Overview
Project Name
Atlantic Canada Coastal Waterbird Survey
Access Level
By Request
Year started
2018
Year Ended
Ongoing
Dataset
Atlantic Canada Coastal Waterbird Survey
About
Dataset summary
Long-term data on the abundance and distribution of waterbird species along the Atlantic coastline. Regional programs (NL, NB, NS) brought together under one data platform with aligning protocols.
Season(s) and frequency
Monthly during winter
Geographic area covered
Atlantic coastlines (Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island)
Primary species covered
Waterbirds
Goals
The ACCWS has the following specific objectives: to assess the annual changes and long-term trends in population size and distribution of coastal waterbirds in Atlantic Canada, to collect data that contribute to population estimates of coastal waterbird species in Atlantic Canada, and to advance our understanding of the ecology and the effects of human activity on coastal waterbirds in Atlantic Canada.
Methods
Sampling Design
Sites largely picked by coordinators on headlands or accessible sections of coast where waterbird viewing is possible.
Field methods
Observers count all waterbirds, by species, at regular intervals at specific locations so that coordinated information on distribution and migration over a broad area can be acquired. Surveys are conducted as close to high tide as possible, and in the same manner each time.
Partners
Nature NB
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Nature NL
Nature NS
Citation
Nature NB, Canadian Wildlife Service, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Nature NL, Nature NS, Environment and Climate Change Canada, and Birds Canada. 2025. "Atlantic Canada Coastal Waterbird Survey". Data accessed from NatureCounts, Birds Canada. 10.71842/vnqh-0698
