| Now, more than ever, is the time to take action to ensure the conservation of the shorebirds that occur in Canada. Recent information from population surveys suggest that for 45 species, at least two-thirds are thought to be in decline. A number of different factors may be affecting these birds, including wetland drainage, pollution or disturbance on the nesting grounds. Any of these may be affecting the birds at breeding, migration, or non-breeding habitats. It is clear, however, that unless these trends are stopped or reversed, shorebirds are at risk. Canada has a unique responsibility with respect to shorebirds because more than half of the breeding range for many species occurs in Canada. This is especially true for 15 arctic-nesting species where 86% of the breeding range in the Western Hemisphere occurs in Canada. Thus the need for an effective Canadian Shorebird Conservation Plan (CSCP). |  |
The vision of the CSCP is that healthy populations of shorebirds are distributed across their range and diversity of habitats in Canada and throughout their global range. It thus recognizes the need to collaborate internationally as well as regionally. The Plan has five goals that are designed to fulfill the needs for habitat conservation, research, monitoring, evaluation, communication, and international linkages. Implementation of strategies aimed at achieving these goals will be overseen by a national working group made up of representatives from national and regional agencies, both governmental and non-governmental. A science support team made up of shorebird experts will ensure that actions are based on sound science and will address information gaps.
Many species of shorebirds migrate over vast distances (as far away as Tierra del Fuego at the southern tip of South America) so we cannot conserve birds in Canada if effective conservation is not also occurring in other parts of their range. This recognition led to the establishment in 1985 of the Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network (WHSRN). WHSRN is a voluntary program that currently brings together over 180 private and public organizations in seven countries. Not only is WHSRN a network of important shorebird areas (currently there are 49 WHSRN sites in the network) but it is also a network of people because participation in WHSRN connects communities, schools, conservation biologists, and local organizations along flyways sharing the same birds. The CSCP will take advantage of the framework provided by WHSRN for collaboration and communication among shorebird conservationists throughout the hemisphere.
| The CSCP will address conservation needs on many geographic scales ranging from hemispheric to regional. In addition to the accomplishments of WHSRN, there has been effective communication and collaboration with the U.S. Shorebird Conservation Plan, and the first steps to expand this cooperation to other countries in the hemisphere are now underway. At the continental level, shorebird plans will form an important part of an integrated framework for conservation planning for all birds: the North American Bird Conservation Initiative (NABCI). |  Ruddy Turnstone Photo: G.W. Beyersbergen CWS |
Across Canada there are six regional shorebird conservation plans that build on the framework outlined in the CSCP. Included are Northern Conservation Division Shorebird Conservation Strategy and Action Plan (PDF document), Pacific and Yukon Shorebird Conservation Plan, Prairie Canada Shorebird Conservation Plan, Ontario Shorebird Conservation Plan, Quebec Shorebird Conservation Plan and Atlantic Canada Shorebird Conservation Plan. Within each region, these plans describe the conservation priorities and will guide on-the-ground actions to work towards meeting the goals of the national plan.
In addition to conservation plans, there are a number of shorebird programs that are playing an important role in the conservation of shorebirds: The Pan American Shorebird Program is an international program to promote conservation of and research on shorebirds in the Americas by co-ordinating shorebird colour marking in the Americas and connecting observers of marked shorebirds with the banders of those birds. |  Semipalmated Sandpiper Photo: G.W. Beyersbergen CWS |
The Western Atlantic Shorebird Association is an international joint venture of federal, state, local, and non-profit organizations, developed to promote the integration of shorebird research, monitoring, and education efforts along the Western Atlantic Flyway to support management efforts.
The U.S.F.W.S. Shorebird Sister Schools Program enables students to track migration and share their experiences with other "sister schools" around the world.
For more information on the Canadian Shorebird Conservation Plan, contact:
Garry Donaldson
Migratory Birds Conservation Division
Canadian Wildlife Service
Gatineau, Quebec
K1A 0H3
Garry.Donaldson@ec.gc.ca
