Marine Bird Technical Data Report Proposed Aurora LNG Project

Marine Bird Technical Data Report

Proposed Aurora LNG Project

November 2016

Prepared for: Aurora LNG Calgary, Alberta

Marine Bird Technical Data Report Authorship November 2016

AUTHORSHIP

Jayme Brooks, B.Sc., R.P.Bio...... Author Megan Willie, M.Sc., R.P.Bio...... Marine Bird Discipline Lead, Quality Reviewer Michael Preston, M.Sc., R.P.Bio...... Wildlife Biologist, Independent Reviewer

Marine Bird Technical Data Report Table of Contents November 2016

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 INTRODUCTION ...... 1

2 STUDY AREAS ...... 2 2.1 PROJECT DEVELOPMENT AREA ...... 2 2.2 LOCAL ASSESSMENT AREA ...... 2 2.3 REGIONAL ASSESSMENT AREA ...... 3

3 REVIEW OF EXISTING DATA SOURCES ...... 4 3.1 SCOPE ...... 4 3.2 METHODS ...... 4 3.2.1 Traditional Ecological Knowledge ...... 4 3.2.2 Literature Review and Previous Investigations ...... 4 3.3 FINDINGS ...... 6 3.3.1 Traditional Ecological Knowledge ...... 6 3.3.2 Literature Review and Previous Investigations ...... 6

4 FIELD STUDIES ...... 8 4.1 SHORELINE STATIONARY COUNTS ...... 8 4.1.1 Scope ...... 8 4.1.2 Methods ...... 8 4.1.3 Findings ...... 9 4.2 VESSEL-BASED SURVEYS ...... 9 4.2.1 Scope ...... 9 4.2.2 Methods ...... 9 4.2.3 Findings ...... 10 4.3 INCIDENTAL OBSERVATIONS ...... 11 4.3.1 Scope ...... 11 4.3.2 Methods ...... 12 4.3.3 Findings ...... 12 4.4 FIELD STUDY SUMMARY ...... 13

5 CLOSURE ...... 14 6 REFERENCES ...... 15 6.1 LITERATURE CITED ...... 15

7 FIGURES ...... 17

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Marine Bird Technical Data Report Table of Contents November 2016

List of Tables Table 1 Summary of Datasets Used in Historical Data Review ...... 3-2 Table 2 Marine Bird Species of Management Concern Known or Potentially Occurring within the Marine Bird RAA ...... 3-3 Table 3 Seasonal Summary of Marine Bird Vessel-Based Surveys in Chatham Sound ...... 4-4

List of Figures Figure 1 Local and Regional Assessment Boundaries and Important Bird Areas for Marine Birds 18 Figure 2 Marine Bird Shoreline Stationary Count Locations ...... 19 Figure 3 Summer Marine Bird Vessel-based Surveys - July 2014 and June 2015 ...... 20 Figure 4 Fall Marine Bird Vessel-Based Surveys - November 2014 ...... 21 Figure 5 Winter Marine Bird Vessel-Based Surveys - February 2015 ...... 22 Figure 6 Spring Marine Bird Vessel-based Surveys - April 2015 ...... 23

List of Appendices Appendix 1 ...... Regional Occurrence Records Appendix 2 ...... Shoreline Stationary Count Data Appendix 3 ...... Vessel-Based Survey Data Appendix 4 ...... Incidental Observation Data

Marine Bird Technical Data Report Executive Summary November 2016

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This technical report provides a summary of historical and Project data on marine birds that were collected within the marine habitats of Chatham Sound and the shoreline habitats of Digby Island. These data help characterize existing conditions for marine birds and are used to inform the assessment of potential effects from the Aurora LNG ( Liquefied Natural Gas) Project. A review of existing data within the region is summarized in this technical data report, and includes several long-term volunteer programs, government datasets, Aboriginal traditional ecological knowledge, and publicly-available data from marine bird surveys completed for other environmental assessments in the region. Historical data represents 102 marine bird species, of which 22 are species of management concern. Project-specific surveys for marine birds were also conducted to support existing information and to characterize species richness, distribution, and seasonal occurrence within the region. Surveys conducted include shoreline stationary counts, vessel-based surveys, and collection of incidental marine bird observations. Across all Project surveys, 50 marine bird species were detected, of which 15 were species of management concern.

Marine Bird Technical Data Report Acronyms and Abbreviations November 2016

ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS

Application ...... Application for an Environmental Assessment Certificate BC ...... British Columbia CDC...... Conservation Data Centre COSEWIC ...... Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada IBA ...... Important Bird Area km ...... kilometre LAA...... local assessment area LNG ...... liquefied natural gas m ...... metre MFLNRO ...... Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations PDA ...... Project development area RAA ...... regional assessment area SARA...... Species at Risk Act TDR ...... Technical Data Report TEK ...... traditional ecological knowledge the Project ...... the Aurora LNG Project TK ...... traditional knowledge TU ...... traditional use

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Marine Bird Technical Data Report Introduction November 2016

1 INTRODUCTION

Aurora LNG is proposing to construct and operate a liquefied natural gas (LNG) facility and marine terminal near Prince Rupert, British Columbia (BC) as part of the Aurora LNG Project (the Project). Natural gas from northeast BC will be converted into LNG for shipment by LNG carriers to markets in Asia where it will be regasified and distributed. For the purpose of the Project, marine birds are defined as any species using the marine environment for at least part of their life requisites, including those that use shoreline habitats for foraging, staging, or breeding. Data presented in this report were collected to inform the understanding of existing conditions for the Project, and will be used to support the assessment of Project effects on marine birds as part of the marine wildlife valued component. Data summarized in this technical report includes a literature review of existing data and information, including: regional historical data, long-term volunteer-based monitoring programs and previous environmental assessments conducted in the Prince Rupert area, and information on the status of species of management concern (i.e., provincially and federally listed wildlife species at risk). Traditional ecological knowledge included in this report has been compiled from traditional knowledge (TK) and traditional use (TU) studies, First Nation land-use plans, other documents and sources of information provided by Aboriginal Groups. Project-specific studies conducted for marine birds include seasonal stationary shoreline counts and vessel-based surveys. As well, any incidental observations of marine birds collected outside of formal survey periods are included.

Marine Bird Technical Data Report Study Areas November 2016

2 STUDY AREAS

The existing conditions for marine birds are presented in the context of the Project development area (PDA), local assessment area (LAA), and regional assessment area (RAA). The descriptions of each study area in this section are provided below and shown in Figure 1. Digby Island is located within the Skeena-Queen Charlotte Regional District. Vessel transportation activities associated with the Project occur within the North Coast Fjords ecosection, with the existing shipping route extending west into Dixon Entrance and Hecate Strait ecosections (see Figure 1). The North Coast Fjords include all channels and sounds east of Hecate Strait within the protected waters surrounded by the Hecate Lowlands terrestrial ecosection (BC MOE 2015). Waters are often stratified by freshwater outflow over brackish marine water and the area is characterized by steep fjords with many channels and sounds. Dixon Entrance is bordered by Alaskan islands to the north and Graham Island to the south. Towards the open ocean, Dixon Entrance is split into two, deep, 400 metre (m) channels by a shallow ridge and is an important route for Prince Rupert vessel traffic (BC MOE 2015). The marine terminal will be located on a water lot within the jurisdiction and administration of the Prince Rupert Port Authority. There are three Important Bird Areas (IBAs) located in proximity to the Project: Kitkatla Channel, Goschen Island North to Porcher Island—BC119, Lucy Islands—BC122; and Big Bay South to Delusion Bay— BC124 (see Figure 1). These IBAs provide important habitat that is used by congregating species of marine birds, and that have documented occurrences of high marine bird concentrations. On Lucy Islands, marine bird use includes nesting colonies of rhinoceros auklet (Cerorhinca monocerata), pigeon guillemot (Cepphus columba), and glaucous-winged gull (Larus glaucescens), as well as nesting pairs of black oystercatcher (Haematopus bachmani). All three IBAs also support high spring concentrations of surf scoter (Melanitta perspicillata) (IBA Canada 2015). Grey and Green Islets—BC125 also occurs nearby, although not within the Project’s regional setting. This area supports the largest glaucous-winged gull colonies in Chatham Sound, in addition to black oystercatcher and pigeon guillemot colonies. Moulting harlequin ducks (Histrionicus histrionicus) are also commonly detected near the islets (IBA Canada 2015).

2.1 Project Development Area

The PDA is the boundary that encompasses the terrestrial and marine areas that will be developed to accommodate the LNG facility and the marine terminal and will be used to assess direct effects from the Project construction and operations to marine birds in the Application for an Environmental Assessment Certificate (the Application).

2.2 Local Assessment Area

The Marine Bird LAA is a one kilometre (km) buffer on either side of the shipping route, a one km buffer around the marine terminal, a 500-m buffer along the western shore of Digby Island parallel to the PDA, and the area of the Prince Rupert Harbour that is within a 1 km buffer of the materials offloading facility.

Marine Bird Technical Data Report Study Areas November 2016

2.3 Regional Assessment Area

The Marine Bird RAA extends from the proposed marine terminal to west of the Triple Islands pilot boarding station. It includes a 6 km buffer on either side of the shipping route, and important seabird nesting habitats on Lucy Islands. Also included in the RAA are a number of ecologically sensitive areas identified in traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) studies and through a review of publicly available data (IBA Canada 2015; BC MFLNRO 2015; DM Cultural Services 2016). Project-specific field surveys were conducted within shoreline, nearshore, and farshore habitats in the PDA, LAA, and RAA. Detailed descriptions of the assessment areas for wildlife resources are provided in the following sections (see also Figure 1).

Marine Bird Technical Data Report Review of Existing Data Sources November 2016

3 REVIEW OF EXISTING DATA SOURCES

3.1 Scope

To characterize regional presence, abundance, and distribution of marine birds, relevant literature, including previously published studies on marine birds in the region, and publicly available datasets were reviewed. In combination with field surveys, this information provides context on abundance and distribution of marine birds in the RAA. Consultation with government agencies, Aboriginal Groups, and the public further informed the regional historical knowledge summarized in this section.

3.2 Methods

The scope of review for information on regional marine bird occurrence included information from available TEK reports, regional literature, previously conducted studies in the region, and publicly available datasets.

3.2.1 Traditional Ecological Knowledge

Information on TEK was acquired from a variety of publicly available sources including ethnographic and ethno-historic sources, academic papers, traditional knowledge and use reports related to other environmental assessments in the Prince Rupert region, and from available community-based marine use plans. Traditional ecological knowledge was compiled for seven of the Aboriginal Groups identified in Schedules B, C and D of the Section 11 Order issued by the BC Environmental Assessment Office on August 25, 2014 for the proposed Project and revised by the Section 13 Order issued by the BC Environmental Assessment Office on August 30, 2016: . Lax Kw’alaams Band . Metlakatla First Nation . Gitxaala Nation . Kitsumkalum First Nation . Kitselas First Nation . Gitga’at Fist Nation . Métis Nation of BC.

3.2.2 Literature Review and Previous Investigations

A review of existing data and information on marine birds within the RAA was undertaken to supplement the information obtained from Project-specific surveys, and to improve understanding of existing conditions for marine bird species.

Marine Bird Technical Data Report Review of Existing Data Sources November 2016

3.2.2.1 Sources

A combination of publicly-available literature, historical regional data, and previous and current environmental assessments conducted in the Prince Rupert and Port Edward region, were reviewed. A summary of the datasets is provided in Table 1. Additional data compiled by the BC Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations (BC MFLNRO) on marine bird breeding colonies was also included (P, BC MFLNRO 2015).

Table 1 Summary of Datasets Used in Literature Review

Source Years Collected Time of Year Location BC Breeding Bird Atlasa 2009–2012 May to July RAA

BC Coastal Waterbird Surveya 2008–2012 Monthly surveys, September to Prince Rupert April; occasional summer surveys

Christmas Bird Counta 1980–2010 December 14–January 5 Kaien Island eBirda 1970–2014 Casual; year-round RAA Great Backyard Bird Counta 1999–2011 Four days in mid-February RAA North American Breeding Bird Surveyb 1966–2014 Once per year around June—a Kwinitsa route 39.2 km survey route with 50 three minute point count stations Ridley Island Master Development Planc 2006 June Ridley Island Fairview Terminal Phase II Expansion 2006–2012 Year-round, seasonal surveys Kaien Island and Kaien Sidingd,f Canpotex Potash Export Terminal and 2009–2012 Year-round, seasonal surveys Kaien Island Ridley Island Road, Rail, and Utility Corridore,f Pacific NorthWest LNG (PNW)f 2012–2013 August to July (Year-round) Lelu Island Prince Rupert Gas Transmission 2012–2013 August and July Chatham (PRGT)g Sound Bird Coloniesh 1979–2015 Data compiled from peer-reviewed RAA sources; ongoing NOTES: a Bird Studies Canada (2015) b Environment Canada (2013) c JWA (2008) d Stantec (2010) e Stantec (2011) f PNW LNG (2014a) g PRGT (2014) h BC MFLNRO (2015)

Marine Bird Technical Data Report Review of Existing Data Sources November 2016

SPECIES OF MANAGEMENT CONCERN

Species of management concern include species with potential to occur in the RAA that are designated as Endangered, Threatened, or Special Concern by federal or provincial governments. The BC Conservation Data Center (BC CDC) compiles information on the status of wildlife species of conservation concern, and includes: . Provincially Red- or Blue-listed species . Species federally-listed as Endangered, Threatened, or Special Concern by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) . Species federally-listed on Schedule 1 of the Species at Risk Act (SARA) . Species designated through Canadian National General Status database or the NatureServe Global Status database.

3.3 Findings

3.3.1 Traditional Ecological Knowledge

Areas used for marine resource gathering by Aboriginal Groups within the RAA and greater Prince Rupert region include, but are not limited to, Lucy Islands, islands west of Prince Rupert Harbour, Metlakatla and surrounding area, Digby Island, Melville Island, Porcher Island, Lelu Island, Rachael Islands, Smith Island, and Lawyer Islands (EAO 2009; LNG Canada 2014; PNW LNG 2014b; Calliou Group 2016; DM Cultural Services 2016). Marine bird species harvested from these areas include, but are not limited to, mallard (Anas platyrhynchos), rhinoceros auklet, gulls, albatross, grebes, loons, marbled murrelet (Brachyramphus marmoratus), pigeon guillemot, storm-petrels, swans, and scoters (LFN 2004; AMEC 2011; LNG Canada 2014). It is also reported that the eggs of gulls and oystercatchers are harvested (LNG Canada 2014; PNW LNG 2014b; Calliou Group 2016). For additional detail on traditional knowledge and use, see Appendix S.2 Aboriginal Consultation Technical Data Report (TDR) of the Application.

3.3.2 Literature Review and Previous Investigations

From the review of existing data, 102 species of marine bird are known to occur within the Prince Rupert and Port Edward area. The most commonly documented species were glaucous-winged gull, northwestern crow (Corvus caurinus), mallard, and surf scoter. Six species and three species guilds are known to breed within the region. For locations of marine bird breeding colony occurrence records, see Figure 1.

SPECIES OF MANAGEMENT CONCERN

Based on regional occurrence records, there are 22 marine bird species (and subspecies) of management concern that have potential to use shoreline, nearshore, or farshore habitats in the RAA (see Table 2). Of those, surf scoter, common murre, and western grebe (Aechmophorus occidentalis) occur regularly. Four species of management concern have less than 10 individuals documented: yellow- billed loon (Gavia adamsii [9 individuals]), Cassin’s auklet (Ptychoramphus aleuticus [4 individuals]),

Marine Bird Technical Data Report Review of Existing Data Sources November 2016 wandering tattler (Tringa incana [3 individuals]), and American avocet (Recurvirostra americana [1 individual]). Northern fulmar (Fulmarus glacialis) has no record in the historical data, but a single individual was detected incidentally during Project-specific surveys (see Section 4). A complete list of marine bird occurrence records and abundance is summarized in Appendix 1.

Table 2 Marine Bird Species of Management Concern Known or Potentially Occurring within the Marine Bird RAA

Conservation Statusb a Species Scientific Name c d COSEWIC BC Status SARA Status d Status Brant Branta bernicla Blue - - Surf Scoter Melanitta perspicillata Blue - - Black Scoter Melanitta americana Blue - - Long-tailed Duck Clangula hyemalis Blue - - Yellow-billed Loon Gavia adamsii Blue - - Horned Grebe Podiceps auritus Yellow - Special Concern Western Grebe Aechmophorus occidentalis Red - Special Concern Northern Fulmar Fulmarus glacialis Red - - Brandt's Cormorant Phalacrocorax penicillatus Red - - Double-crested Cormorant Phalacrocorax auritus Blue - Not at Risk Pelagic Cormorant, Phalacrocorax pelagicus Blue - - pelagicus subspecies Great Blue Heron, fannini Special Concern Ardea herodias fannini Blue Special Concern subspecies (Schedule 1) Northern Goshawk, laingi Threatened Accipiter gentilis laingi Red Threatened subspecies (Schedule 1) Peregrine Falcon, pealei Falco peregrinus pealei Red - - subspecies American Avocet Recurvirostra americana Blue - - Wandering Tattler Tringa incana Blue - - Red-necked Phalarope Phalaropus lobatus Blue - Special Concern California Gull Larus californicus Blue - - Common Murre Uria aalge Red - - Threatened Marbled Murrelet Brachyramphus marmoratus Blue Threatened (Schedule 1) Special Concern Ancient Murrelet Synthliboramphus antiquus Blue Special Concern (Schedule 1) Cassin's Auklet Ptychoramphus aleuticus Blue - Special Concern NOTES: a Species names follow BC Conservation Data Centre naming conventions (BC CDC 2015); known and potential occurrences of these species in the Project LAA/RAA area based on JWA (2008), Stantec (2010, 2011), PNW LNG (2014b) and LNG Canada 2014). b BC CDC 2015 c BC Status indicates species populations are as follows: Red = Extirpated, Endangered, or Threatened; Blue = Special Concern, Yellow = Secure d GOC 2016

Marine Bird Technical Data Report Field studies November 2016

4 FIELD STUDIES

Shoreline stationary counts and vessel-based surveys were used to characterize abundance, distribution, and diversity of marine birds in shoreline, nearshore, and farshore waters in Chatham Sound, including Digby Island. Data collected from these surveys are used to inform the assessment of marine birds within the Marine Bird RAA.

4.1 Shoreline Stationary Counts

4.1.1 Scope

Stationary counts were conducted in shoreline habitat on the southern portion of Digby Island and areas within Delusion Bay (see Figure 2). The data collected provides an overview of marine bird shoreline and nearshore habitat use on Digby Island.

4.1.2 Methods

Methods used for shoreline stationary counts were based on the provincial standard, Inventory Methods for Seabirds: cormorants, gulls, murres, storm-petrels, Ancient Murrelet, auks, puffins, and Pigeon Guillemot (RIC 1997a), and Standardized Inventory Methodologies for Components of British Columbia’s Biodiversity: Shorebirds. Plovers, oystercatchers, stilts, avocets, sandpipers, phalaropes and allies (RIC 1997b). Along the Digby Island coast, 22 shoreline stations were pre-selected for surveys. Due to weather and timing constraints not all shoreline stations were surveyed during each of the stationary shoreline programs. Twenty stations were surveyed in July, 2014, and 21 stations were surveyed in November 2014 (see Figure 2). Surveys were conducted during daylight hours between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. by biologists skilled in marine bird identification. Biologists recorded all marine birds seen in a 20 minute period within 300 m of each shoreline station. Marine birds identified outside the 300 m distance were recorded as incidental observations (see Section 4.3). For all detections, biologists recorded the station number, observation time, and species, or species guild if the individual could not be identified to species. For each species the number of individuals, behaviour, age, and sex were recorded when possible. In addition to species information, environmental data were recorded at each station including temperature, wind speed and direction, precipitation, sea state (using the Beaufort scale), visibility, glare condition, and tide state. Marine bird surveys were suspended in conditions that reduced visibility or was thought to influence bird behavior, such as during heavy precipitation or when sea state was greater than three on the Beaufort scale.

Marine Bird Technical Data Report Field studies November 2016

4.1.3 Findings

During shoreline stationary counts, 919 individuals of 34 species were recorded across both survey seasons. The following provides a list of the eight species of management concern detected during surveys, as well as the percentage of total birds seen across shoreline stationary counts: . Surf scoter (BC Blue List; 4.1%) . Horned grebe (COSEWIC Special Concern; 0.7%) . Western grebe (BC Red List; COSEWIC Special Concern; 0.4%) . Double-crested cormorant (BC Blue List; 0.1%) . Pelagic cormorant, pelagicus subspecies (BC Blue List; 1.4%) . Great blue heron, fannini subspecies (BC Blue List, SARA and COSEWIC Special Concern; 1.2%) . Common murre (BC Red List; 1.0%) . Marbled murrelet (BC Blue List, SARA Threatened; 4.6%). The most abundant species across all surveys were black turnstone (Arenaria melanocephal; 33.1%) glaucous-winged gull (7.6%), and bufflehead (Bucephala albeola; 7.6%). The highest numbers of birds seen were at stations MBDI08 (102 individuals), MBDI17 (105 individuals), and MBDI21 (175 individuals) due to large flocks of up to 100 black turnstone seen at each station. In general, species richness and abundance were fairly uniform across all stations. Higher numbers of species were recorded at MBDI12 (14 species), MBDI14 (13 species), and MBDI21 (15 species). Overall, species richness and abundance observed during stationary shoreline surveys were similar to previous results reported in the region. The total number of individuals of each species is summarized in Appendix 2.

4.2 Vessel-based Surveys

4.2.1 Scope

Vessel-based surveys were conducted seasonally within Chatham Sound, including Main Passage and Brown Passage (see Figure 3 through Figure 6). Vessel-based data provides an overview of nearshore and farshore marine bird habitat use in the RAA and greater Prince Rupert region.

4.2.2 Methods

Methods used for vessel-based surveys are based on the following standards: . Inventory Methods for Seabirds: cormorants, gulls, murres, storm-petrels, Ancient Murrelet, auks, puffins, and Pigeon Guillemot (RIC 1997a) . Standardized Inventory Methodologies for Components of British Columbia’s Biodiversity. Shorebirds: plovers, oystercatchers, stilts, avocets, sandpipers, phalaropes and allies (RIC 1997b) . Inventory Methods for Marbled Murrelets in Marine and Terrestrial Habitats Version 2.0. (RIC 2001) . Eastern Canada Seabirds at Sea Standardized Protocol for Pelagic Seabird Surveys from Moving and Stationary Platforms (Gjerdrum et al. 2012).

Marine Bird Technical Data Report Field studies November 2016

Vessel-based surveys were conducted to document occurrence and habitat use of marine birds during summer breeding (July 2014 and June 2015), spring and fall migration (November 2014 and April 2015), and over-wintering seasons (February 2015). Across all four seasons, 180 2-km transects were completed, with an average of 45 transects per season. The number of transects completed in each season varied based on constraints in weather and sea conditions. Surveys were conducted along a 2 km transect where the survey vessel travelled at speeds between 8 and 10 knots. Transects were randomly distributed within the following four habitat guilds to account for potential differences in marine bird habitat use (see Figure 3 through Figure 6): . Nearshore and shallow: within 1 km of shore and <50 m depth . Nearshore and deep: within 1 km of shore and >50 m depth . Farshore and shallow: >1 km from shore and <50 m depth . Farshore and deep: >1 km from shore and >50 m depth. Surveys were conducted during daylight hours between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. by biologists skilled in marine bird identification. During each survey, biologists recorded all marine birds seen within 300 m of the transect centerline. Marine birds identified outside the 300 m transect width were documented as incidental observations (see Section 4.3). For all detections, biologists recorded transect number, observation time, species, and number of individuals, and also behaviour, age, and sex, where possible. In addition to species information, environmental data were recorded every 30 minutes, or sooner where weather conditions changed noticeably. Environmental variables recorded included temperature, wind speed and direction, precipitation, sea state (using the Beaufort scale), visibility, glare condition, and tide state. Marine bird surveys were suspended in conditions that reduced visibility or was thought to influence bird behaviour, such as during heavy precipitation or when sea state was greater than three on the Beaufort scale.

4.2.3 Findings

During vessel-based surveys, 3,024 individuals of 32 species were recorded across all survey seasons. The following provides a list of the 13 species of management concern detected during surveys, as well as the percent of total birds seen across vessel-based surveys: . Surf scoter (BC Blue List; 3.9%) . Long-tailed duck (BC Blue List; 0.2%) . Horned grebe (COSEWIC Special Concern; >0.1%) . Western grebe (BC Red List, COSEWIC Special Concern; 2.5%) . Brandt’s cormorant (BC Red List; 0.3%) . Double-crested cormorant (BC Blue List; 0.1%) . Pelagic cormorant, pelagicus subspecies (BC Blue List; 1.4%) . Red-necked phalarope (BC Blue List, COSEWIC Special Concern; 0.1%) . Common murre (BC Red List; 15.5%) . Marbled murrelet (BC Blue List, SARA and COSEWIC Threatened; 3.3%)

Marine Bird Technical Data Report Field studies November 2016

. Ancient murrelet (BC Blue List, SARA and COSEWIC Special Concern; 0.8%) . Cassin’s auklet (BC Blue List, COSEWIC Special Concern; 0.2%) . California gull (BC Blue List; >0.1%). Across all seasons, the most abundant species were rhinoceros auklet (15.8%), common murre (15.5%), glaucous-winged gull (15.1%), and white-winged scoter (Melanitta deglandi; 14%). A single large congregation of approximately 300 white-winged scoters was observed in February 2015. Species richness was similar across all seasons, with the highest number of species (n = 22) detected in summer. A summary by season, corrected by survey effort in each season, of the most commonly detected species is presented in Table 3.

Table 3 Seasonal Summary of Marine Bird Vessel-Based Surveys in Chatham Sound

Average Number Average Number of Number of Month Abundant Species Species per Transect Individuals per Transect Transects (±Standard Deviation) (±Standard Deviation) Bonaparte’s Gull (31.2%) April 27 Western Grebe (11.4%) 4.2 ± 2.1 2.1 ± 25.2 2015 Rhinoceros Auklet (10.0%) Rhinoceros Auklet (58.9%) July 2014/ 56 Glaucous-winged Gull (13.5%) 5.2 ± 4.3 4.2 ± 22.2 June 2015 Common Murre (8.6%) Glaucous-winged Gull (33.6%) November 41 Common Murre (18.1%) 9.6 ± 8.3 4.5 ± 35.7 2014 Pacific Loon (15.9%) White-winged Scoter (36.7%) February 56 Common Murre (20.9%) 5.0 ± 4.1 6.1 ± 52.8 2015 Surf Scoter (7.5%)

Among habitat guilds, marine bird abundance was highest in nearshore shallow habitat types (averaging 28.2 individuals per transect) and lowest in nearshore deep habitat types (averaging 9.3 individuals per transect). Species richness was similar across all habitat types, ranging from 3.9 species per transect in nearshore shallow habitat types to 3.1 species per transect in farshore deep habitat types. For a complete summary of marine bird detections by habitat guild, see Appendix 3.

4.3 Incidental Observations

4.3.1 Scope

Incidental observations provide information on the presence of uncommon species or species of management concern, the size and distribution of large concentrations of wintering and migrating marine birds, and locations of marine bird colonies.

Marine Bird Technical Data Report Field studies November 2016

4.3.2 Methods

Incidental observations of marine birds were collected during marine bird shoreline stationary counts, vessel-based surveys, and during marine mammal surveys throughout Chatham Sound. Incidental sightings include marine birds recorded outside of formal survey periods (e.g., on transit between individual vessel-based transects), sighting outside of standard survey parameters (i.e., more than 300 m from shoreline stations or vessel transects, and birds identified during marine mammal surveys). For all detections, biologists recorded the observation date, time, location, and species, or species guild if the individual could not be identified to species. For each species the number of individuals, behaviour, age, and sex were recorded when possible.

4.3.3 Findings

Incidental marine bird observations accounted for 13,653 occurrences of 36 species. The following provides a list of the 14 species of management concern, as well as the percent of total birds seen across all incidental records: . Surf scoter (BC Blue List; 19.7%) . Long-tailed duck (BC Blue List; >0.1%) . Western grebe (BC Red List, COSEWIC Special Concern; 0.2%) . Northern fulmar (BC Red List; >0.1%) . Brandt’s cormorant (BC Red List; >0.1%) . Double-crested cormorant (BC Blue List; 0.2%) . Pelagic cormorant, pelagicus subspecies (BC Blue List; 0.7%) . Great blue heron, fannini subspecies (BC Blue List; >0.1%) . Red-necked phalarope (BC Blue List, COSEWIC Special Concern; 22.3%) . Common murre (BC Red List; 2.7%) . Marbled murrelet (BC Blue List, SARA and COSEWIC Threatened; 2.4%) . Cassin’s auklet (BC Blue List, COSEWIC Special Concern; >0.1%) . Ancient murrelet (BC Blue List, SARA and COSEWIC Special Concern; >0.1%) . California gull (BC Blue List; >0.1%). The most abundant species across all survey seasons were red-necked phalarope (Phalaropus lobatus; 22.3%), surf scoter (19.7%), and glaucous-winged gull (10.1%). While red-necked phalarope was the most abundant species detected incidentally, accounting for 22.3% of all incidental detections, it was detected infrequently during formal surveys (0.5% of all survey detections). This result was due to a large congregation of an estimated 3,000 individuals detected in July 2014. Similarly, a large congregation of 2,500 surf scoters was detected in April 2015. A single northern fulmar was detected while anchored overnight in Port Simpson. For a complete list of marine bird incidental detections described by season, see Appendix 4.

Marine Bird Technical Data Report Field studies November 2016

4.4 Field Study Summary

Across all survey types a total of 17,596 individuals of 50 species were recorded. Of the 22 species of management concern with potential to occur in the RAA (see Table 2), 15 were detected during Project surveys. Common murre, double-crested cormorant, western grebe, and surf scoter were detected during all survey types. Surf scoter and common murre were among some of the most frequently detected species; these records are consistent with existing data for the Prince Rupert region. Red-necked phalarope was also among the most abundant species but was because of a single detection of a large congregation of approximately 3,000 individuals. In general, species richness and abundance were fairly uniform across all seasons and survey types.

Marine Bird Technical Data Report Closure November 2016

5 CLOSURE

This technical data report provides a summary of data collected on marine bird occurrence and habitat use within the marine habitats of Chatham Sound and shoreline habitats of Digby Island. Surveys were conducted seasonally from July 2014 to June 2015 and were stratified across multiple habitat types to increase the likelihood of detection for all species potentially occurring within the RAA. The data presented in this technical data report are used to inform the assessment of marine birds and provide a discussion on potential effects to marine birds within the RAA from Project activities.

Respectfully submitted, STANTEC CONSULTING LTD.

Megan Willie, M.S.c., R.P.Bio. on behalf of Megan Willie, M.Sc., R.P.Bio. ayme Brooks, B.Sc., R.P.Bio. Discipline Lead and Quality Reviewer Report Author

14 Marine Bird Technical Data Report References November 2016

6 REFERENCES

6.1 Literature Cited

AMEC. 2011. Kitsault Mine Project Environmental Assessment: Appendix 16.0-A; Kitsault Aboriginal Group Profiles. Prepared for Avanti Mining Inc. Available at: http://www.ceaa- acee.gc.ca/050/documents/56109/56109E.pdf. Accessed: July 2015. British Columbia Conservation Data Center (BC CDC). 2015. BC Species and Ecosystems Explorer. BC Ministry of Environment, Victoria, BC. Available: http://a100.gov.bc.ca/pub/eswp/. Accessed: May 2015. British Columbia Ministry of Environment (BC MOE). 2015. Part II: Ecoregion Unit Descriptions. Available at: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/ecology/ecoregions/humidtemp.html#coast. Accessed: July 2015. British Columbia Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations (BC MFLNRO). 2015. Bird Colonies - Coastal Resource Information Management System (CRIMS). Available at: http://catalogue.data.gov.bc.ca/dataset/bird-colonies-coastal-resource-information-management- system-crims. Accessed: May 2015. Bird Studies Canada. 2015. Data accessed from NatureCounts, a node of the Avian Knowledge Network, Bird Studies Canada. Available at: http://www.naturecounts.ca/. Accessed: April 2015. Calliou Group. 2016. Gitxaala Use Study (Draft). Prepared for Nexen Energy ULC. Calgary, AB. 127 pp. DM Cultural Services. 2016. Metlakatla First Nation Traditional Land Use and Ecological Knowledge of Aurora LNG Ltd’s Proposed Project, Interim Baseline Report. Prepared for Nexen Energy ULC. Prince Rupert, BC. 76 pp. Environmental Assessment Office (EAO). 2009. Naikun Offshore Wind Energy Project Assessment Report. Available at: http://a100.gov.bc.ca/appsdata/epic/documents/p230/d31836/1260491074280_e0bcf2b83da1493 89131d669c1cbcbc9ab092a32126ef8d13dfa771ae30c9e20.pdf. Accessed: July 2015. Environment Canada. 2013. North American Breeding Bird Survey. Available at: https://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/BBS/results/. Accessed: April 2015. Gjerdrum, C., D.A. Fifield, and S.I. Wilhelm. 2012. Eastern Canada Seabirds at Sea (ECSAS) Standardized Protocol for Pelagic Seabird Surveys from Moving and Stationary Platforms. Canadian Wildlife Service Technical Report Series No. 515. Atlantic Region. Government of Canada (GOC). 2016. Species at Risk Registry. Available at: https://www.registrelep- sararegistry.gc.ca/default.asp?lang=En&n=24F7211B-1. Accessed: September 2016. IBA Canada. 2015. Important Bird Areas in Canada. Available at: http://www.ibacanada.ca/index.jsp?lang=en. Accessed: May 2015. Jacques Whitford AXYS Ltd. (JWA). 2008. Ridley Island Master Development Plan: Environmental Resource Assessment and Recommendations. Prepared for: Prince Rupert Port Authority. Prince Rupert, BC.

Marine Bird Technical Data Report References November 2016

Lax Kw’alaams First Nation (LFN). 2004. Interim Land and Marine Resource Plan of the Allied Tsimshian Tribes of Lax Kw’alaams. 161 pp. LNG Canada. 2014. Environmental Assessment Certificate Application: LNG Canada Export Terminal. Section 13 - Background on Potentially Affected Aboriginal Groups. Prepared by Stantec Consulting Ltd., Burnaby, BC. Pacific NorthWest LNG (PNW LNG). 2014a. Pacific Northwest LNG: Technical Data Report—Terrestrial Wildlife and Marine Birds. Prepared by Stantec Consulting Ltd., Burnaby, BC. Pacific NorthWest LNG (PNW LNG). 2014b. Pacific Northwest LNG: Appendix B—Current Use of Lands and Resources for Traditional Purposes. Prepared by Stantec Consulting Ltd., Burnaby, BC. Prince Rupert Gas Transmission Ltd. (PRGT). 2014. Prince Rupert Gas Transmission: Appendix P— Wildlife and Wildlife Habitat. Prepared for Prince Rupert Gas Transmission Ltd., Vancouver, BC. Resource Inventory Committee (RIC). 1997a. Inventory Methods for Seabirds: cormorants, gulls, murres, storm-petrels, Ancient Murrelet, auks, puffins, and Pigeon Guillemot. Victoria, BC. Resource Inventory Committee (RIC). 1997b. Standardized Inventory Methodologies for Components of British Columbia’s Biodiversity: Shorebirds. Plovers, oystercatchers, stilts, avocets, sandpipers, phalaropes and allies. Victoria, BC. Resource Inventory Committee (RIC). 2001. Inventory Methods for Marbled Murrelets in Marine and Terrestrial Habitats Version 2.0. Standards for Components of British Columbia’s Biodiversity. No. 10. Victoria, BC. Stantec Consulting Ltd. (Stantec). 2010. Fairview Terminal Phase II Expansion and Kaien Siding Avifauna Data Addendum to Environment Canada, August 18, 2010. Vancouver, BC. Stantec Consulting Ltd. (Stantec). 2011. Canpotex Potash Export Terminal and Ridley Island Road, Rail, and Utility Corridor – Wildlife Technical Data Report. Prepared for Canpotex Terminals Limited, West Vancouver, BC and Prince Rupert Port Authority, Prince Rupert, BC.

Marine Bird Technical Data Report Figures November 2016

7 FIGURES

Please see the following pages.

370000 380000 390000 400000 410000 420000 Zayas Brundige Boat IBA: Rushbrook KTS'MKTA'ANI/UNION Island Caamaño Inlet Harbour Passage LAKE CONSERVANCY Passage BC125 Main Passage Zumtela 6050000 6050000 ! ! Bay Worsfold Dundas Dodd Bay Stumaun º Island Passage LAX KWAXL/DUNDAS AND ! Bay MELVILLE ISLANDS CONSERVANCY Lax Kw'alaams Finlayson Island

Legace Nares Pearl Bay Harbour Islets Clam LAX Grave Bay Inlet KW'ALAAMS 1 6040000 6040000 Edith Work Hudson Bay North G Georgetown e Channel Harbour Dundas Passage o Passage Lake rg Islands Big ! e to w Bay Georgetown Mills n South C r Passage e ! Dunira e k Island

! IBA: Tuck Inlet BC124 6030000 Laurier 6030000 Melville Cove Island C h a t h a m Osborn Cove S o u n d S 1/2 TSIMPSEAN 2 !

WOODWORTH LAKE ! Bacon CONSERVANCY B r o w n Tugwell Metlakatla Cove Island Philips P a s s a g e Cove Fern LUCY ISLANDS Passage

6020000 CONSERVANCY Crippen 6020000 Triple Island *# Cove 16 Pilot Station ! " ¤£ Digby Prince Dodge Rupert Island Cove Oliver IBA: Kaien Island Lake BC122 Delusion Bay Wainwright Kloiya Bay Tremayne Basin Bay Bell Passage Porpoise

6010000 " 6010000 Port Lake ! ! Edward ! Lelu Island Tsum Holland Tsadai Rock Stephens Inlet Philip Island Island Smith KSGAXL/STEPHENS Island Skiakl Bay ISLANDS CONSERVANCY Skiakl 6000000 Stephens Bremner 6000000 Bird Colonies Island Passage Lake ! Black Oystercatcher Butler ! Croasdaile Cove Marcus Glaucous-winged Gull Island IBA: Passage Pelagic Cormorant Prescott BC119 Malacca Humpback Island Passage Pigeon Guillemot Bay

Rhinoceros Auklet Hunt Cormorant species Arthur Inlet Island Refuge Bay Chismore Gull species Edye Passage KENNEDY ISLAND Passage Porcher CONSERVANCY 5990000 Alcid species 5990000 Chearnley Island Elliott Island Black-legged Kittiwake Passage Porcher Kennedy Welcome Island Lawson Island Harbour Harbour Salt 0 5 10 15 Km Secret Lagoon Lewis Island Cove

1:350,000

370000 380000 390000 400000 410000 420000

" City, Municipality, or Town Park, Protected Area, Project Ecological Reserve, Development Area Community, Locality, or ! or Conservancy Village Local Assessment Area First Nation Reserve *# Triple Island Pilot Station Regional Assessment Area Waterbody Highway Important Bird Areas Prince Rupert Port MARINE BIRD Road Authority Boundary TECHNICAL DATA REPORT Railway Shipping Route Watercourse Pilot Boarding Zone LOCAL AND REGIONAL ASSESSMENT Data Sources: BOUNDARIES AND IMPORTANT BIRD AREAS FOR MARINE BIRDS Disclaimer: Fig. ID:123220054 RC FIGURE Projection:UTM Zone 9 Drawn By: NO: Datum: NAD 83 Date: Oct 26, 2016 Checked By: MW 1 130°27'5"W 130°25'0"W 130°22'55"W 405000 407500 410000

D i g b y Tobey I s l a n d Point 6017500 º 6017500 r MBDI19 ! Dodge MBDI01 Island Elizabeth Dodge Point Cove ! Dodge Cove Parizeau MBDI02 Point MBDI03

Casey Cove

MBDI04 Charles Point Casey MBDI05 Point 6015000 6015000

Emmerson Point 54°16'15"N 54°16'15"N MBDI22

Philips Point MBDI06 MBDI09

MBDI18 Delusion Bay MBDI07

Lax Kw'alaams MBDI10 Frederick ! Point Work Channel MBDI08

Georgetown Mills Miller 6012500 ! MBDI17 Martini 6012500 MBDI11 Point Island MBDI16 Moore MBDI15 Spire Prince Point Island Rupert Metford Metlakatla Island MBDI20 ! Tremayne Tuck *# " Bay MBDI21 Island MBDI14 Triple Island Pilot Station " Fraser Point Chatham Port Sound Edward MBDI13 MBDI12

54°14'10"N Lima Point 54°14'10"N

1:1,000,000

0 500 1,000 1,500 m

1:40,000 6010000

405000 407500 410000 130°27'5"W 130°25'0"W 130°22'55"W

" City, Municipality, or Town Bathymetric Contour Project Development Area

! Community, Locality, or Park, Protected Area, Marine Bird Shoreline Village Ecological Reserve, StationaryCount *# Triple Island Pilot Station or Conservancy Local Assessment Area r First Nation Reserve Airport Regional Assessment Area ! Waterbody Highway MARINE BIRD Shipping Route TECHNICAL DATA REPORT Road Pilot Boarding Zone Railway Project Component Watercourse MARINE BIRD SHORELINE Data Sources: STATIONARY COUNT LOCATIONS Disclaimer: Fig. ID:123220054 RC FIGURE Projection:UTM Zone 9 Drawn By: NO: Datum: NAD 83 Date: Oct 27, 2016 Checked By: JB 2 360000 370000 380000 390000 400000 410000 420000

Emma Passage Little Union Lake Paradise Union Dudevoir Passage Inlet Goose Passage U Bay nio n C Zayas ºreek Island Brundige KTS'MKTA'ANI/UNION Boat Rushbrook Caamaño Inlet Harbour Passage LAKE CONSERVANCY Passage Main Holliday Passage Zumtela 6050000 6050000 Passage Bay Worsfold Dundas Island Dodd Bay LAX KWAXL/DUNDAS AND Oriflamme Passage Stumaun MELVILLE ISLANDS CONSERVANCY Passage ! Bay Lax Kw'alaams Finlayson Island

Legace Nares Pearl Bay

Islets Clam Harbour LAX Grave Bay Inlet KW'ALAAMS 1 6040000 6040000 Edith Work Hudson Bay North G Harbour Dundas Georgetown e Channel Passage Passage o Prince Lake rg Islands ! e to Leboo Big Bay w Georgetown n Island South C r Passage Mills e Dunira e k Island

Tuck Inlet

6030000 (! Laurier 6030000 Cove Melville (! Island C h a t h a m Osborn (! Cove S o u n d S 1/2 (! WOODWORTH LAKE (! TSIMPSEAN 2 ! CONSERVANCY ! ( ( (! r e Metlakatla iv (! ! R Bacon n a Tugwell tl B r o w n Cove(! a Venn Philips w (! Island a P a s s a g e Passage Cove h (! Fern S Passage

6020000 Crippen 6020000 Triple Island (! Cove *# LUCY ISLANDS " Prince Pilot Station CONSERVANCY 16 Digby Dodge Rupert ¤£ (! Island (! (! Cove Oliver (! Kaien Island Lake ! ( Delusion Bay Wainwright Tremayne (! Basin Bay (! Bell (! Passage Porpoise

6010000 (! " 6010000 Port Lake Marine Bird Transects (By Habitat Type) West Edward Kinahan

July 2014 Island ( ! (! Lelu

(! Shallow/Farshore Island (

! (! Deep/Farshore (! Tsum (! Tsadai

June 2015 Inlet ( ! Stephens Philip

(! Shallow/Nearshore Island (! ( Smith ! Island

(! Shallow/Farshore KSGAXL/STEPHENS Island ( ! (! (! ISLANDS CONSERVANCY Deep/Farshore Skiakl 6000000 Stephens 6000000 Island (! Habitat Type Passage Shallow/Nearshore Butler Croasdaile Cove Marcus Island Shallow/Farshore Passage Deep/Nearshore Prescott Malacca Humpback Island Passage Deep/Farshore Bay Hunt Porcher Island 0 5 10 15 Km Arthur Inlet Island Refuge Bay Chismore Kennedy Edye Passage Island 1:350,000 William Henry Passage

Elliott 5990000 Island Island Porcher Island 360000 370000 380000 390000 400000 Island 410000 420000

" City, Municipality, or Town Park, Protected Area, Project Ecological Reserve, Development Area ! Community, Locality, or Village or Conservancy Local Assessment Area First Nation Reserve *# Triple Island Pilot Station Regional Assessment Area Waterbody Highway Prince Rupert Port Road Authority Boundary MARINE BIRD Railway Shipping Route TECHNICAL DATA REPORT Watercourse Pilot Boarding Zone SUMMER MARINE BIRD Data Sources: VESSEL-BASED SURVEYS - JULY 2014 AND JUNE 2015 Disclaimer: Fig. ID:123220054 RC FIGURE Projection:UTM Zone 9 Drawn By: NO: Datum: NAD 83 Date: Oct 28, 2016 Checked By: JB 3 360000 370000 380000 390000 400000 410000 420000

Legace Nares Pearl Bay

Tuck Inlet

6030000 (! 6030000 Melville Silver Creek Island C h a t h a m (! Osborn Cove S o u n d S 1/2 WOODWORTH LAKE TSIMPSEAN 2 CONSERVANCY

r e Metlakatla iv ! R Bacon n a Tugwell tl B r o w n Cove a Venn Philips w Island a h P a s s a g e Passage Cove Fern S Passage 6020000 Triple Island Crippen 6020000 Cove Pilot Station *# LUCY ISLANDS " Prince CONSERVANCY 16 Digby Dodge Rupert ¤£ Island Cove Oliver Kaien Island Lake

Delusion Bay Wainwright Tremayne Basin Bay

(! Bell Passage (! Porpoise

6010000 (! " 6010000 Port Lake West Edward Kinahan (! Island Lelu Island Tsum Tsadai Stephens Inlet

Philip

Mairne Bird Transects (By Habitat Type) Island ( ! Island Smith

(! Shallow/Farshore KSGAXL/STEPHENS Island (

! (! Deep/Farshore ISLANDS CONSERVANCY Skiakl 6000000 Stephens 6000000 Island Habitat Type Passage Shallow/Nearshore Butler Croasdaile Cove Marcus Shallow/Farshore Island Passage Deep/Nearshore Prescott Malacca Humpback Island Passage Deep/Farshore Bay

Hunt Porcher Island 0 5 10 15 Km Arthur Inlet Island Refuge Bay Chismore Kennedy Edye Passage Island 1:350,000 William Henry Passage

Elliott 5990000 Island Island Porcher Island 360000 370000 380000 390000 400000 Island 410000 420000

" City, Municipality, or Town Park, Protected Area, Project Ecological Reserve, Development Area ! Community, Locality, or Village or Conservancy Local Assessment Area First Nation Reserve *# Triple Island Pilot Station Regional Assessment Area Waterbody Highway Prince Rupert Port Road Authority Boundary MARINE BIRD Railway Shipping Route TECHNICAL DATA REPORT Watercourse Pilot Boarding Zone FALL MARINE BIRD Data Sources: VESSEL-BASED SURVEYS - NOVEMBER 2014 Disclaimer: Fig. ID:123220054 RC FIGURE Projection:UTM Zone 9 Drawn By: NO: Datum: NAD 83 Date: Oct 28, 2016 Checked By: JB 4 360000 370000 380000 390000 400000 410000 420000

Emma Passage Little Union Lake Paradise Union Dudevoir Passage Inlet Goose Passage U Bay nio (! n C Zayas ºreek Island Brundige KTS'MKTA'ANI/UNION Boat Rushbrook Caamaño Inlet (! Harbour Passage LAKE CONSERVANCY Passage Main Holliday Passage Zumtela 6050000 6050000 Passage Bay Worsfold Dundas Island Dodd Bay LAX KWAXL/DUNDAS AND Oriflamme Passage Stumaun MELVILLE ISLANDS CONSERVANCY Passage ! Bay Lax Kw'alaams Finlayson Island

Legace (! Pearl Bay Nares (! Islets Clam Harbour LAX Grave Bay Inlet (! KW'ALAAMS 1 6040000 6040000 (! Edith Work Hudson Bay North G Harbour Dundas Georgetown e Channel Passage (!Passage o Prince Lake rg Islands ! e to Leboo Big Bay w Georgetown n Island South C r Passage Mills e Dunira e k Island

Tuck Inlet 6030000 6030000

Melville Silver Creek Island C h a t h a m Osborn (! Cove (!(! S o u n d S 1/2 WOODWORTH LAKE (!(! (! TSIMPSEAN 2 (! CONSERVANCY (! r (! e (! Metlakatla iv ! R Bacon n a Tugwell tl B r o w n Cove a Venn Philips w Island a P a s s a g e h Passage Cove (! Fern S Passage

6020000 Crippen 6020000 Triple Island Cove (! *# LUCY ISLANDS " Prince Pilot Station CONSERVANCY 16 Digby Dodge Rupert ¤£ Island Cove Oliver Kaien Island Lake (! (! ! Delusion ( Bay (! Wainwright Tremayne Basin Bay Bell Passage (! Porpoise

6010000 " 6010000 (! Port Lake West Edward Kinahan Island Lelu (! Island

Marine Bird Transects (by Habitat Type) Tsum ( ! (!

(! Tsadai

Shallow/Nearshore Inlet ( ! Stephens

Philip

(! Shallow/Farshore Island

( ! Island Smith

(! Deep/Nearshore KSGAXL/STEPHENS Island

( ! ISLANDS CONSERVANCY (! Deep/Farshore Skiakl 6000000 Stephens 6000000 Island Habitat Type Passage Shallow/Nearshore Butler (! Croasdaile Cove Marcus Shallow/Farshore Island (! Passage Deep/Nearshore Prescott Malacca Humpback Island Passage Deep/Farshore Bay

Hunt Porcher Island 0 5 10 15 Km Arthur Inlet Island Refuge Bay Chismore Kennedy Edye Passage Island 1:350,000 William Henry Passage

Elliott 5990000 Island Island Porcher Island 360000 370000 380000 390000 400000 Island 410000 420000

" City, Municipality, or Town Park, Protected Area, Project Ecological Reserve, Development Area ! Community, Locality, or Village or Conservancy Local Assessment Area First Nation Reserve *# Triple Island Pilot Station Regional Assessment Area Waterbody Highway Prince Rupert Port Road Authority Boundary MARINE BIRD Railway Shipping Route TECHNICAL DATA REPORT Watercourse Pilot Boarding Zone WINTER MARINE BIRD Data Sources: VESSEL-BASED SURVEYS - FEBRUARY 2015 Disclaimer: Fig. ID:123220054 RC FIGURE Projection:UTM Zone 9 Drawn By: NO: Datum: NAD 83 Date: Oct 28, 2016 Checked By: JB 5 360000 370000 380000 390000 400000 410000 420000

Legace Nares Pearl Bay

Tuck Inlet 6030000 6030000

Melville Silver Creek Island (! C h a t h a m Osborn (! Cove (! S o u n d S 1/2 (! WOODWORTH LAKE TSIMPSEAN 2 CONSERVANCY

r e Metlakatla iv ! R Bacon n (! a Tugwell tl B r o w n Cove a Venn Philips (! w Island a h P a s s a g e Passage Cove (! Fern S (! Passage

6020000 Crippen! 6020000 (! ( (! Triple Island Cove *# LUCY ISLANDS (! " Prince Pilot Station 16 CONSERVANCY Digby Dodge Rupert ¤£ Island Cove Oliver Kaien Island Lake

(! Delusion Bay Wainwright Tremayne (! Basin Bay Bell Passage (! Porpoise 6010000 " 6010000 Port Lake (! West Edward Kinahan Island (! Lelu Island

Marine Bird Transects (by Habitat Type) (! Tsum ( ! Tsadai

(! Shallow/Nearshore Inlet ( ! KSGAXL/STEPHENS

Philip

(! Shallow/Farshore ISLANDS CONSERVANCY ( ! Island Smith

(! Deep/Nearshore Stephens Island Island (

! (! Deep/Farshore Skiakl 6000000 Island Stephens 6000000 Habitat Type Passage Shallow/Nearshore Butler (! (! Croasdaile Cove Marcus Shallow/Farshore (! Island (! Passage Deep/Nearshore Prescott Malacca Humpback Island Passage Deep/Farshore Bay Hunt Porcher Island 0 5 10 15 Km Arthur Inlet Island Refuge Bay Chismore Kennedy Edye Passage Island 1:350,000 William Henry Passage

Elliott 5990000 Island Island Porcher Island 360000 370000 380000 390000 400000 Island 410000 420000

" City, Municipality, or Town Park, Protected Area, Project Ecological Reserve, Development Area ! Community, Locality, or Village or Conservancy Local Assessment Area First Nation Reserve *# Triple Island Pilot Station Regional Assessment Area Waterbody Highway Prince Rupert Port Road Authority Boundary MARINE BIRD Railway Shipping Route TECHNICAL DATA REPORT Watercourse Pilot Boarding Zone SPRING MARINE BIRD Data Sources: VESSEL-BASED SURVEYS - APRIL 2015 Disclaimer: Fig. ID:123220054 RC FIGURE Projection:UTM Zone 9 Drawn By: NO: Datum: NAD 83 Date: Oct 28, 2016 Checked By: JB 6

APPENDIX 1 Regional Occurrence Records

Marine Bird Technical Data Report

November 2016

Table 1-1 Historical Marine Bird Occurrence Records within the Marine Bird Regional Assessment Area

North a American Bird Studies Canada Regional Assessment Reports Breeding b Species Name Scientific Name Bird Survey BC BC Coastal Great Christmas Kwinitsa Ridley d e Pacific Breeding Waterbird eBird Backyard c Fairview Canpotex f Bird Count Route Island NorthWest Bird Atlas Surveys Bird Count Waterfowl species 206 235 Greater White-fronted Anser albifrons 1 1 46 Goose Snow Goose Chen caerulescens 36 Brant* Branta bernicla 32 1,000 Cackling Goose Branta hutchinsii 1 20 Canada Goose Branta canadensis 1,500 17 155 41 465 148 9 Trumpeter Swan Cygnus buccinator 13 6 3 1 Wood Duck Aix sponsa 42 5 6 Gadwall Anas strepera 13 1 American Wigeon Anas americana 100 2 2 15 13 8 Mallard Anas platyrhynchos 5 15,460 106 216 1 496 851 102 Blue-winged Teal Anas discors 2 Northern Shoveler Anas clypeata 5 Northern Pintail Anas acuta 19 12  15 Green-winged Teal Anas crecca 296 2 16 105 111 8 Canvasback Aythya valisineria 10 Ring-necked Duck Aythya collaris 40 Scaup species 723 1 2 7 Greater Scaup Aythya marila 1,531 424 6 90 28 3 Lesser Scaup Aythya affinis 67 12 44 3

1-1

Marine Bird Technical Data Report

November 2016

Table 1-1 Historical Marine Bird Occurrence Records within the Marine Bird Regional Assessment Area

North a American Bird Studies Canada Regional Assessment Reports Breeding b Species Name Scientific Name Bird Survey BC BC Coastal Great Christmas Kwinitsa Ridley d e Pacific Breeding Waterbird eBird Backyard c Fairview Canpotex f Bird Count Route Island NorthWest Bird Atlas Surveys Bird Count Harlequin Duck Histrionicus 9 513 18 2 2 1 histrionicus Scoter species 2 9 4 Surf Scoter* Melanitta perspicillata 4,416 69 765 2,802 879 631 37 White-winged Scoter Melanitta fusca 335 54 32 8 Black Scoter* Melanitta americana 51 5 46 3 Long-tailed Duck* Clangula hyemalis 104 1 71 8 13 3 Bufflehead Bucephala albeola 1,149 3 461 14 33 49 Goldeneye species 2 1 21 18 2 Common Goldeneye Bucephala clangula 1,379 20 206 2 101 29 4 Barrow's Goldeneye Bucephala islandica 998 275 24 559 1 168 10 4 Hooded Merganser Lophodytes cucullatus 409 10 95 2 1 2 Common Merganser Mergus merganser 1 1,720 115 31 830 93  140 217 47 Red-breasted Merganser Mergus serrator 100 17  3 6 7 Ruddy Duck Oxyura jamaicensis 1 Loon species 5 2 49 45 Red-throated Loon Gavia stellata 141 11 22 23 34 Pacific Loon Gavia pacifica 135 20 916 41 41 3 Common Loon Gavia immer 293 17 3 188 4 102 85 96 Yellow-billed Loon* Gavia adamsii 3 4 2 Grebe species 1

1-2

Marine Bird Technical Data Report

November 2016

Table 1-1 Historical Marine Bird Occurrence Records within the Marine Bird Regional Assessment Area

North a American Bird Studies Canada Regional Assessment Reports Breeding b Species Name Scientific Name Bird Survey BC BC Coastal Great Christmas Kwinitsa Ridley d e Pacific Breeding Waterbird eBird Backyard c Fairview Canpotex f Bird Count Route Island NorthWest Bird Atlas Surveys Bird Count Pied-billed Grebe Podilymbus podiceps 18 1 Horned Grebe* Podiceps auritus 20 1 18 3 Red-necked Grebe Podiceps grisegena 477 185 1 363 137 113 2 Western Grebe* Aechmophorus 360 76 8 668 146 186 37 occidentalis Sooty Shearwater Puffinus griseus 4 Fork-tailed Storm-Petrel Oceanodroma furcata 9 Cormorant species 38 18 36 4 Brandt's Cormorant* Phalacrocorax 15 2 18 4 penicillatus Double-crested Phalacrocorax auritus 190 29 8 112 71 73 15 Cormorant Pelagic Cormorant, Phalacrocorax 500 93 2 1,005 199 86 15 pelagicus subspecies* pelagicus pelagicus Great Blue Heron, fannini Ardea herodias fannini 17 570 31 23 45 1  25 30 6 subspecies* Osprey Pandion haliaetus 1 1 Bald Eagle Haliaeetus 12 4,460 245 80 176 667 54 leucocephalus Sharp-shinned Hawk Accipiter striatus 15 2 1 Cooper's Hawk Accipiter cooperii 1 Northern Goshawk, laingi Accipiter gentilis laingi 9  subspecies*

1-3

Marine Bird Technical Data Report

November 2016

Table 1-1 Historical Marine Bird Occurrence Records within the Marine Bird Regional Assessment Area

North a American Bird Studies Canada Regional Assessment Reports Breeding b Species Name Scientific Name Bird Survey BC BC Coastal Great Christmas Kwinitsa Ridley d e Pacific Breeding Waterbird eBird Backyard c Fairview Canpotex f Bird Count Route Island NorthWest Bird Atlas Surveys Bird Count Red-tailed Hawk Buteo jamaicensis 15 1 1 3 Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos 1 American Coot Fulica americana 21 2 Sandhill Crane Grus canadensis 2 Shorebird species 1 2 1 American Avocet* Recurvirostra 1 americana Black Oystercatcher Haematopus bachmani 76 24  14 5 4 Semipalmated Plover Charadrius 2 11 semipalmatus Killdeer Charadrius vociferus 5 133 90 12 6 4  4 12 Spotted Sandpiper Actitis macularius 1 1 12 12 4 20 7 Solitary Sandpiper Tringa solitaria 3 Tringa species 75 Wandering Tattler* Tringa incana 3 Greater Yellowlegs Tringa melanoleuca 2 8 1 2 Lesser Yellowlegs Tringa flavipes 1 1 4 Caladris species 1 300 Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres 1 54 Black Turnstone Arenaria 1,730 195 1,697 321 89 82 melanocephala Surfbird Calidris virgata 8 2 131

1-4

Marine Bird Technical Data Report

November 2016

Table 1-1 Historical Marine Bird Occurrence Records within the Marine Bird Regional Assessment Area

North a American Bird Studies Canada Regional Assessment Reports Breeding b Species Name Scientific Name Bird Survey BC BC Coastal Great Christmas Kwinitsa Ridley d e Pacific Breeding Waterbird eBird Backyard c Fairview Canpotex f Bird Count Route Island NorthWest Bird Atlas Surveys Bird Count Sanderling Calidris alba 50 Dunlin Calidris alpina 72 42 4 Sandpiper species 1 20 Rock Sandpiper Calidris ptilocnemis 9 95 Least Sandpiper Calidris minutilla 9 16 Western Sandpiper Calidris mauri 12 43 24 46 Long-billed Dowitcher Limnodromus 1 scolopaceus Wilson’s Snipe Gallinago delicata 1 Red-necked Phalarope* Phalaropus lobatus 1 1,034 1 Red Phalarope Phalaropus fulicarius 12 Pomarine Jaeger Stercorarius 10 pomarinus Parasitic Jaeger* Stercorarius 9 1 parasiticus Alcid species 1 1,000 32 10 1 Common Murre* Uria aalge 132 37 1,547 266 89 4 Pigeon Guillemot Cepphus columba 5 2 195 70 58 9 Marbled Murrelet* Brachyramphus 59 19 67  64 77 57 marmoratus Ancient Murrelet* Synthliboramphus 12 antiquus

1-5

Marine Bird Technical Data Report

November 2016

Table 1-1 Historical Marine Bird Occurrence Records within the Marine Bird Regional Assessment Area

North a American Bird Studies Canada Regional Assessment Reports Breeding b Species Name Scientific Name Bird Survey BC BC Coastal Great Christmas Kwinitsa Ridley d e Pacific Breeding Waterbird eBird Backyard c Fairview Canpotex f Bird Count Route Island NorthWest Bird Atlas Surveys Bird Count Cassin's Auklet* Ptychoramphus 3 1 aleuticus Rhinoceros Auklet Cerorhinca 13 67 7,260 392 323 17 monocerata Gull species 7,821 305 392 1 1,040 461 99 Black-legged Kittiwake Rissa tridactyla 485 103 58 Sabine's Gull Xema sabini 1 Bonaparte's Gull Chroicocephalus 28 2 117 14 47 6 philadelphia Franklin's Gull Leucophaeus pipixcan 1 Heermann's Gull Larus heermanni 1 Mew Gull Larus canus 6 1,796 556 17 3,288  729 476 75 Ring-billed Gull Larus delawarensis 13 25 1 1 2 Western x Glaucous- 113 winged Gull Western Gull Larus occidentalis 3 7 Herring x Glaucous Gull 3 California Gull* Larus californicus 1 66 6 57 2 57 Herring x Glaucous- 6 winged Gull Herring Gull Larus argentatus 1 921 3 418 5 2 9 70 Thayer's Gull Larus thayeri 230 974 1 24

1-6

Marine Bird Technical Data Report

November 2016

Table 1-1 Historical Marine Bird Occurrence Records within the Marine Bird Regional Assessment Area

North a American Bird Studies Canada Regional Assessment Reports Breeding b Species Name Scientific Name Bird Survey BC BC Coastal Great Christmas Kwinitsa Ridley d e Pacific Breeding Waterbird eBird Backyard c Fairview Canpotex f Bird Count Route Island NorthWest Bird Atlas Surveys Bird Count Glaucous-winged x 1,370 3 Glaucous Gull Glaucous-winged Gull Larus glaucescens 69,147 1,235 598 9,098 78  5,482 3,405 65 Glaucous Gull Larus hyperboreus 4 7 5 4 Caspian Tern* Hydroprogne caspia 2 Rock Pigeon Columba livia 1,881 Belted Kingfisher Megaceryle alcyon 221 20 8 34 41 14 17 2 Falcon species 1 Merlin Falco columbarius 15 Peregrine Falcon* Falco peregrinus 10 1 2  Northwestern Crow Corvus caurinus 26 22,824 772 421 1,062 1,518 19 Common Raven Corvus corax 9 4,951 103 285 237 232 25 NOTES: * For further details regarding provincially or federally listed species of management concern, see Table 2 of the Marine Bird TDR  Presence/not detected data only a Count data collected for varying periods for each program between 1970 and 2014 (Bird Studies Canada 2015) b Count data collected 1966-2014 (Environment Canada 2013) c Count data collected in 2006 (JWA 2008) d Count data collected 2006-2012 (Stantec 2010) e Count data collected 2009-2012 (Stantec 2011) f Count data collected 2012-2013 (PNW LNG 2014a)

1-7

APPENDIX 2 Shoreline Stationary Count Data

Marine Bird Technical Data Report

November 2016

Table 2-1 Marine Bird Detections at Shoreline Stationary Counts on Digby Island

Shoreline Station

0 1 2 Species Name Total MBDI01 MBDI02 MBDI03 MBDI04 MBDI05 MBDI06 MBDI07 MBDI08 MBDI09 MBDI10 MBDI11 MBDI12 MBDI13 MBDI14 MBDI15 MBDI16 MBDI17 MBDI18 MBDI19 MBDI2 MBDI2 MBDI2

American 3 3 Wigeon Mallard 6 4 2 2 3 2 19 Greater Scaup 1 15 16 Harlequin Duck 1 1 Surf Scoter* 6 1 30 1 38 White-winged 3 3 Scoter Bufflehead 7 2 6 3 7 20 3 1 3 1 3 11 3 70 Common 6 12 15 1 10 5 3 6 58 Goldeneye Common 1 1 Merganser Red-breasted 1 2 3 Merganser Red-throated 2 1 1 1 5 Loon Pacific Loon 2 2 11 15 Common Loon 1 3 3 1 4 1 4 2 1 2 1 2 1 6 32 Horned Grebe* 2 1 1 2 6 Red-necked 2 12 2 1 1 1 1 1 21 Grebe Western 4 4 Grebe*

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Marine Bird Technical Data Report

November 2016

Table 2-1 Marine Bird Detections at Shoreline Stationary Counts on Digby Island

Shoreline Station

0 1 2 Species Name Total MBDI01 MBDI02 MBDI03 MBDI04 MBDI05 MBDI06 MBDI07 MBDI08 MBDI09 MBDI10 MBDI11 MBDI12 MBDI13 MBDI14 MBDI15 MBDI16 MBDI17 MBDI18 MBDI19 MBDI2 MBDI2 MBDI2

Double-crested 1 1 Cormorant* Pelagic Cormorant, 3 6 1 3 13 pelagicus subspecies * Great Blue Heron, fannini 3 6 1 1 11 subspecies * Bald Eagle 4 4 2 1 1 4 5 1 1 2 2 2 4 2 1 36 Black 8 8 Oystercatcher Greater 2 2 Yellowlegs Black 100 17 85 2 100 304 Turnstone Common 1 7 1 9 Murre* Pigeon 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 2 11 Guillemot Marbled 1 7 1 1 4 4 4 3 2 1 14 42 Murrelet* Rhinoceros 6 1 2 9 Auklet Mew Gull 5 3 2 3 2 7 2 1 1 1 10 2 39 Herring Gull 1 1 1 3

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Marine Bird Technical Data Report

November 2016

Table 2-1 Marine Bird Detections at Shoreline Stationary Counts on Digby Island

Shoreline Station

0 1 2 Species Name Total MBDI01 MBDI02 MBDI03 MBDI04 MBDI05 MBDI06 MBDI07 MBDI08 MBDI09 MBDI10 MBDI11 MBDI12 MBDI13 MBDI14 MBDI15 MBDI16 MBDI17 MBDI18 MBDI19 MBDI2 MBDI2 MBDI2

Thayer's Gull 1 1 Glaucous- 1 2 3 8 5 2 1 7 1 4 2 4 5 20 4 1 70 winged Gull Belted 1 1 1 1 3 1 1 1 10 Kingfisher Northwestern 4 6 1 1 1 2 21 1 37 Crow Common 2 1 1 1 5 5 3 18 Raven Total Number 26 24 19 32 26 34 25 120 20 26 22 39 15 20 24 11 105 18 43 175 53 42 919 of Individuals NOTE: * For further details regarding provincially or federally listed species of management concern, see Table 2 of the Marine Bird Technical TDR

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APPENDIX 3 Vessel-Based Survey Data

Marine Bird Technical Data Report

November 2016

Table 3-1 Marine Bird Detections by Habitat Type on Vessel-Based Surveys in Chatham Sound

Habitat Guild Species Name Farshore Nearshore Deep Shallow Sub-Total Deep Shallow Sub-Total Northern Pintail 30 30 Surf Scoter* 6 21 27 15 75 90 White-winged Scoter 303 36 339 1 85 86 Long-tailed Duck* 2 1 3 3 3 Loon species 72 2 74 Red-throated Loon 1 4 5 Pacific Loon 153 34 187 4 4 Common Loon 3 15 18 15 15 Horned Grebe* 1 1 Red-necked Grebe 2 2 Western Grebe* 73 2 75 Shearwater species 1 1 Sooty Shearwater 1 1 Cormorant species 1 1 Brandt's Cormorant* 6 2 8 Double-crested Cormorant* 1 1 2 2 Pelagic Cormorant, pelagicus subspecies* 20 5 25 7 11 18 Bald Eagle 8 8 6 6 Red-necked Phalarope* 3 3 Alcid species 2 2 Common Murre* 369 35 404 7 59 66 Pigeon Guillemot 13 10 23 2 6 8 Marbled Murrelet* 75 4 79 21 21

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Marine Bird Technical Data Report

November 2016

Table 3-1 Marine Bird Detections by Habitat Type on Vessel-Based Surveys in Chatham Sound

Habitat Guild Species Name Farshore Nearshore Deep Shallow Sub-Total Deep Shallow Sub-Total Ancient Murrelet* 23 23 Cassin's Auklet* 5 5 Rhinoceros Auklet 378 64 442 35 35 Gull species 25 2 27 23 23 Black-legged Kittiwake 2 1 3 1 1 Bonaparte's Gull 115 115 Mew Gull 52 52 21 21 California Gull* 1 1 Herring Gull 73 1 74 8 8 Thayer's Gull 54 3 57 Glaucous-winged Gull 349 34 383 4 70 74 Gull species 20 20 Glaucous-winged Gull x Herring Gull 17 2 19 Glaucous-winged x Western Gull 2 2 Rock Pigeon 1 1 Northwestern Crow 1 1 Common Raven 1 1 Total Number of Individuals 2,145 278 2,423 37 564 601 NOTE * For further details regarding provincially or federally listed species of management concern, see Table 2 of the Marine Bird Technical TDR

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APPENDIX 4 Incidental Observation Data

Marine Bird Technical Data Report

November 2016

Table 4-1 Marine Bird Incidental Detections by Season on Digby Island and in Chatham Sound

July 2014/ Species Name April 2015 November 2014 February 2015 Total June 2015 Trumpeter Swan 10 10 Harlequin Duck 6 6 Surf Scoter* 2,520 43 120 2,683 White-winged Scoter 1 30 70 101 Long-tailed Duck* 1 1 4 6 Bufflehead 2 2 Loon species 9 224 233 Red-throated Loon 1 1 Pacific Loon 23 1 46 70 Common Loon 255 3 4 15 277 Red-necked Grebe 1 7 8 Western Grebe* 11 15 6 32 Northern Fulmar* 1 1 Fork-tailed Storm-Petrel 1 1 Cormorant species 10 10 Brandt's Cormorant* 1 1 Double-crested Cormorant* 28 1 3 32 Pelagic Cormorant, pelagicus subspecies* 2 43 52 97 Great Blue Heron, fannini subspecies* 2 2 Bald Eagle 154 54 208 Black Oystercatcher 1 1 Shorebird species 1,000 1,000 Surfbird 37 37 Red-necked Phalarope* 3,041 3,041

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Marine Bird Technical Data Report

November 2016

Table 4-1 Marine Bird Incidental Detections by Season on Digby Island and in Chatham Sound

July 2014/ Species Name April 2015 November 2014 February 2015 Total June 2015 Common Murre* 18 149 205 372 Pigeon Guillemot 2 55 2 59 Marbled Murrelet* 249 72 321 Ancient Murrelet* 1 1 Cassin's Auklet* 1 1 Rhinoceros Auklet 18 1,151 1 1,170 Gull species 40 20 2,113 2,173 Bonaparte's Gull 3 1 4 Mew Gull 1 168 1 16 186 California Gull* 1 1 Herring Gull 6 17 33 56 Thayer's Gull 2 5 7 Glaucous-winged Gull 23 1,207 147 1,377 Glaucous Gull 1 1 Glaucous-winged Gull x Herring Gull 7 7 Northwestern Crow 1 50 1 52 Common Raven 3 2 5 Total Number of Individuals 2,893 6,452 89 4,219 13,653 NOTE: * For further details regarding provincially or federally listed species of management concern, see Table 2 of the Marine Bird Technical TDR

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