil Pollu- Migratory Birds Convention Act and Regulations tion Migratory Birds Environmental Assessment Guide- line The Gazetteer is based on the Canadian database of North American Waterfowl Management Plan - seabird counts called PIROP (Programme Intégré (NAWMP) de Recherches sur les Oiseaux Pélagiques) owned Oil Pollution and Birds (Hinterland Who's Who) by CWS. It uses maps to graphically depict the Partners in Flight Canada distribution of seabirds in Atlantic Canada at vari- Pesticides and wild birds (Hinterland Who's Who) ous times of the year. Several of the figures in this Species at Risk document are images from the Gazetteer. The Wildlife Toxicology Division hardcopy version of the Gazetteer is out of print Bird Trends - (Atlantic Region) but there is a CD-Rom version available from Endangered Species - (Atlantic Region) Environment Canada in Dartmouth, N.S. Migratory Birds - (Atlantic Region) Oil Spill Response Plan - (Atlantic Region) PIROP (Programme Intégré de Recherches sur Wildlife Smuggling - (Atlantic Region) les Oiseaux Pélagiques) Department of National Defense, The Goose PIROP is a data collection scheme started by Bay Office, Ottawa R.G.B. Brown of the CWS and Paul Germaine of the Université de Moncton in 1989. Most of the The Goose Bay Office (GBO) is a component of the records in the PIROP database were generated by Chief of the Air Staff at National Defence Head- Brown over the course of his long career at CWS. quarters in Ottawa, Canada. It is assigned the task Observations can be collected following the of developing policy and ensuring proper manage- PIROP methodology on ships of convenience by ment of the military training program and of trained volunteers and there is huge potential to related environmental measures conducted from contribute to the monitoring of marine bird distri- Goose Bay, Labrador. butions by contributing to this database. (http://www.goosebay.org/)

Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 111 Chapter 8: IBA Conservation Resources

Parks Canada Canadian Coast Guard

Marine Conservation Areas Program Lighthouses

Parks Canada is responsible for National parks and The de-staffing of Canadian lighthouses is under- National Historic Sites. They are also responsible way and will continue over the next couple of for establishing a national system of marine pro- years. Lighthouse keepers have been deemed tected areas under the title National Marine Con- unnecessary for marine safety and the lights they servation Areas (NMCA) Program. Twenty-nine have tended are now automated. As stations are marine regions have been identified for representa- de-staffed portions of the property holdings are tion. No NMCAs within Newfoundland and being declared surplus and will be offered up for Labrador have yet been established. tender. The process of tendering proceeds according to the following order: Transport Canada Atlantic Region • property is first offered to other federal departments • if no other federal departments are interested the Transport Canada is responsible for the following properties are offered to the Province; this would Marine Policy, Legislation and Regulations: include the University • Canada Marine Act • if no interest from the Province the nearest munici- • Canada Shipping Act (CSA) pality is offered the opportunity to bid on the prop- • Marine Safety Information erty • National Marine Policy and Regulations • if none of the above have expressed interest the • Marine Acts and Regulations property is put up for public tender and the highest • Harbours & Ports Annual Reports bid accepted • Port State Control Annual Report (http://www.tc.gc.ca/en/menu.htm) For a complete list of lights in Newfoundland and Labrador visit Coast Guard's website: Canadian Marine Advisory Council (CMAC) http://www.nfl.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/CCG/ATN/ marine_aids_modernization.htm Transport Canada is also the home of the Cana- dian Marine Advisory Council (CMAC). CMAC is The location of lighthouses (not to be confused a forum for consultation with its stakeholders on with lights alone) in the areas overlapping with the safety, navigation, and marine pollution. The IBA sites covered by this document are shown in membership includes commercial shippers, fishers, Figure 8-1. recreational boaters, unions, other levels of government and other federal departments. CMAC is Several of the lighthouses in this region are located jointly coordinated and chaired by senior members at seabird colonies. Green Island and Cape St. of the Department of Transport, Safety and Secu- Mary’s are the most striking examples of light- rity and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, houses situated within IBAs in this part of New- Canadian Coast Guard. foundland.

112 Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 Chapter 8: IBA Conservation Resources - o f d . l f n . w w w / / : p t t h h (

e t i s b e w

d r a u G

t s a o C

m o r f

d e t p a d a

d n a l d n u o f w e N

t s a e h t r o N

n i

s n o i t a t s

t h g i l

d r a u G

t s a ) o C

f o

s n o i t a c o l

g n i w o h s

p a M

: 1 - 8

e r u g i F mpo.gc.ca/CCG/ATN/HL/navigation.htm

Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 113 Chapter 8: IBA Conservation Resources

Fisheries and Oceans Canada; Science, Oceans The Program for the Conservation of Arctic and Environment Branch Flora and Fauna (CAFF)

DFO plays a central role in human interactions CAFF aims to conserve the biodiversity and habi- with the Northwest Atlantic. While their main tats of Arctic flora and fauna and to develop focus has been to provide research and develop- improved conservation management, laws, regula- ment support for commercial fisheries and they tions and practices for the Arctic. have no staff earmarked to think about marine (http://www.grida.no/caff/about.htm) birds, DFO could play a leading role in the mainte- nance of ocean and marine bird health and they are CAFF Circumpolar Seabird Working Group clearly mandated to do so. They also offer huge (CSWG) CAFF Seabird Projects potential as a logistical resource. The CAFF Circumpolar Seabird Working Group The Science, Oceans and Environment (SOE) (CSWG) meets annually and publishes the Circum- Branch provides scientific information on wild polar Seabird Bulletin. The CSWG monitors popu- marine resources from Cabot Strait at the entrance lation trends of several seabird species and has to the Gulf of St. Lawrence eastward to Flemish shown a general decline in murre and eider popu- Cap and northward to Davis Strait. They are also lations. The CSWG has identified the main causes involved in aquaculture, environmental sciences, for steady population declines in some seabird spe- habitat protection and Oceans Act implementation cies as heavy hunting pressure; mortality in com- through such things as Marine Protected Areas mercial fishing operations; human disturbances at (MPA’s) and Integrated Management (IM). The seabird colonies (development activities, shipping, Branch’s Hydrography Division produces marine tourism) and oil pollution. navigation charts. (http://www.nwafc.nf.ca/sealane/index.htm). The CSWG is developing a Circumpolar Seabird Colony Database to record and compare data and DFO operates several research vessels; the WIL- trends on shared species and to address basic pop- FRED TEMPLEMAN, a 50m stern trawler, the ulation questions that cannot be answered relying TELEOST, a 63m stern trawler, and a smaller ves- solely on individual national databases. It will also sel, SHAMOOK (23 m), used for inshore studies. allow the international importance of colonies to (http://www.nwafc.nf.ca/sealane/Divisions/ be determined and help predict impacts of human Oceans/index.htm) activities at a circumpolar scale.

The Seabird Group is designing a circumpolar seabird monitoring network to provide more accurate data on population, productivity, distribution and status of seabirds at the polar level. It will be built on current national monitoring efforts.

114 Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 Chapter 8: IBA Conservation Resources

Figure 8-2: Map showing CAFF area boundaries adapted from CAFF website (http://www.grida.no/caff/ images/basemap.jpg)

U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) research; and to offer training and technical assistance to facilitate scientific exchange. Emphasis is The Biological Resources Division (BRD) of the on collaboration with nations that share biological USGS is developing partnerships with countries resources, have similar ecosystems, or are around the globe to share biological data and addressing conservation issues of importance to information; develop and standardize methodolo- the United States. gies for biological inventory, monitoring, and (http://biology.usgs.gov/)

Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 115 Chapter 8: IBA Conservation Resources

Figure 8-2: Map of Wilderness and Ecological Reserves in Newfoundland and Labrador (http:// www.gov.nf.ca/parks&reserves/map.htm)

8.4.3. Provincial Government Departments calieu Island, Cape St. Mary’s, Funk Island and the Witless Bay Islands Ecological Reserve. Department of Tourism, Culture and Recre- (http://www.gov.nf.ca/parks&reserves/wil- ation dres.htm)

Parks and Natural Areas Division Wildlife Division The Parks and Natural Areas division of the Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation The Rare Bird Data Collection project collects administers the Wilderness and Ecological ‘sighting’ data both present and historical. Reserves Act. This provincial legislation allows for the creation of Wilderness Reserves. Several In 1999 the provincial Department of Forest Ecological Reserves have been established for the Resources and Agrifoods launched the Newfound- protection of breeding seabirds. They include Bac- land Rare Plant Project, a three year project to inventory rare plants. The project began on the

116 Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 Chapter 8: IBA Conservation Resources west coast of insular Newfoundland. There is no cals, goods in packaged form and sewage and gar- information currently available specific to the IBA bage. sites reported on here. (http://www.imo.org/)

Culture and Heritage Division, Newfoundland Grenfell College Environmental Science Pro- Museum gramme, Memorial University of Newfound- land, Corner Brook The Newfoundland Museum is part of the Culture and Heritage Division of the Department of Tour- This is an interdisciplinary programme of the natu- ism, Culture and Recreation, Government of New- ral sciences, specifically as they contribute to a foundland and Labrador. The three branches are greater awareness and understanding of the envi- the Newfoundland Museum on Duckworth Street, ronment. St. John's; the Southern Newfoundland Seamen's (http://woodstock.swgc.mun.ca/envs/) Museum, Grand Bank and the Mary March Regional Museum, Grand Falls/Windsor. Fish, Food and Allied Workers (FFAW/CAW) (http://www.nfmuseum.com/museums.htm) The FFAW/CAW is a powerful force in New- The Cruiseship Authority of Newfoundland and foundland and Labrador. Fishing is at the prov- Labrador (CANAL) ince’s cultural and political core. Historically, fishing has been the principle source of interaction The Cruiseship Authority of Newfoundland and with the marine environment for many Newfound- Labrador (CANAL) was incorporated on June 5, landers and Labradorians. 1998, by an Act of the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The purpose of the Act was to estab- The FFAW/CAW membership could be a major lish an authority to promote and co-ordinate the force for marine conservation and efforts to engage development and operations of a cruiseship indus- the knowledge of the membership and their inher- try in the Province. ent interest in the marine environment could hold (http://www.cruisenewfoundland.com/about.html) great potential for marine bird conservation. (http://www.ffaw.nf.ca/structure.html) 8.5. Government Department of Relevance to marine birds in Saint Pierre et Miquelon Fisheries Resource Conservation Council (FRCC) This is the government agency charged with hunting and wildlife management responsibilities in St. The Fisheries Resource Conservation Council Pierre and Miquelon. (FRCC) was created in 1993 to form a partnership between scientific and academic expertise, and all 8.6. Non-Governmental Groups and Programs sectors of the fishing industry. Together, Council with Mandates Relevant to Marine Birds in members make public recommendations to the Newfoundland and Labrador Minister of Fisheries and Oceans on such issues as total allowable catches (TACs) and other conserva- The International Maritime Organization tion measures for the Atlantic fishery. The Council (IMO) is responsible for advising the Minister on Can- ada's position with respect to straddling and trans- The International Maritime Organization is the boundary stocks under the jurisdiction of United Nations' specialized agency responsible for international bodies such as the Northwest Atlantic improving maritime safety and preventing pollu- Fisheries Organization (NAFO). The Council also tion from ships. IMO is the author of a treaty provides advice in the areas of scientific research known as MARPOL 73/78 which covers accidental and assessment priorities. and operational oil pollution, pollution by chemi- (http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/frcc/index.htm)

Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 117 Chapter 8: IBA Conservation Resources

Atlantic Canadian Conservation Data Center Protected Areas Association

Based in Sackville, New Brunswick, the Atlantic The Protected Areas Association of Newfoundland Canada Conservation Data Centre (ACCDC) and Labrador (PAA) works to establish protected assembles and provides information and expertise natural areas in Newfoundland and Labrador. They on species at risk and natural communities in are a non-profit association, and through research, Atlantic Canada, and undertakes field biological planning and public education, work toward the inventories, in support of decision-making, completion of a network of representative exam- research and education. ples of all the province's unique eco-systems. The (www.accdc.com) PAA have had several projects related to marine protected areas resulting in publications listed on Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental their website. Network (NLEN) (http://www.nfld.net/paa/).

The NLEN is a non-profit, non-government organi- Atlantic Coastal Zone Information Steering zation with a mandate to improve communication Committee (ACZISC) links and facilitate joint initiatives among groups and organizations in Newfoundland and Labrador ACZISC membership is composed of organizations which share a concern for the quality of the envi- and agencies which have a mandate for, and can ronment. contribute to, the development and coordination of a regional coastal zone information infrastructure The NLEN facilitates communication in the prov- and the promotion of integrated coastal zone man- ince by: (a) holding provincial networking meet- agement initiatives. Membership currently ings; (b) publishing a provincial newsletter includes the four Atlantic Provinces, seven federal (Environment Network News); and (c) aiding departments, First Nations, the private sector and groups and individuals to organize around envi- academia. ronmental issues. (http://www3.nf.sympatico.ca/nlen/hlen.htm) The private sector in Newfoundland and Labrador is represented by the Newfoundland and Labrador NLEN Youth Caucus Association of Technology Industries. Private sector groups and individuals in Newfoundland and Based in Corner Brook, the NLEN Youth Caucus is Labrador who would like issues to be considered a non-profit, non-governmental organization dedi- by the ACZISC should bring these to the attention cated to getting youth involved in environmental of Randy Gillespie, the NATI representative on the and other social issues. ACZISC. In addition, interested private sector per- (http://www3.nf.sympatico.ca/nlen/index.htm). sonnel are encouraged to attend ACZISC meetings.

Coasts Under Stress Representatives of community groups are encouraged to attend ACZISC meetings in their respec- Coasts under Stress is a five-year long (2000-2004) tive Provinces; currently there are no regional collaborative research initiative between Memorial community associations. University of Newfoundland, the University of (http://www.dal.ca/aczisc/workplan) Calgary and the University of Victoria and other North American partners. This project explores The ACZISC has produced a Guide to Coastal links between changes in society and the environ- Information in Atlantic Canada and an Atlantic ment and the long-term health of people, commu- Coastal Database Directory. nities and their environment (http:// (http://www.dal.ca/aczisc/acdd_bkd) www.coastsunderstress.ca/home.html).

118 Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 Chapter 8: IBA Conservation Resources

8.7. Key Groups and Organizations with Inter- Founded in 1938, Ducks Unlimited Canada is a ests Relevant to Marine Birds Near the South- private, non-profit organization dedicated to the east Coast of Newfoundland conservation of wetlands for the benefit of North America's waterfowl, wildlife and people. To date Atlantic Cooperative Wildlife Ecology Research they have secured and protected over 18 million Network (ACWERN), Department of Biology, acres of habitat and established nearly 6 thousand Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. projects. John’s (http://www.ducks.ca/aboutdu/index.html)

ACWERN graduate students do research focused Ducks Unlimited has a children’s education pro- on seabird ecology. In 1996, ACWERN began a gram called Greenwings for which they produce long-term study of seabirds of the Gannet Islands, two magazines. They have also developed educa- Labrador. tional curriculum materials for schools. (http://www.mun.ca/acwern/) DU’s research arm, the Institute for Wetland and Biopsychology Programme, Departments of Waterfowl Research (IWWR) was established in Biology and Psychology, Memorial University 1991 with a mission to “help guide the conserva- of Newfoundland, St. John’s tion of waterfowl and wetlands by developing and sustaining a premiere program of research and by The Biopsychology Programme is an interdiscipli- educating professionals in wetland and waterfowl nary graduate program focused on animal behav- conservation biology”. iour and behavioural ecology. There have been numerous studies by Biopsychology graduate stu- A DU Newfoundland project of special interest dents which focus on marine bird ecology. that may have application to seaducks is the Geese in Space project. Using satellite technology to In 2001, with a grant from the IBA Community learn more about the Canada Geese of Newfound- Action Fund, the graduate students of this program land and Labrador, in 1999 DU tagged 22 geese initiated an outreach program to communities adja- with satellite transmitters. In 2000, 24 more geese cent to the Witless Bay Islands in which they were tagged. Following the movements of the shared the results of their research. tagged geese has revealed important details about (http://www.mun.ca/biopsych/intro.html) the birds migration patterns. The public can follow the routes of these geese by visiting the DU web- Atlantic Policy Congress of First Nation Chiefs site. Secretariat (http://www.ducks.ca/geese/index.htm)

Organization Profile: To research, analyze and DU is currently developing a long term strategy for develop culturally relevant alternatives to federal seaduck endeavors in Newfoundland and Labrador. policies that impact on the Mi'kmaq, Maliseet and Passamaquoddy First Nation communities and Eastern Habitat Joint Venture (EHJV) peoples. The potential exists through the Marshall and Sparrow decisions for Mi'kmaq people to EHJV is one of six Joint Ventures spawned across develop an interest in seabird harvesting. This may Canada as part of the North American Waterfowl or may not be of relevance to sites in this region. Management Plan (NAWMP) to restore waterfowl (http://www.apcfnc.ca/) populations to levels found in the 1970s. The EHJV was founded by the eastern provinces Ducks Unlimited (DU) (Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland), CWS, Ducks Unlimited has been involved in various Ducks Unlimited Canada, and Wildlife Habitat projects on the Labrador coast for many years. Canada.

Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 119 Chapter 8: IBA Conservation Resources

While the EHJV has so far concerned itself mostly Development Associations and Associated with municipal based stewardship programs for Projects wetlands, it is currently expanding to include seaducks and marine areas such as St. Peter’s Bay Newfoundland and Labrador Association Of in southern Labrador. Community Business Development Corpora- tions Inc. The Seaduck Joint Venture (SJV) There are fifteen CBDCs in Newfoundland and The Sea Duck Joint Venture was formed under the Labrador. These are autonomous, not-for-profit auspices of the North America Waterfowl Manage- corporations, which serve all regions of the prov- ment Plan (NAWMP) to address declines in many ince. Supported by Atlantic Canada Opportunities North American seaduck populations. Agency (ACOA), they assist in the creation of (http://seaduckjv.org) small businesses, and in the expansion, modernization and stabilization of existing businesses. Friends of Cape St. Mary's The IBA sites covered by this document fall within Friends of Cape St. Mary's is a non-profit organi- the jurisdiction of the economic planning zones 16, zation founded to preserve, protect, and support 18 and 20. the objectives of the Cape St. Mary's Ecological Reserve. Other Economic Development Information

Friends activities vary greatly from educational For a listing of all economic zones within New- outings, cultural festivals, performances, as well as foundland and community demographic profiles many others. At the present time, Friends supports visit the following website: the Cape by organizing both the Cape St. Mary's (http://www.hyron.nf.ca/Community%20Pro- Gannet Seabird Festival and the Cape St. Mary's files.htm) Performance Series. Quebec-Labrador Foundation (QLF) For more information on Friends, visit their web- Atlantic Center for the Environment site: (http://www.friends.capestmarys.nf.ca) The Quebec-Labrador Foundation (QLF) exists to support the rural communities and environment of Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental eastern Canada and northern New England, and Association create models for stewardship of natural resources and cultural heritage which can be applied world- A non-profit organization originating from Ship wide. Cove, on the Cape Shore. Stan Tobin, president of the organization, has been actively engaged in lob- Seabird Conservation Project, St. Mary's Island, bying efforts related to marine source oil pollution Quebec: Since 1977, QLF has been conducting a and the oiling of marine birds off the coast of New- seabird conservation project on Quebec's Lower foundland. North Shore. To reverse the decline in seabird populations on island sanctuaries, QLF has involved school children and local communities through education and sanctuary management

Rural Communities: In 1996, the Atlantic Center for the Environment launched Beyond Borders, a program initiative to strengthen and inform community-based conservation in northern New England and eastern Canada. Focusing on rural

120 Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 Chapter 8: IBA Conservation Resources communities, QLF provides a model for linking Conservation Camp Instructors ecosystem management, economic development, June-August Location: Labrador; Teach natural and community action and leadership. On-site history topics to youth and teens in remote island projects include technical assistance, training camp setting. workshops and conferences, environmental education, publications, and exchanges. Curriculum Development in Wetlands Education (http://www.qlf.org/) June-August, September - possible extension Location: Montreal, Quebec or Ipswich, Massa- QLF offers internships, mostly in the summer and chusetts, possible work in Labrador usually two to three months duration, to undergrad- uates, recent graduates, and graduate-level univer- A person experienced in environmental education sity students from Canada and the U.S. at the secondary school level will develop supple- Internships include stipends and lodging and for mentary curriculum materials for secondary most field positions, food expenses, and travel to school use on wetlands education. Target audience and from program sites are covered. Examples of will be schools in Newfoundland and Labrador. positions advertised for the summer of 2001 fol- Program will build on an existing curriculum for low: primary schools. Associate will develop and test key concepts, lesson plans, and teaching guides. Seabird Research Assistants: Concepts must be relevant to the Newfoundland Gannet Colony Restoration Project and Labrador setting and to ongoing programs in April-September Location: Quebec North Shore wetlands conservation and water quality monitor- Conduct fieldwork for re-establishment of North- ing. ern Gannet colony on a remote island. Much time spent aboard boats, in rugged camping situations, The above internship descriptions serve to illus- long hours observing birds, and recording daily trate one kind of resource that QLF can offer to observations. Project may include rearing live local conservation efforts. In particular, QLF has a gannet chicks. Written report and journal. Out- history of seabird conservation projects. In the mid reach and education to build local support among 1980s QLF co-produced a nine-part radio series residents of nearby French-speaking communities. with CBC Radio about the Quebec North Shore. They have had many projects on the Northern Pen- Seabird Conservation Instructors insula and the coast of Labrador. Other bird June-August Location: Quebec North Shore related projects that QLF has experience with For generations, residents of the Quebec North include the creation of a Checklist for Birds of the Shore have harvested seabirds for food and tradi- Quebec Lower North Shore. tional activities. A conservation program, now in its 24th year, has been successful at working within Manomet Center for Conservation Sciences the local culture to make sure that the harvest is sustainable and that designated areas are fully Manomet's mission is to conserve natural protected. Education activities for youth and the resources for the benefit of wildlife and human general public at a seabird sanctuary are an populations. Manomet established the “Linking important component of this program. Design and Wetlands and Communities” program among sites lead field trips to observe and study birds, super- in Canada, U.S. and Mexico that share the same vise locally-hired staff, oversee training operations migratory birds at different times of the year and and logistics, conduct community outreach, and introduced thousands of regional schoolchildren to keep field notes and other records. migration banding at Manomet.

Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 121 Chapter 8: IBA Conservation Resources

The Lighthouse Society of Newfoundland and Africa within the Avian Demography Unit (ADU). Labrador The ADU conducts research in partnership with BirdLife South Africa, the national partner. The Lighthouse Society of Newfoundland and (http://www.uct.ac.za/depts/stats/adu/seabirds/) Labrador is a loose association of lighthouse fans, community groups, economic development associ- Opportunities for Birders Volunteer Directory ations, heritage groups and private businesses with a light station connection. Their mission is “To Projects requiring the assistance of volunteer bird- facilitate the preservation of the physical assets of ers can advertise to attract them on this site. Also a the Province's light stations and to preserve and good place to get ideas for bird monitoring and communicate their histories, through partnership other projects. In addition, birders from this prov- with government agencies, community groups and ince seeking opportunities for experience else- interested members of the general public.” where can find the information at this site required to get hooked up with existing projects. There are 8.8. Other Bird and/or Marine Web Sites and currently no listings for projects in Newfoundland Educational Resources of Interest and Labrador. The following are illustrative examples taken from the above website: Newfoundland Bird Sightings on the Internet (http://www.americanbirding.org/opps/ voldiaa.htm) The Internet discussion group nf.birds is the local arena for discussion of bird sightings in the prov- Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) ince. It is carried by most Internet service provid- Location: Active in all Canadian provinces and ers in the province and is also universally available territories. See listing under North America. on the web at http://groups.google.com/ by enter- Project: Designed to detect and measure year-to- ing “nf.birds’ in the search box. year and long-term changes in breeding bird populations. A standardized roadside survey run mainly International Migratory Bird Day (IMBD) by volunteers. Observers count all birds seen or heard at 50 three-minute stops along a designated IMBD exists to focus attention on the nearly 350 40- kilometer route. species of migratory birds that travel between nesting habitats in North America and non-breeding Skills: Participants must be highly skilled in identi- grounds in South and Central America, Mexico, fication of birds by song and sight. and the Caribbean. IMBD is held on the second Commitment: Participants should expect to partic- Saturday in May. In 2001, IMBD falls on May 12. ipate over a number of years. Routes are prefera- IMBD is the hallmark outreach event for Partners bly run by the same observer each year. In Flight (PIF). Logistics: Participants use own vehicle. Many par- (http://www.americanbirding.org/imbd/imbd- ticipants prefer to bring along an assistant for gen.htm) note-taking and timing. Contact: Connie Downes, Canadian Wildlife Ser- BirdLife International Seabird Conservation vice, National Wildlife Research Centre, Hull, PQ Programme K1A 0H3; 819/953-1425; fax 819/953-6612; email: [email protected] BirdLife International Seabird Conservation Pro- gramme: the primary role is the advocacy of sea- BC Coastal Waterbird Survey bird conservation issues to all relevant governments, non-government and intergovern- Location: Coastal areas of British Columbia. mental organizations, as well as to the informed Project: THE BC Coastal Waterbird Survey public. It is funded by the Royal Society for the (BCCWS), through a network of volunteers, Protection of Birds, the United Kingdom's Partner regional organizers, naturalist groups, government and is based at the University of Cape Town, South agencies and non-government organizations, aims

122 Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 Chapter 8: IBA Conservation Resources to monitor waterbirds in coastal areas of British Contact: Trina Fitzgerald, Atlantic Bird Observa- Columbia. The Survey will provide data that will tory, Biology Department, Acadia University, assess the annual changes and long-term trends in Wolfville, NS B0P 1X0; 902/585/1313; fax: 902/ population size and distribution of coastal water- 585/1059; email: [email protected] birds, and will be used to conserve coastal waterbird populations and habitats in British Columbia. To list a Project: Participants are free to choose a survey site, or American Birding Association welcomes submis- contact the BC Coastal Waterbird Survey Coordi- sions to the its Opportunities for Birders directory nator for help in choosing a survey site in their at any time. The current directory is posted here on area.When: Participants are asked to survey our web site, and is regularly updated to include waterbirds at a designated survey site once a any new entries we receive throughout the year. month with an emphasis from September to April. The Directory lists bird-related volunteer opportu- Commitment: While we hope people will adopt a nities in Canada, the United States and a few from BCCWS site and continue to visit for years to Central and South America. come, we appreciate whatever efforts you can make. If your programs include bird-related field, office Skills: Surveyors must be comfortable identifying or other work that could benefit from those with all waterbird species that regularly occur in the birding expertise, don’t miss out on the opportunity survey area. of a free listing of your projects in our Opportuni- Contact: BC Coastal Waterbird Survey Coordina- ties for Birders directory. Our 2001 directory tor, BC Programs, Bird Studies Canada, 5421, included more than 650 projects from federal and Robertson Rd., RR 1, Delta, British Columbia, V4K state agencies as well as a variety of non-govern- 3N2; 604/940-4696 or 877/349-BIRD; email: mental organizations. [email protected] Open Air: Natural History Radio from New- Migration Monitoring at the Atlantic Bird Obser- foundland and Labrador vatory 3/01 Location: On two coastal islands off the southern The flagship community radio show of the Alder tip of Nova Scotia. Approximately 250 km south of Institute, Open Air is broadcast weekly for one Halifax. hour to the eastern Avalon of Newfoundland on Project: Involves monitoring migratory birds CHMR-FM and to the world in Real Audio on the through the use of banding, mist-netting, census, Internet. Open Air is a magazine style radio pro- and casual observations. Data collected contrib- gram with a special focus on the natural history of utes to larger scale efforts conducted by the Cana- the province and a great deal of material on birds dian Migration Monitoring Network. and IBA related topics. When: Spring monitoring commences during the last week of April until the first week of June. Fall Radio programs and other audio projects are avail- monitoring commences mid August and continues able for listening on the Internet in Real Audio until 30 October. from an audio archive maintained by the Alder Commitment: Minimum of one week, longer-term Institute. volunteers given preference. (http://alder.nf.ca/openair.html) Skills: Bird identification (sight and sound), mist- net extraction, and banding skills preferred but not John Maunder's Newfoundland and Labrador necessary. Training is provided. Natural Sciences Website Logistics: Live on a remote island in a rustic cabin. Boat trips to the islands are provided. Volunteers The personal website of the Newfoundland must provide own transportation to the mainland Museum's Curator of Natural History. An invalu- wharf. Room and board provided for long-term able source of natural history links for the prov- volunteers (1 month or more), shorter term volun- ince. teers will pay small fee.

Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 123 Chapter 8: IBA Conservation Resources

(http://www.nfmuseum.com/nhistlnk.htm) Ecology Action Centre, Nova Scotia

The Newfoundland Bird Paintings of Roger The Ecology Action Centre has been an active Tory Peterson advocate, protecting the environment since 1971. The Centre's earliest projects included recycling, This is a traveling exhibit from the Newfoundland composting, and energy conservation, and these Museum. are now widely recognized environmental issues. Currently we are focussing on Marine, Wilderness, The 33 colour plates (the Great Auk plate was Transportation, and Environment & Development reproduced in black and white), along with an Issues, with a connection to the School Ground additional 39 pen and ink drawings, were done Naturalization project. under contract to the Newfoundland Government. (http://www.chebucto.ns.ca/Environment/EAC/ The rights to the original colour artwork were pur- index.html) chased by the government at the time of delivery, and the paintings now reside in the Newfoundland Bird Study Merit Badge Museum, as part of the Museum’s Natural History Collection. The traveling exhibit presents the 33 Scouting for Birds is a non-profit web site designed original watercolour paintings. to promote Bird Study Merit Badge. While this is (http://www.nfmuseum.com/peterson.htm) an American program it may be an appropriate model to adapt for use with whatever organized Climate Change Education Centre in New- youth groups exist in a local area. foundland (http://k2gw.tripod.com/birdstudy/index.html)

Climate Change can affect the status and distribu- Online Data Base of Canada’s International tion of marine birds and their prey and through Commitments, Commissioner of the Environ- changes in sea level alter the availability of breed- ment and Sustainable Development ing habitat, particularly for birds nesting at low ele- vations such as eider ducks. Canada is a party to many international environmental agreements. This database provides users The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is with key information about some of these. Agree- planning to establish an information and coordina- ments and the commitments found in them. For tion centre for climate change activities to give a additional information see about the database. stronger awareness and understanding of the (http://pubx.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/A_Branch/AES/ causes and implications of climate change and glo- Env_commitments.nsf/Homepage) bal warming. For information, access (http://www.gov.nf.ca/releases/2000/mines&en/ Interactive Web-Based Ecology Course 1221n02.htm) The University of Toronto introductory biology Protocol for Monitoring Seabirds course has developed a suite of web based labora- tory exercises which emphasize experimentation A Report By The Marine Biodiversity Monitoring and hands-on skills, and which are designed to Committee (Atlantic Maritime Ecological Science augment lectures on evolution, ecology, and Cooperative, Huntsman Marine Science Center) to behaviour. At the web site there is an online exer- The Ecological Monitoring And Assessment Net- cise exploring the conservation of the Whooping work of Environment Canada by Antony W. Dia- Crane. Users design a management program to mond. The report can be read online from save the endangered species and learn some con- http://www.cciw.ca/eman-temp/research/proto- servation biology and population ecology along the cols/seabirds/intro.html or obtained from the way. This website could serve as a model for a author, Antony Diamond. more locally relevant project designed to learn

124 Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 Chapter 8: IBA Conservation Resources about the population ecology of marine birds in NFB Video Distribution Partners in Newfound- Newfoundland and Labrador. land: (http://www.cquest.utoronto.ca/zoo/bio150y/ cranes/) Corner Brook Public Library Sir Richard Squires Building National Film Board of Canada (NFB) Corner Brook A2H 6J8 Tel.: 709 634-0013 Created in 1939, the National Film Board of Can- ada (NFB) is a public agency that produces and Provincial Information and Library Resources distributes films and other audiovisual works Board which reflect Canada to Canadians and the rest of Arts and Culture Centre the world. St. John' s A1B 3A3 Tel.: 709 737-2133 The NFB, as the storehouse of a large part of the country's audiovisual heritage, in the form of a col- Among the NFB titles are several relating to lection of over 10,000 titles, has always been and marine birds and/or Newfoundland seabird colo- remains a cultural organization, while acting as an nies. A list of some relevant titles follows: important catalyst of social change. It is also a centre of filmmaking and video technology and can Season of the Eiders, 1999, 50 min 02 sec pride itself on some of the most remarkable techni- Gannets of Bonaventure, 1978, 27 min 50 sec cal breakthroughs in film production. Roger Tory Peterson: Portrait of a Birdwatcher, 1978, 57 min 40 sec From anywhere in Canada, a toll-free number, 1- The Funks, 1977, 27 min 50 sec 800-267-7710, allows people to order directly Puffins, Predators and Pirates, 1976, 27 min 50 sec films and videocassettes from the NFB. The Winds of Fogo, 1969, 20 min 24 sec Adventure in Newfoundland, 1964, 16 min 03 sec Several years ago, as the NFB began to close its Along Newfoundland's Shores, 1962, 7 min 13 sec own audiovisual libraries, it initiated partnerships with public libraries to make video collections Newfoundland Sea Birds, 1961, 13 min 58 sec accessible at a local level. Furthermore, the NFB 8.9. The Newfoundland and Labrador Arts sought out other community organizations nation- Community wide and provided them with favourable conditions so they could establish a core collection. Large The Craft Council of Newfoundland and Labra- video collections of NFB titles are available at dor most major Canadian public libraries. The NFB has also negotiated some agreements with inde- The Craft Council of Newfoundland and Labrador pendent distributors and its productions are avail- is a member-based organization that works to max- able in many video stores, bookstores and imize the artistic and economic potential of the department stores. craft community of the province. (http://www.craftcouncil.nf.ca/about/profile.asp) Many NFB films are designed specifically for classroom use, while others are ideal for enrich- The Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council ment purposes. This market represents 40% of all videocassette sales for the NFB. The NFB is a sup- plier of Canadian educational material to most “It is our creative ability that ensures our sur- Canadian school boards, to a wide number of sec- vival as a recognizable people and culture, and ondary and elementary schools and some universi- enables us also to contribute to the enrichment ties. of the nation of which we form a distinctive part.” -G.M. Story

Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 125 Chapter 8: IBA Conservation Resources

The Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council is a The Osprey nonprofit organization whose purpose is to foster the arts of the province by operating financial Natural History Society of Newfoundland and assistance programmes; providing services and Labrador: The Society publishes its journal “THE resources; and by working with government and OSPREY” on a quarterly basis. the community for development in the arts. (http://www.nlac.nf.ca/html/home.htm) Naturalist Roger Etcheberry regularly publishes reports on bird sightings from Saint Pierre et Newfoundland Independent Filmmakers Coop- Miquelon in the Osprey. erative (NIFCO) (http://www.nhs.nf.ca/)

NIFCO was founded in 1975 by a group of artists IBA News Canada to tell Newfoundland's stories on film. NIFCO now has a complete 16mm production facility available The IBA Program publishes a newsletter called to all members regardless of funding. The co-op is IBA News Canada. a production centre, a meeting place for filmmak- (http://www.ibacanada.com/newsletter/news.htm). ers and offers Introductory filmmaking courses and a First Film Program for newcomers. Nature Canada

NIFCO’s website is currently under construction: CNF publishes a magazine called Nature Canada (http://enterprise.newcomm.net/filmcan/ about issues that affect the environment and what NIFCO.htm) readers can do to help nature. (http://www.cnf.ca/naturecanada/index.html). 8.10. Communication Opportunities Quebec Labrador Foundation Compass The Telegram The QLF Magazine Columbus Drive, P.O. Box 5970, St. John's, Ornithos Newfoundland, A1C 5X7 (http://www.thetelegram.com/) Published by the LPO.

The Charter Full colour journal appearing six times per year (from 2001), aimed at the active birder and field P.O. Box 101, Jerseyside, Newfoundland A0B 2G0 ornithologist. In French, but with English summa- Phone: (709) 227-5240 ries of main items. Typical contents include: Fax: (709) 227-3892 papers on identification, status and biology of [email protected] birds in France, annual report of the national rari- (http://www.rb.nf.ca/charter/charabou.htm) ties committee results of censuses of breeding birds, waterbirds, etc., birding hotspots, notes on The Southern Gazette bird behaviour and status, news items from France and around the world, book reviews, etc. P.O. Box 1116, Marystown, Newfoundland A0E (http://www.chew.demon.co.uk/lpo.htm#L'Oiseau) 2M0 Phone: (709) 279-3188 L'Oiseau Magazine Fax: (709) 279-2628 [email protected] Full colour magazine published quarterly by the (http://www.rb.nf.ca/gazette/gazabout.htm) LPO, with reduced subscription rates for members. Aimed at everyone with an interest in birds in France – the best and most lively source of infor-

126 Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 Chapter 8: IBA Conservation Resources mation around. In French, of course, but very The IBA Community Action Fund will fund projects approachable and well worth the effort for any under the following three areas: birdwatcher wanting an agreeable way of brushing up on the language. Conservation (http://www.chew.demon.co.uk/lpo.htm#L'Oiseau) • implementation of conservation actions where a clear need is identified (eg. activities identified in 8.11. Funding Sources an IBA conservation plan or in other planning processes); Important Bird Areas – Community Action • local monitoring programs; Fund (IBA-CAF) • habitat enhancement, rehabilitation or restoration projects. The purpose of the Important Bird Areas Commu- Education nity Action Fund is to provide funding support for • education programs designed to increase public high-priority projects which contribute to the con- • awareness of an Important Bird Area and its impor- servation of bird species and their habitats within tance to bird conservation; an Important Bird Area. Emphasis of the fund is IBA landowner awareness programs. local conservation action. Research (lower priority) All projects must be conducted within an officially • applied research on bird conservation (priority will recognized Important Bird Area (IBA), contribute be given to projects focusing on the bird species for to the conservation of the birds and habitats for which the IBA is important). which the site has been identified, and implement activities where a clear need is demonstrated (pri- In 2001 there were two projects in Newfoundland ority will be given to activities identified during a which were funded by the IBA-CAF. The Alder conservation planning process). A list of eligible Institute launched a long-term bird recording and IBA sites will be provided by the Canadian Nature seabird monitoring collaboration with the Cana- Federation for each new funding cycle. Maximum dian Wildlife Service called Census and Sounds annual grant is $5,000. A 1:1 match is required, and censused several Leach’s Storm-Petrel colo- which may be cash, in-kind (eg. materials and/or nies designated as IBAs. Graduate students in the volunteer time), or a combination of both. Match- Biospychology Programme at Memorial Univer- ing funds must be in place prior to the disburse- sity launched an outreach program to communicate ment of the first installment. Grants up to $10,000 the results of their research to communities near may be approved for exceptional projects where the IBA sites in which they work. the proponent has secured a 2:1 cash match. For more information about the IBA-CAF visit: The IBA Community Action Fund provides grants http://www.ibacanada.com/ibacaf.htm to individuals or groups for high-priority IBA projects which contribute to the conservation of Bird Studies Canada-The James L. Baillie bird species and their habitats within an IBA. To Memorial Fund be eligible for funding, the project area must: The Baillie Fund aims to encourage field studies by 1. be an officially recognized Important Bird amateur naturalists and to support projects which Area, as identified by the Canadian Nature increase or disseminate knowledge of birds in their Federation and Bird Studies Canada; natural environment or contribute to their preser- 2. have a conservation/management plan either vation. Priority is given to projects that enable in progress or completed (priority will be enthusiastic amateurs and volunteers to put their given to those sites with an IBA conservation interest to work to support conservation efforts or plan either in progress or completed). increase our knowledge of Canadian birds.

Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 127 Chapter 8: IBA Conservation Resources

Individuals and organizations are both eligible for Environment Canada's Science Horizons Youth support. Most grants are between $200 and $3000 Internship Program and they average about $1000. Grants are awarded annually on a competitive basis, but Environment Canada's Science Horizons Program multi-year support will be considered. is a collaborative effort with Canadian universi- ties, the private sector and provinces and territo- The Fund offers three types of grants: ries which offers promising young scientists and post-secondary graduates hands-on experience Regular Grants support projects that involve working on environmental projects under the men- research or education or that contribute to torship and coaching of experienced scientists and the preservation of Canadian birds. program managers. (http://www.ec.gc.ca/sci_hor/) Migration Monitoring Grants are awarded in support of a special program which began in 1994 to Community Services Council Newfoundland initiate and support migration monitoring stations and Labrador (bird observatories) that monitor Canadian land- birds as part of the Canadian Migration Monitor- Mission Statement: The Community Services ing Network. The Baillie Fund is committed to Council is an independent, voluntary organization providing support for migration monitoring dedicated to promoting social and economic well- projects until the year 2003. being. It acts as a catalyst to enhance the voluntary sector and to bring together community organiza- Student Field Research Grants are funded tions, governments and individuals in identifying through the James L. Baillie Student Award for needs and concerns. As a leading social planning Field Research. and research organization, CSC, in collaboration with others, initiates analysis of critical issues, for- The Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council mulates policy objectives and develops strategies and services to improve human well-being. Craft Council of Newfoundland and Labrador Community Business Development Corporation Scholarships and Study Grants are available, as Programs are funds to support product development projects and public awareness programming. The Craft Community Business Development Corporations Council's Awards Committee also administers a (CBDCs) today received a funding commitment of Community Education Program which aims to $10 million to support the development of small- strengthen the awareness of the value of craft to and medium-size enterprises in communities the community and the individual. affected by the downturn in the groundfish industry in Newfoundland and Labrador. Since the mid-1970's, the Craft Council has been circulating and re-circulating a loan fund of Funding, through the Canada-Newfoundland $25,000. As members repay existing loans, funds Agreement for the Economic Development Compo- are re-lent to other members. Funds, to a maximum nent of the Canadian Fisheries Adjustment and of $3,000, are normally used for the purchase of Restructuring Initiative (EDC), was announced by supplies or equipment. For an application form, Senator Joan Cook on behalf of George Baker, contact the Craft Council at info@craftcoun- Minister of Veterans Affairs and Secretary of State cil.nf.ca for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (http://www.craftcouncil.nf.ca/about/awards.asp) (ACOA), Beaton Tulk, Minister of Development and Rural Renewal and Nick Hurley, president, Newfoundland and Labrador Association Commu- nity Business Development Corporations.

128 Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 Chapter 8: IBA Conservation Resources

Funding available through CBDCs is complemen- business or purchasing an existing operation. In tary to other types of business funding: micro-lend- addition clients can also access free business training through organizations such as the ing and counseling. Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Coop- eratives and the Newfoundland and Labrador Young Entrepreneurs ConneXion - Seed Capi- Organization for Women Entrepreneurs, ACOA’s tal and Counseling Program business development program, the Department of Development and Rural Renewal’s Strategic In partnership with the Atlantic Canada Opportu- Enterprise Development Fund, and commercial nities Agency (A.C.O.A.), the CBDCs offer individ- lending through banks. uals under the age of 30, small business start-up and expansion financing to a maximum of $15,000. The three-year $81.25 million Canada-Newfound- Up to $2,000, by way of non-repayable contribu- land Agreement for the Economic Development tion, is also available for training and business Component of the Canadian Fisheries Adjustment counseling. and Restructuring Initiative (EDC) was signed on August 16, 1999. The agreement is designed to Conservation Corps Green Teams build upon the strategic plans and priorities of the Regional Economic Development Boards to The vision of the Conservation Corps is that young improve the long-term economic climate in regions people will lead change in environmental, eco- impacted by the downturn in the groundfish indus- nomic and cultural development and ethics in New- try. foundland and Labrador.

It is delivered federally by ACOA and provincially The mandate of Conservation Corps Newfound- by the Department of Development and Rural land and Labrador is to provide young people with Renewal. (from a Development and Rural Renewal meaningful work, training and educational oppor- News Release, March 13, 2000) tunities in the areas of environmental and cultural (http://www.gov.nf.ca/releases/2000/drr/ heritage conservation and enhancement and pro- 0313n08.htm) mote a strong conservation ethic in Newfoundland and Labrador. CBDCs provide Financial Assistance Programs For Small Business including the following three: The Conservation Corps solicits project proposals from community and corporate groups around the CBDC Financial Assistance. province, and provides assistance and advice in designing these projects. A Green Team project The CBDCs offer financial assistance in the form may be approved if the proposal meets the follow- of fully repayable small business loans to profit- ing criteria: it provides a meaningful work experi- oriented organizations wanting to start, expand or ence for youth; it is able to be carried out by a modernize a small business. The loans have a group of four young people in a 7-8 week time maximum limit of $125,000. From the perspective frame; and it benefits the community and sur- of each CBDC, the jobs created should be filled by rounding environment. If a project is approved a residents of that region. Each regional CBDC has partnership begins between the community group it’s own specific eligibility and assessment criteria. and the Conservation Corps. The Board of Directors is made up by individuals (http://www.conservationcorps.nf.ca/html/green- from the communities served. team.htm)

Self - Employment Benefit (SEB) Program Funding Guide Available from Environment Canada Human Resources Development Canada (H.R.D.C.) offers self-employment benefits to eligi- Environment Canada's new funding guide entitled ble individuals interested in starting their own “The Green Source – A Quick Reference to Fund-

Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 129 Chapter 8: IBA Conservation Resources ing Sources for Environmental Projects by Non- North American Free Trade Agreement. NACEC Profit Organizations in the Atlantic Provinces” is has a perennial funding offer through it’s North now available at http://www.atl.ec.gc.ca/commu- American Fund for Environmental Cooperation nity/resources.html#Fundraising (NAFEC). For information, access http://www.cec.org The Guide includes over one hundred potential sources of assistance for projects. A paper copy Canadian Museums Association Youth Employ- can be obtained by phoning 1-800-663-5755. ment Strategy

Quebec Labrador Foundation, Partners in The CMA administers a number of youth employ- Learning ment programs funded under the Youth Employ- Partners in Learning is a Newfoundland Project ment Strategy of Human Resources Development that provides some funding perhaps best suited for Canada. The Young Canada Works in Heritage oral history type projects. Institutions program creates summer jobs across Canada and the Youth International Internship The North American Commission for Environ- Program places interns abroad. mental Cooperation (NACEC) (http://www.museums.ca/anreport/pages/youth- strategy.htm) Migratory birds cross international boundaries and marine conservation is very much affected by the

130 Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 Chapter 8: IBA Conservation Resources

8.12. Electoral District and Political Represen- tation

Effecting change on multiple levels of organization includes educating local politicians and their opposition about the issues. The following figures show details of federal and provincial political representation in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Figure 8-3: Map Showing Federal Political Repre- sentation in Newfoundland and Labrador

Figure 8-4: Map Showing Provincial Political Repre- sentation in Newfoundland and Labrador

Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 131 Chapter 8: IBA Conservation Resources

8.13. Additional District Maps of Interest for Newfoundland and Labrador

The following figures reproduced from the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador website (http://www.nfstats.gov.nf.ca/Maps/)

Figure 8-6: Strategic Social Plan Regions

Figure 8-5: Provincial School Districts

Figure 8-7: Economic Planning Zones

132 Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 Chapter 8: IBA Conservation Resources

Figure 8-8: Health and Community Service Board Districts

Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 133 Chapter 8: IBA Conservation Resources

134 Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 Chapter 9: What’s Next: Recommendations

9. What’s Next: Recommenda- • Explore the development of alternative travel routes for regular vessel traffic that currently pass close by tions the area. • Make marine tour outfitters aware of the need to The following are some suggestions for projects leave wintering seaducks undisturbed and increase that would involve people in efforts to 1. increase awareness among potential marine tourists to the awareness of the threats faced by marine birds, 2. area of the importance of giving wintering birds a reduce existing threats and 3. prevent further wide berth. threats. Elsewhere in this document are sources of ideas on potential partners, funding and communi- 9.3. Suggestions Specific to Breeding Birds cation opportunities. This information is in no way exhaustive. This document is intended as a starting • Develop public awareness concerning the needs and value of breeding marine birds. point only. It is meant to evolve through amend- • Ensure that hazards to shipping in the vicinity of ment and review by those using it. breeding sites are minimized to prevent accidental oil spills associated with vessel accidents. 9.1. Suggestions for Research • Explore the development of alternative travel routes for regular vessel traffic that currently pass close by PIROP (Programme Intégré de Recherches sur les the area. Oiseaux Pélagiques) In consultation with CWS, • Make marine tour outfitters aware of the need to develop a strategy to contribute to the PIROP data- give breeding seaducks and seabirds a wide berth base and if feasible form a plan to do so in a way and increase awareness among potential marine that generates employment and career training tourists to the area about the behaviors of breeding opportunities for local people. This would involve seabirds when disturbed. training and placing observors on participating ves- • Create awareness around the need to provide for the long-term and systematic monitoring of all marine sels and training existing mariners interested in bird populations breeding, moulting and wintering collecting marine bird observations. in the waters off Newfoundland and Labrador. • Explore the potential to initiate and maintain long- Local Knowledge. Develop programs to record term population monitoring through breeding bird and enhance local ecological knowledge surveys and banding programs.

Population Monitoring 9.4. Suggestions for Education and Public Awareness Explore the development of a variety of monitoring tools, either expanding on existing efforts or initi- Oral History. Develop a series of Oral history ating new ones; for example: projects to document the historical and contemporary relationships of people to marine birds and the • Christmas bird counts marine environment. • Beached bird surveys for oiled birds • Banding programs School Curriculum. Explore development of • Breeding bird surveys educational curriculum materials on marine birds and their habitat requirements. 9.2. Suggestions Specific to Wintering Seaducks Extra-curriculum. Develop a series of extra-cur- • Develop awareness among the public and hunters riculum educational materials for a series of age concerning the needs of wintering seaducks. groups and in a variety of media. For example: • Ensure that hazards to shipping in the vicinity of wintering and sites are minimized to prevent acci- • biologically informative coloring books for small dental oil spills associated with vessel accidents. children • a series of locally relevant marine bird calendars

Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 135 Chapter 9: What’s Next: Recommendations

• locally specific laminated field “flash guides” of marine birds suitable for convenient use in pockets 9.5. Suggestions Specific to Harvesting and aboard small boats In consultation with residents and the Canadian Youth Groups. Develop a marine bird program Wildlife Service develop research efforts and pub- for use by local youth groups. lic awareness strategies designed to insure the long-term compatibility of human harvests with the Birders Checklist. Develop a Birders Checklist health of bird populations. for the area. For examples see the Checklist of the Birds of Insular Newfoundland and its continental • Develop a hunter awareness campaign focused on Shelf waters by the NHSNL (http://www.nhs.nf.ca/ the identification of various seaduck and seabird checklist.htm) and a similar checklist developed by species and an understanding of their breeding ecol- the QLF for the Quebec Lower North Shore. ogy Develop a migrating bird checklist for distribution • Develop an awareness among hunters of the magni- to the public. tude of preventable adult bird mortality that results from non-hunting sources such as fisheries bycatch Oil pollution. Develop relationships between peo- and marine oil pollution ple, schools and groups interested in the prevention • Encourage communications between relevant parties on how to reduce preventable and undesired of marine pollution from along the entire coast of sources of bird mortality Newfoundland and Labrador. • Develop a program to encourage hunters to report their sightings of other birds and wildlife CAFF Pamphlet. In consultation with CWS and CAFF, adapt the CAFF pamphlet “Seabirds and Science Outreach. Develop programs where You: Sharing the Ocean” for local use. those who do research on marine birds relevant to the area visit schools and other community venues At-Sea Field Guide. Develop a Field Identifica- tion Guide for observers at sea, possibly building to share the results of their work with local people. on Brown et al. 1968. Distribute the guide to the Artist in Residence Program: Explore the poten- marine vessel community. tial of sponsoring artist visitation to areas expressly for the purpose of creating works about the birds Community Resource Directory. Collaborate and/or relationships between birds and people. with the Community Services Council to create a These residency periods could include visits to guide to resources available to help those involved schools or offering artmaking workshops to com- in community planning for marine conservation. munities in the summer or school year. For local models and potential partners see the artist in resi- Audio, Theatre and Film. Explore the use of dence program at Gros Morne National Park and Audio, Theatre and Film as entertaining and liter- the Pouch Cove Foundation (http://www.pouch- acy independent ways to distribute information. cove.org/visual.html). Also explore the history of For example assist in the distribution of existing the MUN Extension Service which hosted an Artist and develop new: in Residence program in several communities around the province in the 1970s. • web-based audio materials detailing the natural history of marine birds and marine ecology • home-audio materials that entertain and educate the Migratory Connections. Explore the possibility listener about the natural history of marine birds of cooperative studies with communities that share and marine ecology the same migratory birds at different times of the • community and commercial radio exposure for year. For example eiders and murres are potential marine bird conservation material links to Labrador, Greenland, the Canadian Arctic • locally relevant and contemporary theatre, films and the Eastern United States. and videos relevant to marine bird conservation

136 Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 Chapter 9: What’s Next: Recommendations

9.6. Suggestions Specific to the Fishery into future fisheries regulations such that fishing effort is reduced during periods of the year, and at Based on their observations of seabird bycatch in locations, when and where seabird bycatch is a insular Newfoundland, Piatt and Nettleship (1987) significant problem. recommended the following actions to reduce The use of monofilament gillnets should be dis- bycatch: continued in areas where seabird bycatch is known to occur and is a particular problem, such as in the 1. Regulation of the timing of use of gillnets so as to vicinity of seabird colonies. avoid critical periods, such as when Capelin swim inshore to spawn; The full report from which the above is drawn is 2. Restrictions on the use of gillnets in particularly available at http://www.grida.no/caff/ sensitive areas, such as around major seabird colo- tr1_itr1.htm#canada. nies; 3. Use of bycatch quotas for seabirds much the same Fisheries Resource Conservation Council as is in place for fish bycatch. (FRCC). Engage the FRCC with reference to interpreting aspects of their mandate and how they John Chardine in a review of the problem made the apply to marine bird-fisheries interactions: following recommendations to improve institu- tional response to seabird bycatch in Canada. 3.2 To develop a more profound understanding of fish-producing ecosystems including the inter-rela- Monitoring of seabird bycatch is needed in tionships between species and the effects of areas likely to experience problems such as near changes in the marine environment on stocks. concentrations of seabirds at breeding colonies and offshore feeding areas. 4.3 The Council may recommend any measures Monitoring of seabird bycatch should become considered necessary and appropriate for conser- an integral part of activities of fisheries observers vation purposes such as TACs, closure of areas to on vessels fishing in Canadian waters. fishing during specific periods, approaches to Canadian Wildlife Service and Department of avoid catching sub-optimal sized fish or unwanted Fisheries and Oceans should co-operate with fish- species, and restrictions on the characteristics or ers and university researchers in the development use of fishing gears. of modifications to monofilament gillnets that would make them less prone to seabird bycatch. Nautical Charts Net colour and the use of alarms may be promising avenues of work. Encourage development of efforts to improve the To raise the awareness of seabird bycatch as a quality of nautical charts for the area to reduce haz- conservation problem in some Canadian fisheries, ards to shipping and to inform vessel operators of an information/education program should be the presence of sensitive wildlife sites and ecologi- developed and directed toward fishers and Cana- cal reserves. dian fisheries management agencies. Current knowledge of the spatial and temporal patterns of seabird bycatch should be incorporated

Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 137 Chapter 9: What’s Next: Recommendations

9.7. Suggestions Specific to the Tourism Indus- on the Grand Banks, seabird species that winter try there and those that breed off the Northeast coast of Newfoundland. Many of the above project ideas can be adapted for • Develop awareness around the regulatory regimes application to the tourism industry. In addition the governing the exploration and development of both following more focused suggestions are examples onshore and offshore oil and gas in the province and how marine birds may be affected. of projects that would specifically target this sec- • Develop awareness around the Rights Issuance tor: Regime for both onshore and offshore oil development and how it may interfere with the protection • Develop television and/or radio advertisements of areas for the conservation of birds and other about the effects of disturbance on breeding and marine life. moulting birds. • Develop awareness around the need for indepen- • Develop a region specific pamphlet with sugges- dent monitoring of oil and gas activity. tions on how to minimize the effects of touring on • Develop awareness around the need for the Cana- marine birds. dian Wildlife Service to involve itself more in inde- pendently monitoring the distribution of birds at sea Marine Tour operators. Engage existing tour and at breeding colonies and the effects on marine boat operators in public awareness efforts and pro- birds of both onshore and offshore oil activity and vide them with specially produced materials such ship source pollution. as audio natural history products to play on their vessel which will both entertain and inform them 9.9. Suggestions for Formal Protection and their guests. Cartoon like coloring books for children could be designed to depict the effects of • Explore the various options for formally conserving disturbance on birds. these sites for the benefit of marine bird conservation. 9.8. Suggestions Specific to Marine Oil Pollution • Contribute to public awareness of the protective options and the costs and benefits associated with each. • Support local beach surveys for marine oil. • Regardless of the protective status of a site, explore • Plan the collection of baseline data to facilitate the development of Guardian programs for areas detection of changes in the future. sensitive to disturbance. • Request Transport Canada contribute to a small vessel bilge awareness campaign in the area for residents and fisherman 9.10. Sea Duck Joint Venture • Establish what current levels of independent monitoring for ship source oil pollution are in place and The Sea Duck Joint Venture Strategic Plan for consider if the level of surveillance provided is suf- 2001-2006 has a list of specific recommendations ficient to deter the intentional illegal dumping of that should be added to the above. Ways to dove- oily bilge and ballast water tail relevant suggestions from above with the • Encourage the provision of services for marine ves- objectives and strategic plans of the Sea Duck Joint sel operational waste treatment on shore. Venture should also be explored (see “Appendix II • Initiate awareness campaigns around the environ- Sea Duck Joint Venture” on page 143). mental aspects of oil development and explore the broad scale connections between marine pollution

138 Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 References

References Burnett, J. A., W. Lidster, et al. (1994). Saving Cultured Mussels and Waterfowl in New- Anderson, D., F. Gress, et al. (1996). Survival and foundland. St. John's, Canadian Wildlife Ser- Dispersal of Oiled Brown Pelicans After Reha- vice. bilitation and Release. Marine Pollution Bulle- tin 32: 711-718. Canadian Coast Guard. (1998). Prevention of Oiled Wildlife Project, Phase 1, The Problem. St. Anonymous (1990). Newfoundland and Labrador John's, Canadian Coast Guard: 28. Eider Management Plan, Canadian Wildlife Service, Conservation and Protection, Envi- Canadian Coast Guard. (1999). Prevention of Oiled ronment Canada, Atlantic Region, Wildlife Wildlife Project, Phase 2, Identifying Reme- Division, Department of Environment and dial and Preventative Measures to Date to Lands, Government of Newfoundland and Combat Chronic Oil Pollution. St. John's, Labrador. Canadian Coast Guard: 20.

Blanchard, K. A. (1994). Culture and seabird con- Canadian Wildlife Service Waterfowl Committee. servation: the North Shore of the Gulf of St. (2001a). Migratory Game Bird Hunting Regu- Lawrence, Canada. Seabirds on Islands: lations in Canada: July 2001. CWS Migr. Birds Threats, Case Studies and Action Plans. D. N. Regul. Rep. No. 3. Nettleship, J. Burger and M. Gochfeld. Cam- bridge, Birdlife International. No. 1: 294-310. Canadian Wildlife Service Waterfowl Committee. (2001b). Population Status of Migratory Game Briggs, K. T., M. E. Gershwin, et al. (1997). “Con- Birds in Canada: November 2000. CWS Migr. sequences of Petrochemical Ingestion and Birds Regul. Rep. No. 4. Stress on Immune System of Seabirds.” ICES Journal of Marine Science 54: 718-725. Canadian Wildlife Service Waterfowl Committee. (2001c). Proposals to Amend the Canadian Brown, R. G. B., E. L. Mills, et al. (1968). Identify- Migratory Birds Regulations: December 2001. ing Sea-birds of the Northwest Atlantic Ocean CWS Migr. Birds Regul. Rep. No. 5. an Introduction for Ships at Sea. Halifax, Insti- tute of Oceanography, Dalhousie University: Casey, J. M. and R. A. Myers (1998). Near Extinc- 37. tion of a Large, Widely Distributed Fish. Sci- ence 281(5377): 690-692. Brown and Nettleship (1984). In. Croxall, J.P., P.G.H. Evans and R.W. Schreiber (ed.). Status Chapdelaine, G., A.W. Diamond, R.D. Elliot and and conservation of the worlds seabirds. ICBP G.J. Robertson. (2001). Status and population Tech-Bull. No. 2, Cambridge. 778 p. trends of the Razorbill in eastern North Amer- ica. Occasional Paper Number 105, Canadian Burger, A. E. (1993). Estimating the Mortality of Wildlife Service. Seabirds Following Oil Spills: Effects of Spill Volume. Marine Pollution Bulletin 26: 140- Chardine, J. W. (1998.). Review of the seabird 143. bycatch problem in Arctic Canada. In Inciden- tal take of seabirds in commercial fisheries in Burger, J. and M. Gochfeld (1994). Predation and the Arctic countries. Conservation of Arctic effects of humans on island-nesting seabirds. Flora and Fauna (CAFF). Seabirds on Islands: Threats, Case Studies and Action Plans. D. N. Nettleship, J. Burger and Chardine, J.W. (2000). Census of Northern Gannet M. Gochfeld. Cambridge, Birdlife Interna- colonies in the Atlantic Region in 1999. Tech- tional: 29.

Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 139 References

nical Report Series No. 361. Canadian Wildlife Finlayson, C. (1994). Fishing for Truth. St. John's, Service, Atlantic Region. iv. + 23 pp. ISER, Memorial University.

Colman-Sadd, S. and S.A. Scott. (Eds.) (1994). Furness, R. W. and D. G. Ainley (1984). Threats to Newfoundland and Labrador Traveller's Guide Seabird Populations presented by Commercial to the Geology. Geological Association of Fisheries. Status and Conservation of the Canada. world's seabirds. J. P. Croxall, P. G. H. Evans and R. W. Schreiber. Cambridge, International Diamond, A. W. Protocol for Monitoring Seabirds: Council for Bird Preservation. 2: 701-715. A Report by the Marine Biodiversity Monitor- ing Committee (Atlantic Maritime Ecological Gilchrist, G., S. Gilliland, et al. (2001). Population Science Cooperative, Huntsman Marine Sci- dynamics of the Northern Common Eider in ence Center) to the Ecological Monitoring and Canada and Greenland: results of a computer Assessment Network of Environment Canada:. simulation model. St. John's, Canadian Wild- http://eqb-dqe.cciw.ca/eman/ecotools/proto- life Service. cols/marine/seabirds/seabirds_marine_e.pdf Gilliland, S. G., G. J. Robertson, et al. (in prepara- Duffy, D. C. and D. C. Schneider (1994). Seabird- tion). Abundance and Distribution of Harle- fishery interactions: a manager's guide. Sea- quin Ducks Molting in Eastern Canada. birds on Islands: Threats, Case Studies and Action Plans. D. N. Nettleship, J. Burger and Goudie, R. I., S. Brault, et al. (1994). The Status of M. Gochfeld. Cambridge, Birdlife Interna- Sea Ducks in the North Pacific Rim: Toward tional: 318. their Conservation and Management. Fifty- ninth North American Wildlife and Natural Duffy, D. C. (1994). Afterwards: an agenda for Resources Conference, Wildlife Management managing seabirds and islands. Seabirds on Institute. Islands: Threats, Case Studies and Action Plans. D. N. Nettleship, J. Burger and M. Goudie, R. I., G. J. Robertson, et al. (2000). Com- Gochfeld. Cambridge, Birdlife International. mon Eider. The Birds of North America. A. No. 1: 311-318. Poole and F. Gill. Philadelphia, PA, The Birds of North America, Inc. 546: 32. Environmental Assessment Panel. (1999). Report on the Proposed Voisey’s Bay Mine and Mill Government of Canada. (1994). Canada Wildlife Project. Minister of Public Works and Govern- Act, Minister of Supply and Services Canada. ment Services Canada. Government of Canada. (1997). Wildlife Area Eppley, Z. A. (1992). Assessing the Indirect Regulations, Minister of Supply and Services Affects of Oil in the Presence of Natural Varia- Canada. tion. Marine Pollution Bulletin 25: 307-312. Government of Canada. (1999). Migratory Birds Eppley, Z. A. and M. A. Rubega (1996). Indirect Regulations. Effects of an Oil Spill: Reproductive Failure in a Population of South Polar Skuas Following Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. the Bahia Pariaso, Oil Spill in Antarctica. (1980). Wilderness and Ecological Reserves Marine Ecological Progress Series 67: 1-6. Act, Queen's Printer.

Etcheberry, Roger. (2001) Summer in Saint- Hearne, E. P. (1999). Effect of tour boat activity Pierre et Miquelon Islands. Birders Journal within an ecological reserve on the behaviour Vol. 10, No. 4: 216. of three Atlantic alcids: common murres (Uria aalge), razorbills (Alca torda), and Atlantic

140 Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 References

puffins (Fratercula arctica). Dept. of Biology. Mactavish, B. (1999f). Site Nomination Form: Memorial University of Newfoundland Grand Colombier Island, Important Bird Areas in Canada: 4. Innis, H. A. (1940). The Cod Fisheries: The His- tory of an International Economy. Toronto, Mactavish, B. (1999g). Site Nomination Form: University of Toronto Press. Miquelon Cape, Important Bird Areas in Can- ada: 4. Jacques Whitford Environment Limited (1997). Voisey’s Bay 1996 Environmental Baseline Montevecchi, W. A. and L. M. Tuck (1987). New- Technical Data Report: Avifauna foundland Birds: Exploitation, Study, Conser- vation. Cambridge, Massachusetts, Nuttall Labrador Inuit Association. (1977). Our Footprints Ornithological Club. are Everywhere. Nain, Labrador Inuit Associa- tion. Nettleship, D.N. 1972. Breeding success of the Common Puffin (Fratercula arctica L.) on dif- Lock, A.R. 1986. A census of Common Eiders ferent habitats at Great Island, Newfoundland. breeding in Labrador and the Maritime Prov- Ecological Monographs 42: 239-268. inces. In A. Reed (ED.) Eider ducks in Can- ada. Report Series Number 47, Canadian Nettleship, D. N., and Birkhead, T. R., eds., (1985) Wildlife Service. The Atlantic Alcidae: Orlando, Academic Press, p. 574. Lock, A. R., R. G. B. Brown, et al. (1994). Gazet- teer of marine birds in Atlantic Canada: an Piatt, J. F. and Nettleship, D.N. 1987. Incidental atlas of sea bird vulnerability to oil pollution. catch of marine birds and mammals in fishing Ottawa, Canadian Wildlife Service, Atlantic nets off Newfoundland, Canada. Marine Poll. Region: 1 atlas (viii, 137 p.): ca. 100 maps Bull. 18: 344-349. (some col.). Piatt, J. F., Nettleship, D.N. and Threlfall, W. Mactavish, B. (1999a). Site Nomination Form: 1984. Net-mortality of Common Murres and Witless Bay Islands, Important Bird Areas in Atlantic Puffins in Newfoundland, 1951-81. Canada: 4. Pp.196-206 in D. N. Nettleship, G. A. Sanger, and P. F. Springer (eds). Marine birds: their Mactavish, B. (1999b). Site Nomination Form: feeding ecology and commercial fisheries rela- Cape St. Mary’s, Important Bird Areas in Can- tionships. Supply and Services Canada, ada: 4. Ottawa.

Mactavish, B. (1999c). Site Nomination Form: Robertson, G.J. (in prep.). Status of the Manx Corbin Island, Important Bird Areas in Can- Shearwater, Puffinus puffinus, colony on Mid- ada: 4. dle Lawn Island, Newfoundland, 23 years after establishment. Mactavish, B. (1999d). Site Nomination Form: Middle Lawn Island, Important Bird Areas in Robertson, G.J. (2001). Final Report: Census of Canada: 3. selected seabirds in the Witless Bay Seabird Ecological Reserve. Internal Report, Canadian Mactavish, B. (1999e). Site Nomination Form: Wildlife Service, Mount Pearl. Green Island, Important Bird Areas in Canada: 4. Robertson, G.J., D. Fifield, M. Massaro and J.W. Chardine. 2001. Changes in nesting habitat use of large gulls breeding in Witless Bay, New- foundland. Can. J. Zool. 79:2159-2167.

Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 141 References

Sharpe, B. E. (1996). Post Release Survival of Robertson, G.J., J. Russell and D. Fifield. in prep. Oiled, Cleaned Seabirds in North America. Breeding population estimates for three Ibis 138: 222-228. Leach’s Storm-petrel colonies in southeastern Newfoundland, 2001. Can. Wildl. Serv. Tech. Société Duvetnor Ltée. (2001). Review and analy- Rep. Ser. No. xxx, Atlantic Region, Mount sis of studies and documents on the topic of Pearl, NF. waterfowl and low level flights in Labrador and Northeastern Quebec. A report prepared Rodway, M.S., H.R. Regehr, and J.W. Chardine. for the Institute for Environmental Monitoring 1996. Population census of breeding Atlantic and Research, Contract Number 2423. Puffins at Great Island, Newfoundland in 1993-1994. Can. Wildl. Serv. Tech. Rep. Ser. Steele, D. H., R. Andersen and T.M. Green. No. 263, Atlantic Region. Sackville, NF (1992). The managed commercial annihilation of northern cod. Newfoundland Studies, Ryan, S. (1994) The Ice Hunters: A History Of Spring 1992, Vol. 8(1): 34-68. Newfoundland Sealing To 1914, Breakwater Books, St. John’s. Tuck, James A. (1976). Ancient people of Port au Choix : the excavation of an archaic Indian Sea Duck Joint Venture Management Board. cemetery in Newfoundland. Institute of Social (2001). Sea Duck Joint Venture Strategic Plan: and Economic Research, Memorial University 2001-2006. SFJV Continental Technical of Newfoundland. Team. Unpub. Rept. [c/o USFWS Anchorage, Alaska; CWS, Sackville New Brunswick. Yodzis, P. (2001) Must top predators be culled for http://seaduckjv.org/pdf/StratPlan2001_06.pdf the sake of fisheries? Trends in Ecology & Evolution, vol. 16, no. 2, pp. 78-84.

142 Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 Appendix I Contacts

Appendix I Contacts Newfoundland Resources

Caveat: The following is an incomplete list of con- Eastern Habitat Joint Venture Newfoundland and tact information for people and groups of potential Labrador interest to any party pursuing conservation plans Inland Fish and Wildlife Division for marine birds in Labrador. It is not intended to Department of Forest Resources and Agrifoods be exhaustive and it does not presume a definite P.O. Box 8700 interest in being contacted by those listed. Rather St. John’s, NF-LAB A1B 4J6 it is meant as a start-up directory which users can Phone:(709) 729-3569 annotate as they begin to develop a network of Fax: (709) 729-4989 interested parties and collaborators. http://www.gov.nf.ca/forest/wildlife/Wildlife/East- ernHabitat.htm Canadian IBA Program Partners Seaduck Joint Venture The Canadian Nature Federation James Hancock Suite 606, 1 Nicholas Street, Ottawa, Ontario, Can- Director, Inland Fish and Wildlife Division, Dept. ada K1N 7B7 of Tourism, Culture and Recreation 1-800-267-4088 P.O. Box 2006 E-mail: [email protected] Corner Brook, NF A2H 6JB Phone: (709) 729-2817 Bird Studies Canada/Études d'Oiseaux Canada Fax (709) 729-0751 P.O. Box 160, Port Rowan, Ontario Canada N0E E-mail: [email protected] 1M0 Phone: 1-888-448-BIRD Fax: 1-519-586-3532 Ducks Unlimited St. John's Email: [email protected] 115 Duckworth St. http://www.bsc-eoc.org/bscmain.html St. John's, NF A1C 1E9 Newfoundland IBA Partner Tel: (709) 738-5405 Fax: (709) 738-5407 The Natural History Society of Newfoundland and E-mail: [email protected] Labrador P.O. Box 1013 CruiseShip Authority of Newfoundland and Labra- St. John's, NF A1C 5M3 dor E-mail: [email protected] P.O. Box 12049 http://www.nhs.nf.ca Argyle Building, 68 Portugal Cove Road St. John's, Newfoundland IBA Program Partner in France A1B 1R7 Tel: 709-737-1534 Ligue pour la Protection des Oiseaux (LPO) Fax: 709-737-1098 La Corderie Royale BP 263 Fish, Food and Allied Workers (FFAW) 17305 Rochefort cedex Earle McCurdy, President (France) P.O Box 10, 2 Steers Cove, Tél.(+33)05.46.82.12.34 St. John's, NF A1C 5H5 Fax(+33)05.46.83.95.86 Telephone: (709) 576-7276 Fax: (709) 576-1962

Hedley Richards FFAW Executive Board Member Inshore Division

Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 143 Appendix I Contacts

P.O. Box 579 Oceans Programs, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, St. Anthony, NF A0K 4S0 Newfoundland Region Telephone: (709) 454-3091 Tel: 709-772-2852 - Fax: 709-772-5562 Email: [email protected] Fisheries Resource Conservation Council P.O. Box 2001 Randy Gillespie, Vice-President Station D Canadian Centre for Marine Communications Ottawa, ON Tel: 709-579-4872 - Fax: 709-579-0495 K1P 5W3 Email: [email protected] Tel: (613) 998-0433 Fax: (613) 998-1146 Leslie Grattan, Deputy Minister Environmental Planning and Management Projects Allied Youth Provincial Office Government of Newfoundland and Labrador P.O Box 21145 Tel: 709-729-3782 - Fax: 709-729-1860 St. John’s Newfoundland Email: [email protected] A1A 5B2 Telephone: (709) 729-0725 Neil MacNaughton, Director of Surveys and Map- Fax: (709) 729-5824 ping Email: [email protected] Department of Government Services and Lands http://www.gov.nf.ca/health/ay Government of Newfoundland and Labrador Tel: 709-729-3239 - Fax: 709-729-0690 Girl Guides of Canada Email: [email protected] Newfoundland and Labrador Council Bldg 566, St. John's Place Mike Warren, Director, Planning Services Pleasantville, St. John's, Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture NF A1A 1S3 Government of Newfoundland and Labrador Tel # 709/726-1116 Tel: 709-729-3708 - Fax: 709-729-6082 Fax # 709/726-4045 Email: [email protected] [email protected] Labrador Resources Scouts Canada in Newfoundland 15 Terra Nova Road Labrador Inuit Association St. John's NF A1B 1E7 P.O. Box 70 Telephone: (709) 722-0931 (or 2 Morhardt St. for courier) Fax: (709) 722-5407 Nain, Labrador A0P 1L0 Email: [email protected] Telephone: (709) 922-2942 http://www.scouts.ca/about/ Fax: (709) 922-2931 E-Mail: [email protected] Community Services Council Web Site: http://www.nunatsiavut.com Suite 201, Virginia Park Plaza Newfoundland Drive Innu Nation - Utshimassit Office St. John's, NF PO Box 13 A1A 3E9 Davis Inlet, Labrador A0P1A0 Tel: (709) 753-9860 tel: 709/478-8919 Fax: (709) 753-6112 fax: 709/478-8833 Email: [email protected] Web Site: http://www.innu.ca/the_innu.html http://www.csc.nf.net/about/contact.htm Labrador Métis Nation (LMN) Tim Anderson P.O. Box 2164 Stn. “B” Head, Oceans Act Integration Section Happy Valley-Goose Bay

144 Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 Appendix I Contacts

Labrador, Canada Sackville, NB E4L 1G6 A0P 1E0 Phone: (506) 364 –5092 Phone: 709 896-0592 www.accdc.com Toll-Free: 1-877-896-0592 Fax: 709 896-0594 Email: [email protected] Roger Percy Head, Emergencies Section Keith Chaulk Environmental Protection Branch, Environment Environment Canada Canada Box 116 Station C Queen Square, 45 Alderney Drive Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Labrador Dartmouth, Nova Scotia B2Y 2N6 A0P 1C0 Tel:902-426-2576 Phone: 709 896-6167 Fax: 902-426-9709 Fax: 709 896-5264 Email: [email protected]

Resources in Canada Aboriginal Business Canada Canadian Wildlife Service Industry Canada PO Box 6227 1505 Barrington Street 17 Waterfowl Lane Maritime Centre, Suite 1605 Sackville, N.B. P.O. Box 940, Station M E4L 1G6 Halifax, N.S. Phone: (506) 364-5044 B3J 3K5 Fax: (506) 364-5062 PHONE: (902) 426-2018 E-mail: [email protected] FAX: (902) 426-1643 http://www.ns.ec.gc.ca/wildlife/index.html E-MAIL: [email protected]

Seaduck Joint Venture, Canadian Co-chair Aboriginal Capital Corporation: George Finney Ulnooweg Dev. Group Inc. Canadian Wildlife Service, Environment Canada 139 Esplanade Street 17 waterfowl Lane, P.O. Box 6227 P.O. Box 1259 Sackville, NB E4L 1G6 Truro, Nova Scotia Ph. (506) 364-5011 B2N 5N2 Fax (506) 364-5062 Phone: (902) 893-7379 e-mail [email protected] or 1-888-766-2376 Fax: (902) 893-0353 Mark Gloutney, Manager E-mail: [email protected] Ducks Unlimited Conservation Program P.O. Box 430 Antony W. Diamond Unit 64, Hwy. 6 University of New Brunswick Amherst, NS Atlantic Cooperative Wildlife Ecology Network B4H 3Z5 Faculties of Science, and Forestry & Environmen- Tel: (902) 667-8726 tal Management Fax: (902) 667-0916 Bag service Number 45111 E-mail: [email protected] Fredericton, New Brunswick Canada E3B 6E1 Rob Rainer, Executive Director Atlantic Canada Conservation Data Centre Larry Hildebrand, A/Manager PO Box 6416

Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 145 Appendix I Contacts

Sustainable Communities and Ecosystems Divi- Halifax N.S., Canada B3J 2B3 sion Phone: (902) 429-2202 Corporate Affairs Branch URL: http://www.chebucto.ns.ca/Environment/ Environment Canada, Atlantic Region EAC/index.html Tel: 902-426-2131 - Fax: 902-426-6348 Email: [email protected] Coastal Communities Network RR #2, East Bay, N.S. Richard MacDougall B0A 1H0, Director, Canadian Hydrographic Service, Atlantic E-mail:[email protected] Fisheries and Oceans Canada Phone: (902) 379-2688 Tel: 902-426-3497 - Fax: 902-426-7827 Fax: 902-379-2698 URL: http://www.coastalcommunities.ns.ca/ Brian K. Mosher, Regional Director info.html Harbours and Ports, Atlantic Region Transport Canada International Resources PO Box 1013 12th Floor, Queen Square USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center 45 Alderney Dr. 12100 Beech Forest Road, Suite 4039 Dartmouth, NS B2Y 4K2 Laurel, Maryland 20708-4039 USA Tel: 902-426-2588 Telephone: 301-497-5500 Fax: 301-497-5505 Fax: 902-426-3904 URL: http://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/ Cell: 902-497-9492 E-Mail: [email protected] Conservation of Arctic Flora and Fauna (CAFF) International Secretariat William Scott, Regional Director Hafnarstraeti 97 Marine Safety, Atlantic Region 600 Akureyri, Iceland Transport Canada E-mail: [email protected] PO Box 1013 Internet: http://www.grida.no/caff 14th Floor, Queen Square 45 Alderney Dr. Manomet Center for Conservation Sciences Dartmouth, NS B2Y 4K2 PO Box 1770, Manomet Tel: 902-426-2060 Massachusetts 02345 USA Fax: 902-426-6657 phone: 508.224.6521 E-Mail: [email protected] fax: 508.224.9220 [email protected] Canadian Ocean Habitat Protection Society Email: [email protected] Box 13, Newellton, Nova Scotia BOW 1PO Canada Claudette LeBlanc Derek Jones, Director ACZISC Secretariat, Oceans Institute of Canada Email: [email protected] 1226 Le Marchant Street URL: http://atlantisforce.org/cohps/ Halifax, NS Canada B3H 3P7 Tel: 902-494-3879 - Fax: 902-494-1334 Ecology Action Centre Email: [email protected] 1568 Argyle St. Suite 31

146 Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 Appendix II Sea Duck Joint Venture Strategic Plan

Appendix II Sea Duck Joint by Canada; Spectacled Eiders and the Alaska breeding population of Steller's Eiders have been Venture listed as threatened by the United States.

Following are selected excerpts from the Sea Duck Analysis of previous survey and harvest data, Joint Venture Strategic Plan 2001-2006 (Sea Duck along with new surveys and studies conducted in Joint Venture management Board, 2001). The the 1990’s, indicates population declines in 10 of complete report document from which the excerpts the 15 species of North American sea ducks. Fed- are taken is available on the Internet (http:// eral, State, Provincial and NGO management seaduckjv.org/pdf/StratPlan2001_06.pdf). agencies came together in 1997 to propose a Sea Duck Joint Venture (SDJV) to address these issues Introduction at a continental scale. The NAWMP Committee approved the SDJV in November 1998 as the best The fifteen species of sea ducks (Tribe Mergini) are vehicle to coordinate the conservation of sea the most poorly understood group of waterfowl in ducks. The organizational structure and functions North America. Even the most basic biological of the SDJV are similar to other joint ventures information is unknown for some species. There under NAWMP and are described in Appendix A. are few reliable population indices or estimates of annual productivity for any species. Much of our The SDJV will endeavor to address the needs for knowledge is based on a very few, localized stud- information about all 15 species of Mergini that ies. Surveys are not adequately designed to accu- occur in North America. Although the focus of the rately estimate the harvest of sea ducks. joint venture is sea duck populations in North America, partnerships with other circumpolar Sea ducks, as a group, have evolved in relatively countries sharing these populations will be encour- stable environments. Most species exhibit delayed aged. Joint venture efforts will encompass issues sexual maturity, long life spans and low annual related to both population dynamics and habitat recruitment. For many reasons, the environments quantity and quality. inhabited by sea ducks are changing; human endeavors are expanding in northern breeding Mission Statement areas and many traditional wintering areas are increasingly affected by urbanization and industri- The SDJV promotes the conservation of North alization. Thriving gull and other predator popula- American sea ducks through partnerships by pro- tions are placing greater pressure on annual viding greater knowledge and understanding for production of some species. Indirect factors, such effective management. as bioaccumulation of contaminants and climate change, could be negatively affecting survival and Goals production in some populations; exposure to lead is a documented source of mortality. Only through • The SDJV facilitates and supports the develop- a concerted effort to gain an understanding of how ment of knowledge and understanding critical to these factors interact can we hope to effectively sea duck conservation in North America. conserve sea ducks. • The SDJV increases the profile of sea ducks History and Purpose of the Joint Venture within the conservation, industrial, and scientific communities. Sea ducks were given no special consideration under the 1986 North American Waterfowl Man- • The SDJV develops a program to involve the agement Plan (NAWMP). Although few data were partners and resources needed to accomplish sea available, most populations were thought to be rel- duck conservation. atively stable. Since 1986, the eastern population of Harlequin Ducks has been listed as endangered

Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 147 Appendix II Sea Duck Joint Venture Strategic Plan

• The SDJV promotes proactive conservation of sea Communication and Marketing Goals ducks. • Increase public and stakeholder awareness and Current Funding and Program Status understanding of sea duck conservation issues.

The SDJV has a long-term goal of developing new • Facilitate the acquisition of resources (financial, funding sources and increasing capabilities to partnerships) required to address key conservation cooperatively fund sea duck science projects. issues. Although the SDJV currently does not have funds to sponsor extensive new research and monitoring • Increase the body of knowledge related to sea programs, member organizations will look for ducks through the participation of a broader range opportunities to collaborate with partners to stimu- of participants. late and amplify the advancement of sea duck science with available funds. The SDJV will promote • Promote the conservation of sea ducks and their its scientific agenda to meet information needs habitat. through three main avenues: Strategic Considerations • The SDJV members are committed to directing funds toward meeting SDJV information needs; by The approach to communications will reflect the necessity, distribution of most of these funds may following strategic considerations: be constrained by legislative or policy mandates of member organizations; • There are no dedicated SDJV funds for communications. Communication products and activities • The SDJV will facilitate funding and support for will depend upon the voluntary contributions of work by partner organizations, with the expecta- member agencies and partners. tion that funding contributions will have favorable matching and multiplier effects to increase science Sea Duck Joint Venture Strategic Plan 2001 - 2006 program benefits; and 10• Each partner should undertake to lead in the development and/or implementation of specific • The SDJV will provide technical advice and products and activities. assistance to cooperators who wish to contribute toward meeting SDJV science objectives with their • Information relevant to a wide range of species own resources. and/or audiences will be required to increase awareness and understanding. Proposal and Endorsement Process • Focused information (species/geographic) will be Project proposals will be the primary instrument required for the development of partnerships and by which the SDJV Management Board endorses financial support. and supports relevant scientific work on sea ducks. Until such time as funding is available on a com- • Initial efforts should focus on information prod- petitive basis, the SDJV will use a simplified pro- ucts of wide application before moving to more cess to solicit and endorse sound and economical specific marketing efforts. projects that address elements of its scientific agenda (i.e. Appendix B: Information Needs). The • Communications with broad applications can be proposal process and format are found in Appen- delivered in a centralized fashion, but more dix C. regional/local messages should be delivered through regional partners.

148 Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 Appendix II Sea Duck Joint Venture Strategic Plan

Target Audiences • Some species range beyond North America. They The target audiences for SDJV communications are shared with Russia and Greenland. include: FUNDING STRATEGIES • Legislators (National, State, Provincial) The Sea Duck Joint Venture, when fully opera- • Judiciary and legal systems (fines and court set- tional, will require several millions of dollars tlements) annually over a period of at least ten years. This is due to the magnitude of the task in terms of data • Wildlife management agencies (National, State, gaps, research needs, and the fact that sea ducks Provincial, Co-management Boards) tend to be widely dispersed in remote locations for much of their lives. Studying them is difficult and • Environmental non-governmental organizations expensive. (ENGOs) that support sea duck, coastal and estuary habitat conservation The Sea Duck Joint Venture will use four principle strategies to fund its activities: • Sport hunting organizations and individuals Redirect Base Resources from a Broad Range of • Subsistence hunting organizations and individu- Partners als The SDJV is a partnership of Federal, State and • Commercial/industrial organizations (petroleum Provincial governments, major non-government producers and shippers, commercial fishers, tour organizations, and individual researchers at uni- operators, land developers) that share sea duck versities and elsewhere. Each partner is committed habitats to playing a meaningful role in the implementation of SDJV programs and is committed to make best • General public efforts to redirect existing internal funds to SDJV priorities to the degree possible. Key Messages Seek Supplemental Appropriations Key messages could include: Government agencies have mandated responsibili- • Some sea duck populations are in serious ties for the conservation of sea ducks and yet, in decline; the status of most is unknown. general, funds have not been dedicated to sea duck work by legislators. Given that the tasks outlined • Conservation of sea ducks requires coordinated by the SDJV greatly exceed the capacity of govern- efforts by many conservation agencies. ment agencies to respond under existing budgets, opportunities will be sought to obtain additional • The actions of individuals can make a difference. appropriations.

• Sea ducks are shrouded in mystery, scientific Develop Corporate Partners uncertainty and are enigmatic to managers. Certain industries operate within areas frequented • Sea ducks are important to aboriginal communi- by sea ducks and, in many cases, their operations ties for subsistence and cultural reasons. can pose threats to sea ducks and habitats. These include merchant shipping; cruise ship operators; • New threats are emerging - climate change, con- offshore oil and gas exploration and development; taminants, and economic factors - which could be petroleum shipping; and aquaculture. The SDJV the cause of population declines. will approach industry associations and specific

Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 149 Appendix II Sea Duck Joint Venture Strategic Plan corporations to seek support for implementation of 4. Survey a sample of islands annually to quantify specific programs. These approaches will be made annual variation in colony size (e.g. non-breed- in co-operation with major NGO partners to facili- ing), long term response to perturbations (e.g. tate corporate recognition and tax benefits for Polar Bear predation) and intra-colony movements industry. within a region.

Secure Court Awards for Environmental Damage Population Definition/Delineation: The zone of contact between the Hudson Bay Eider and North- In the past, oil pollution, particularly that deriving ern Eider occurs in northern Hudson Bay. The from marine oil spills, has caused significant dam- zone between the Pacific Common Eider (V-nigra) age to sea ducks and their habitats. All too fre- and the Northern Eider is less clear. Further, the quently, such spills are either deliberate or links between nesting areas and wintering areas preventable, and court action has ensued. In both (where harvest levels vary) is poorly known. This Canada and the United States, mechanisms are in information is required to assess population size place to direct court awards towards conservation and trends, and the effects of harvest and other fac- efforts. In such instances, partners will work with tors on population dynamics. enforcement staff and prosecutors to direct funds towards SDJV programming where this is appro- 1. Use satellite telemetry and banding to determine priate. affiliations between breeding, molting, and wintering areas in the Eastern Arctic and west Green- APPENDIX B – INFORMATION NEEDS AND land. STRATEGIES FOR 20 POPULATIONS OF 2. Conduct offshore aerial and boat-based surveys NORTH AMERICAN SEA DUCKS to define boundaries and level of use of staging, molting, and wintering areas. Common Eider, Northern Race (Somateria mollissima borealis) Population Dynamics: Very little information exists on annual productivity, survival, and recruit- Population Size and Trends: Northern Common ment. Although a project is underway on Eiders breed in the eastern Canadian Arctic, Southampton Island, a second is required to con- northern Québec, Labrador, and west Greenland. currently measure these parameters at other Thus, it is both logistically difficult and expensive breeding sites. to conduct breeding population surveys for this species. However, data on population size and 1. Continue to quantify annual survival, productiv- trends throughout this range are needed to monitor ity and recruitment of Northern Common Eiders at the population and establish levels of sustainable East Bay, Southampton Island, Nunavut. harvest. 2. Initiate a second study of survival, productivity, 1. Periodically repeat surveys of eider breeding and recruitment at another major nesting area in populations where historical data exist (e.g. south the low eastern Canadian Arctic, perhaps in Fro- Baffin Island, Ungava Bay, west Greenland). bisher Bay or along the south coast of Baffin Island where, (a) a study would be logistically feasible, 2. Initiate new surveys to establish baseline data (b) some baseline data already exist, and (c) where throughout the breeding range. Locations include significant proportions of the Northern Common Frobisher Bay and Cumberland Sound, where Eider ducks nest. Conduct regular winter surveys large numbers of Common Eiders are thought to in west Greenland and Newfoundland/ Labrador to breed. detect changes in population size, and sex ratios.

3. Develop new survey techniques (e.g. aerial sur- Establish several colony sites that are monitored veys of drakes) and refine existing techniques. concurrently each year. This would determine for the first time whether changes at colonies reflect

150 Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 Appendix II Sea Duck Joint Venture Strategic Plan only regional variation during summer or instead ticularly in the Canadian Arctic and Greenland, changes in the population over the entire geo- where constrained logistics and extreme weather graphic range. The latter finding would suggest conditions often prohibit surveys. that any factors impacting large proportions of the population do so at wintering areas, where eiders 1. Identify key molting, brood-rearing, and winter- originating from several nesting areas across the ing areas in Arctic Canada and west Greenland. eastern Canadian Arctic congregate. Quantify the key environmental and habitat factors that influence habitat selection and annual varia- Population Ecology: Little is known about the fac- tion in habitat use. tors that influence adult survival and reproductive success of Northern Common Eiders. This infor- 2. Identify key nesting areas in Arctic Canada and mation is required to establish models that assess west Greenland. Quantify key environmental and the sustainability of harvest, population trends, habitat factors that influence nest site selection, and the potential of a species to recovery from pop- colony size, and annual variation in habitat use ulation declines. (e.g. island size, proximity to a mainland, and frequency of Polar Bear predation). 1. Continue to study factors affecting breeding ecology and survival of Northern Eiders at East Harvest Assessment: Northern Common Eiders are Bay, Southampton Island, Nunavut (Canadian known to be heavily harvested throughout their Wildlife Service and University collaborators). range, particularly in Greenland in winter where These include predation, weather, ice conditions, annual harvest estimates often exceed 100,000 contaminants, parasitology, nest site selection, and birds (F. Merkel, Greenland Institute of Nature). body condition of hens. Despite this, the influence of harvest on population dynamics remains poorly known. 2. Establish a second research study, perhaps in Frobisher Bay or along the south coast of Baffin Continue to monitor the subsistence and sport har- Island where, (a) a study would be logistically fea- vests of Northern Common Eider in Nunavut (i.e. sible, (b) some baseline data exist, and (c) where Nunavut Harvest Study is ongoing), Newfound- significant proportions of the Northern Common land, Labrador, and west Greenland (i.e. harvest Eiders nest. studies ongoing).

3. Initiate a study of winter ecology in southwest 2. Assess sources and degree of bias in harvest Greenland. Compare diet, survival, habitat use, reporting from each area, and establish correction and body condition across years, in different habi- factors to refine harvest estimates. tats (fjords vs. coasts), and among other Arctic eider populations. This study has been initiated by 3. Assess crippling loss of eiders under various F. Merkel (Greenland Institute of Nature) in col- harvest scenarios (e.g. shot over pack ice, solid ice, laboration with the Canadian Wildlife Service. from shore over open water, from boats etc.). Given their large size, fast flight, and often dense Habitat requirements: During nesting, molting, flocks, crippling loss is likely an important param- brood rearing, and at over-wintering sites, North- eter in harvest assessment. Approximately 26% of ern Common Eiders are vulnerable to disturbance Northern Eiders breeding in Hudson Strait and and potentially, food shortages. Large concentra- Foxe Basin carry imbedded shot (B. Barrow and tions of eiders may exist for several weeks at a sin- G. Gilchrist, CWS). gle location, and these sites must be identified with the long-term view of formal marine habitat pro- 4. Determine what proportion of Common Eiders tection under the Oceans Act and the revised harvested in Greenland breed in Canada. Prelimi- Canadian Wildlife Act. Research methods include nary examination suggests over 90% (F. Merkel, boat-based and aerial surveys, and satellite telem- Greenland Institute of Nature). etry. The latter technique has great potential, par-

Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 151 Appendix II Sea Duck Joint Venture Strategic Plan

Parasites, Disease, Contaminants: There are few the nonbreeding and subadult component of the data on the levels of contaminants, parasites and population disease in Northern Common Eiders. However, collections are feasible because this race is har- 1. Develop and implement a coordinated, stan- vested by Inuit in Canada and Greenland through- dardized population survey throughout its range. out the year and across its range. 2. Conduct surveys to determine the status and 1. Compare levels of contaminants in recently col- location of nonbreeding and subadult eider. lected Northern Common Eiders to museum speci- mens to determine if levels have increased over the Population Definition/Delineation: The present past century. approach to manage this subspecies as one population unit may not be appropriate. Hunter band 2. Compare levels of contaminants found in North- returns indicate female eiders from breeding colo- ern Common Eiders to other North American and nies in different geographic areas use similar win- eider populations. A recent pan-Arctic comparison tering areas. However, band returns from females (M. Wayland, CWS) suggests that the Northern recaptured on breeding colonies indicate there is Common Eider carries higher metal concentra- no interchange between birds breeding in the Gulf tions (e.g. cadmium) than either the Hudson Bay of St. Lawrence, Maine, and New Brunswick and Race or the Western Arctic Race, and among the Nova Scotia. The extremes of the breeding range of highest concentrations of any sea duck. The effect dresseri are well known, but not the delineation of of these levels on reproduction and survival are not sub-populations. A genetic analysis of breeding known, and require further study. populations in different geographic areas has not been conducted, although some blood samples 3. Compare parasite loads (i.e. parasite species have been taken. present and number) found within Northern Com- mon Eiders across the population, during different 1. Assess population genetic characteristics of times of year, with other circumpolar Common breeding populations in different geographic areas Eiders and with other sea duck species. Such a of range. comparison would provide insights into whether Northern Common Eiders are heavily parasitized. 2. Determine affiliations between breeding, molt- Preliminary studies (C. James, University of ing and wintering areas. Guelph) indicate that nesting hens on Southampton Island are heavily parasitized, and that parasite Population Dynamics: Measures of nest/hatching levels vary considerably between individuals nest- success have been well studied and are available ing within a colony. The effect of these levels on on this race throughout its range. However, with reproduction and survival are not known, and the exception of survival estimates of adult females require further study. and several localized studies on brood rearing and duckling survival, there are no data on many Common Eider, Southern Race parameters of population dynamics. (Somateria mollissima dresseri) 1. Summarize available information on productiv- Population Size and Trends: Estimates of the ity and its geographic variability. breeding population are based on uncoordinated surveys, using different techniques conducted over 2. Determine reproductive success for this race in the last 25 years in different geographical areas. all major nesting areas. Published information indicates a stable or increasing population, but recent reports from 3. Continue mark-recapture studies of adult female Nova Scotia and Québec suggest regional survival at multiple locations (declining vs. stable decreases. Little information exists on the size of populations, if possible).

152 Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 Appendix II Sea Duck Joint Venture Strategic Plan

4. Estimate breeding propensity (percentage of hens attempting to breed in a given year) in declin- 4. Identify and characterize molting sites of adult ing vs. stable populations, if possible. females.

5. Estimate duckling survival from hatch through 5. Quantify winter habitat use in relation to foods, fledging and its geographic variability. tides and ice conditions.

6. Estimate recruitment by marking older (2-6 Harvest Assessment: Harvest surveys for this race weeks) ducklings in declining vs. stable popula- are imprecise and may not be adequate to model tions, if possible. population effects of regulatory changes.

7. Determine the survival rate of other age-sex 1. Evaluate current surveys for adequacy at esti- cohorts of the population. Band adult males on mating harvest levels. molting areas. A study of marked birds is needed on both breeding and wintering areas. 2. Model the population to determine the impact of various harvest levels. 8. Conduct regular winter surveys to obtain information on the size of the population. 3. Determine if current restrictive measures are sufficient to maintain acceptable harvest rates. Population Ecology: Breeding ecology is the most studied aspect of population ecology for this race. Parasites, Diseases, Contaminants: Most data Additional localized studies have examined the available are derived from other races. birds on wintering areas. Important parameters necessary for their management have been largely 1. Sample birds for contaminants, diseases and neglected. There remain critical gaps in knowledge parasites. of ecology/life history of the population. Harlequin Duck, Eastern Population 1. Study the molting ecology of adult males. (Histrionicus histrionicus)

2. Study the molting ecology of adult females with Population Size and Trends: Information on the and without young. size and trend of the eastern seaboard wintering population needs to be refined. Little is known of 3. Study the ecology of subadults. the size and trends of the Greenland wintering population. 4. Study the ecology of wintering birds and its geographic variability. 1. Establish a monitoring program to better assess the size and trend of the eastern seaboard winter- Habitat requirements: With the exception of nesting population. ing, knowledge of habitat requirements is rudimen- tary or largely unknown. 2. Determine the size of the Greenland wintering population. 1. Characterize and quantify the characteristics of habitats preferred by females with broods by geo- 3. Determine the trend of the Greenland wintering graphic area. population.

2. Identify and characterize the habitat used by Population Definition/Delineation: There seem to nonbreeders and subadults. be two isolated populations in eastern North Amer- ica, one that winters on the eastern seaboard and 3. Identify and characterize molting sites of adult one that winters in Greenland. Preliminary genetic males. studies support this division, but better genetic

Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 153 Appendix II Sea Duck Joint Venture Strategic Plan studies are needed to establish the degree of 2. Identify and characterize spring staging areas. genetic differentiation of the two populations. 3. Identify and characterize molting sites. 1. Determine the boundaries between breeding birds from Greenland and the eastern seaboard Identify and characterize important wintering wintering populations in Labrador and Québec. sites.

2. Undertake a comprehensive genetic analysis of Harvest Assessment: Hunting is not currently the various populations of Harlequin Ducks. allowed by law. However, the amount of illegal hunting and of subsistence harvest is poorly docu- 3. Determine affiliations of birds among breeding, mented. molting and wintering areas; locate breeding areas of birds wintering in Nova Scotia and in 1. Estimate the level of subsistence harvest in Can- Newfoundland ada and Greenland.

Population Dynamics: Basic population parame- 2. Educate local people living near major staging, ters are needed for the two eastern populations. molting and wintering areas about the status of the There are no reliable data on survival rates of species to reduce accidental harvest. young and adults. The mechanisms of selection of molting areas and even wintering areas are not Parasites, Disease, Contaminants: There is little known. information on body parasites. There is no information on the levels of contaminants in the eastern 1. Conduct studies of survival rates of adults and populations young. 1. Determine the level of contaminants in birds at 2. Study reproductive success on various rivers major wintering sites. and across years. 2. Determine the level of contaminants in birds 3. Obtain more accurate sex and age ratios for the from Greenland various wintering areas (Maine, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and other peripheral wintering 3. Compare contaminants levels in males and areas). females.

Population Ecology: Breeding ecology of the east- Black Scoter ern population is poorly documented. Little is (Melanitta nigra) known of the effects of weather, food availability and spring runoff on reproductive success. Population Size and Trends: The population seems to number in the hundreds of thousands for this 1. Study factors affecting reproductive success. species, but there is little quantitative information available to assess population size and trends. The 2. Study dispersal behavior of young. number of Black Scoters breeding in Western Alaska appear to have declined, indicated by a Habitat requirements: Important rivers for breed- decline in total scoters in surveyed strata where ing remain to be located and characterized. Spring Black Scoters predominate. Similarly, the popula- staging areas have not been characterized nor well tion wintering in the Atlantic Flyway seems to be identified declining.

1. Identify and characterize rivers that are heavily 1. Develop a population estimate through stan- used by Harlequin Ducks. dardized surveys of scoter species.

154 Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 Appendix II Sea Duck Joint Venture Strategic Plan

2. Delineate and monitor numbers of breeding been collected on food habits and feeding ecology Black Scoters in Alaska and Canada. in breeding and wintering areas, but additional studies are needed 3. Delineate and monitor numbers of wintering Black Scoters in Canada and the United States. 1. Quantify the reproductive live history for the Black Scoter in the various breeding areas. Population Definition and Delineation: There appear to be two geographic populations of Black 2. Assess the winter ecology for this species in the Scoters that are separated by their breeding and Atlantic and Pacific Coasts. wintering distribution; however, the delineation of these two populations is not well documented 3. Assess the molting ecology for this species (identification of nearctic breeding areas and the throughout its range. molting areas, migration corridors, and wintering areas associated with birds from those breeding 4. Assess the breeding ecology for this species areas). throughout its range.

1. Assess and improve surveys of the breeding 5. Assess diets during the summer, migration and range of the Black Scoter. winter for this species throughout its range.

2. Determine the molt areas of birds associated Harvest Assessment: The sport harvest is low in with various breeding areas. comparison with apparent overall population levels, but the accuracy of harvest estimates is poor. 3. Determine the migration corridors used between Subsistence harvest is poorly documented. breeding, molting and wintering areas. 1. Assess and improve the surveys for sport and 4. Determine wintering areas used by Black Sco- illegal harvest for this species. ters from various breeding areas. 2. Improve subsistence harvest estimates for 5. Determine seasonal movements of non-breeding Alaska and Canada. Black Scoters affiliated with breeding areas. Habitat Requirements: Breeding, molting and win- Population Dynamics: There are few data avail- ter habitat needs are not well documented, able on population dynamics for this species. although the location of many key areas have been documented. 1. Determine survival rates of birds from various breeding areas. 1. Characterize the breeding habitat in Alaska and Canada, and identify the factors responsible for 2. Determine production rates of birds from vari- their selection. ous breeding areas. 2. Characterize the molting habitat in Alaska and 3. Determine the age structure of breeding popula- Canada, and identify the factors responsible for tions. their selection.

4. Develop a demographic model for the species. 3. Characterize the wintering habitat in Alaska and Canada, and identify the factors responsible for Population Ecology: Studies of nesting ecology their selection. have been done in Québec, but larger and more geographically diverse studies are needed. In addi- Parasites, Disease, and Contaminants: Little is tion, breeding, molting, migration, and wintering known about parasites, disease, and contaminants ecology need to be better documented. Data have in the Black Scoter.

Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 155 Appendix II Sea Duck Joint Venture Strategic Plan

4. Determine the wintering areas used by Surf Sco- 1. Screen Black Scoters for diseases and parasites ters from various breeding areas. on both the breeding and wintering areas. 5. Determine seasonal movements of non-breeding 2. Determine contaminant levels, especially lead, Surf Scoters affiliated with breeding areas. on both the breeding and wintering areas. Population Dynamics: There are few data on the Surf Scoter population dynamics of this species. (Melanitta perspicillata) 1. Determine production rates of birds from vari- Population Size and Trends: The population seems ous breeding areas. to number in the hundreds of thousands for this species, but there is little quantitative information 2. Determine survival rates of birds from various available to assess population size and trends. The breeding areas. numbers of Surf Scoters breeding in western Can- ada and perhaps Alaska are declining, as indicated 3. Determine the age structure for various breed- by a decline in total scoter numbers where Surf ing populations. Scoters predominate. Similarly, the population wintering in the Atlantic Flyway appears to be 4. Develop a demographic model for the species. declining. Population Ecology: Studies of nesting ecology 1. Develop a population estimate through stan- have been done in eastern and western Canada, dardized surveys of scoter species. but larger studies are needed. In addition, breeding, molting, migration, and wintering ecology 2. Delineate and monitor numbers of breeding Surf needs to be better documented. Data have been Scoters in Alaska and Canada. collected on food habits and feeding ecology in breeding and wintering areas, but additional stud- 3. Delineate and monitor numbers of wintering ies are needed. Surf Scoters in Canada and the United States. 1. Quantify the reproductive live history for the Population Definition and Delineation: Surf Sco- Surf Scoter in the various breeding areas. ters breed throughout the boreal forest, but appear to have larger nesting populations in western Can- 2. Assess the winter ecology for this species in the ada, Alaska and Québec. Breeding in the midconti- Atlantic and Pacific Coasts. nent prairies has declined significantly. The current nearctic breeding range should be fully 3. Assess the molting ecology for this species identified. Molt areas, migration corridors and throughout its range. winter areas associated with breeding populations also needs to be fully identified. 4. Assess the breeding ecology for this species throughout its range. 1. Assess and improve surveys of the breeding range of the Surf Scoter. 5. Assess diets during the summer, migration and winter for this species throughout its range. 2. Determine the molt areas associated with various breeding areas. Harvest Assessment: The sport harvest is low in comparison with apparent overall population lev- 3. Determine the migration corridors used between els. The level and composition of subsistence har- various breeding and wintering areas. vest is poorly documented. At present, estimates of sport and subsistence harvest are poor.

156 Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 Appendix II Sea Duck Joint Venture Strategic Plan

1. Assess and improve the surveys of sport and illegal harvest for this species. 1. Endorsement Only - those that are seeking endorsement as an SDJV project, but not specifi- 2. Quantify subsistence harvest levels for Alaska cally requesting SDJV funds; and Canada. 2. Endorsement and Funding - those partially- Habitat Requirements: Breeding, molting and win- funded or unfunded projects seeking endorsement ter habitat needs are not well documented, as an SDJV priority and the SDJV's assistance in although the location of many key areas have been locating financial cooperators. documented. Endorsement Only proposals will be accepted at 1. Characterize the breeding habitat in Alaska and any time, given full but expedited review by the Canada, and identify the factors responsible for SDJV Continental Technical Team, and forwarded their selection. promptly to the Management Board with an endorsement recommendation and priority desig- 2. Characterize the molting habitat in Alaska and nation. The Board may act outside their regular Canada, and identify the factors responsible for meeting schedule to expedite support for these pre- their selection. funded projects meeting SDJV priority concerns.

3. Characterize the wintering habitat in Alaska and Endorsement and Funding proposals will require a Canada, and identify the factors responsible for full formal review by the SDJV Continental Techni- their selection. cal Team and will be reviewed when they are received. Proponents should submit proposals at Parasites, Disease, and Contaminants: Little is least one month before the next scheduled Board known about parasites, disease, and contaminants meeting to be considered for endorsement that year in the Surf Scoter. (contact an SDJV Coordination Office for dates of meetings). 1. Screen Surf Scoters for diseases and parasites on both the breeding and wintering areas. Planning Assistance. In order to promote and assist the development of project concepts and pro- 2. Determine levels of contaminants, especially posals, interested parties are encouraged to con- lead, on both the breeding and wintering areas. tact members of the SDJV Continental Technical Team to explore priority topics of research, the APPENDIX C - SEA DUCK JOINT VENTURE status of ongoing programs and prospects for GUIDELINES FOR PROPOSAL SUBMISSION cooperative efforts. The Coordination Offices can AND EVALUATION help facilitate communication and provide a list of current projects in North America. Procedures for Proposal Submission SDJV Coordination Office SDJV Coordination The Sea Duck Joint Venture (SDJV) currently does Office not have a pool of funds to sponsor new research and monitoring projects independent of its member Canadian Wildlife Service U.S. Fish and Wildlife agencies and organizations. The Joint Venture's Service role is to encourage and facilitate international 17 Waterfowl Lane, P.O. Box 6227 1011 East and cross-flyway studies focusing on high-priority Tudor Road information needs for sea duck populations, as Sackville, New Brunswick Anchorage, Alaska described in the Prospectus and Strategic Plan, 99503 available from the SDJV Coordination Offices. Canada E4L 1G6 USA Consequently, the SDJV will receive proposals in (506) 364-5013 (907) 786-3569 two categories:

Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 157 Appendix II Sea Duck Joint Venture Strategic Plan

Proposal Format 11. Literature Cited: as appropriate.

Proposals should be complete and concise, but no 12. Personnel: Briefly describe the role and more than 10 pages in length and should include responsibilities of each key staff position in the the following: study and append a current curriculum vitae for the principal investigator(s). 1. Cover Page: Project title, Principal Investigator name(s) and affiliation, proposal category, key 13. Logistical Requirements: State needs for camp words, and date. facilities, aircraft support, or other special resources, including dates needed (for assessment 2. Problem/Issue Statement: What is the problem of potential cooperative efforts and shared sup- or issue addressed by the proposed work, in rela- port). tion to the SDJV priorities? (see the Strategic Plan) - 50 words. 14. Schedule: Beginning date, milestones, completion date. 3. SDJV Population(s) Targeted 15. Budget: One page (as an attachment) including 4. Justification: Combine more information and lit- personnel requirements, operating expenses, capi- erature review here. What new information will be tal costs, and administrative or overhead charges. generated? How will it solve the problem? Maxi- Summarize annual costs and total project costs mum 1 page. (multi-year). List all funds currently secured for the project, funds applied for, and cooperators. 5. Objectives or Hypotheses: Objectives should be specific, clear and concise. Both null and alternate 16. Letters of Commitment: Attach any letters of hypotheses should be stated. commitment from funding cooperators, endorse- ments or other documentation in support of the 6. Scope and Location: Provide a description of proposal. the proposed study area, camp locations, and staging sites. Does the project encompass an appropri- Progress and Final Reports ate portion of the population range and involve relevant jurisdictions to address the stated prob- Annual progress reports are required for all lems/issues? projects endorsed by the SDJV and should be sent to an SDJV Coordination Office. These should be 7. Experimental Design: Planned methods includ- 5-10 pages in length and MUST be prefaced by an ing statistical treatments. This section is critical to abstract (half-page). For ongoing projects, be sure determining scientific soundness. to describe accomplishments to date (including publications), confirm the need for continuing sup- 8. Anticipated Output: List expected products or port, and explain changes in the project since data sets. endorsement. Serious problems with project implementation should be identified. The following ques- 9. Management Implications: What is the signifi- tions should be answered by the report: cance of the work to management of the populations concerned? 1. Was the work carried out as planned? Explain variances. 10. Relationship to Other Projects: Describe the relationship of the proposed work to other 2. Is the work on schedule? Explain variances. projects, in terms of complementary scientific objectives, direct collaboration and/or shared 3. Are the results being used in management? resources. 4. Is partner support still committed?

158 Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 Appendix II Sea Duck Joint Venture Strategic Plan

coordinate with other projects. Evaluation of each A final completion report is expected for each proposal will focus on the following critical ques- endorsed project. tions:

Send progress and final reports and requests for 1. Does the proposal address an SDJV popula- consideration of continuing support to an SDJV tion(s) or identified issue? Coordination Office by 1 November each year. A list of publications arising from the endorsed 2. What is the Strategic Plan Information Needs project would be appreciated. rank? A low score on this question may affect the likelihood of funding support or may lead to a Evaluation of Proposals request for more justification.

The Continental Technical Team will evaluate pro- 3. Is the proposal scientifically sound? (clear and posals in a timely manner and may request more specific objectives, sound design, realistic sched- information or clarification of content. The Team ule, achievable products, investigator’s experience may provide authors critical comments on objec- and record of accomplishments) A low score on tives and methods, make suggestions for improve- this question will lead to rejection or a request to ment, and point out potential opportunities to revise and resubmit.

Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001 159 Appendix II Sea Duck Joint Venture Strategic Plan

160 Marine Bird Important Bird Areas in Southeastern Newfoundland, Canadian Nature Federation. 2001