The only program that provides widespread and long-term monitoring of Red-throated Loon is the Christmas Bird Count (CBC). However, its suitability is low because many individuals winter far offshore and it is likely that the proportion of the population sampled varies from year to year. At a continental scale, the CBC indicates a large long-term increase since the early 1970s, although on both Canadian coasts there have been declines, suggesting a shift in winter distribution to the United States. Similarly, the British Columbia Coastal Waterbird Survey shows a large decline in numbers since it began in the late 1990s. Overall, the available data indicate a large long-term increase, but confidence is low given the limited and somewhat conflicting data.

The goal for Red-throated Loon is to remain at or above its recent population level, based on the continental Christmas Bird Count. Trend data show that Red-throated Loon is currently within its goal range.