Why is standardized monitoring of shorebird roost habitats in the inner Bay of Fundy (IBoF) needed?

• IBoF is a vital migration stopover site for tens of thousands of Semipalmated Sandpipers from mid-July to mid-Sept and is designated a Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network site of hemispheric importance.
• IBoF shoreline habitats, like beaches, are vital roost sites for flocks during high tide when mudflat feeding habitats are covered by water.
• IBoF roost sites are also popular for recreation and development, which can cause disturbances to resting flocks and degrade habitat quality.
• Standardized data that quantifies shorebird and human use and disturbances to shorebirds are needed to:
• Assess the health of iBoF roost sites over time;
• Identify main causes of disturbance to shorebirds at sites;
• Inform where to target conservation actions and evaluate their effectiveness.