Eider Protection Projects - Ducks Unlimited -Various locations

In Newfoundland and Labrador, current estimates of Common Eider populations are well below historical numbers. One factor limiting populations is the loss of eggs to predatory birds such as Greater Black-backed Gulls. However, there is some hope as recent surveys have indicated that eider populations have increased in areas where nesting boxes or shelters have been deployed. Ducks unlimited has developed three projects to protect the Eider population:

• Northeast Coast Eider Project $6,700
Ducks Unlimited Canada
Fogo Island to Happy Adventure, Newfoundland & Labrador

As part of this 2003 project, Ducks Unlimited Canada will construct and place 100 nest shelters along the northeast coast of Newfoundland. Ongoing aerial surveys conducted by the Canadian Wildlife Service and on site habitat assessment will determine site selection for deployment of these nest shelters. Information on the project will be shared with local communities and residents will be encouraged to adopt a stewardship approach to the protection of wildlife.

• Grey Islands Eider Project $11,800
Ducks Unlimited Canada
Grey Islands, Newfoundland & Labrador

Over a decade ago, a large number of nesting boxes were placed on the Grey Islands and these boxes have deteriorated over time. Two of the islands in the area are Migratory Bird Sanctuaries and the location as a whole has the largest eider population in all of Newfoundland. With this project, Ducks Unlimited Canada will fix existing nesting boxes and remove those that are beyond repair. In addition, 200 nesting shelters will be constructed and deployed. Information on the project will be shared with local communities and residents will be encouraged to adopt a stewardship approach to the protection of wildlife.


• St. Peters Bay Eider Project $20,000
Ducks Unlimited Canada
St. Peters Bay, Labrador, Newfoundland & Labrador

Research conducted by the Coasts Under Stress program indicates that approximately 650 eiders nest on 10 islands in St. Peters Bay, Labrador. Habitat conditions on these islands make for an ideal location for the placement of nesting shelters. Ducks Unlimited Canada, in collaboration with the Coasts Under Stress program, will construct and deploy 100 nesting shelters on the islands. Information on this project will be shared with the community and residents will be encouraged to adopt a stewardship approach to the protection of wildlife.

Cleaning Up York Harbour $20,000
ACAP Humber Arm Environmental Association Inc.
York Harbour, Newfoundland & Labrador

The lagoon in York Harbour needs a helping hand. Recent water quality testing indicates that the lagoon has elevated bacterial counts, high metal levels, and low dissolved oxygen counts. Poor septic system maintenance is believed to be one of the major contributors to the lagoon's contamination. With this project, ACAP Humber Arm Environmental Association Inc. will attempt to repair some of this damage. Aquatic vegetation, such as cattails and pond weeds, will be planted. This vegetation, which breaks down bacteria, removes metals, and returns oxygen to contaminated areas, also enhances wildlife habitat. Another component of the project is an awareness campaign to help residents and cottage owners identify sources of contamination, and educate them on proper septic system maintenance.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Project $17,600
Community Recycling Committee
Corner Brook, Newfoundland & Labrador

When organic matter decomposes without the presence of oxygen, it produces methane, as in the case of a landfill. When that same material is composted, carbon dioxide is produced. Methane, as a greenhouse gas, is 21 times more potent than carbon dioxide. Not only do landfills emit methane gases but they also threaten wildlife habitat. The Community Recycling Committee has taken the initiative to show residents from Stephenville to Bonne Bay how to reduce methane from landfills by diverting organic wastes through home composting. As part of this project, the Committee will distribute compost bins, leaf mulch, and greenhouse gas emission reduction kits to 350 residents. The kits will include an energy efficient light bulb, a tip sheet on the reduction of carbon, a water flow restrictor, and additional educational material on environmental issues.

Gully Wetland Conservation Project $40,000
Torbay Environment and Trails Committee
Torbay, Newfoundland & Labrador

In the centre of the developing town of Torbay lies a wetland, commonly known as the Gully, which is considered to be critical habitat for wildlife. Because of the area's accessibility and close proximity to schools, it also offers a unique educational opportunity for students and the community. The Torbay Environment and Trails Committee developed a strategic plan for the Gully and has been working on this plan since 2002. For their 2003 project, the Committee will undertake wildlife habitat restoration and enhancement activities designed to maintain and increase wildlife populations and biodiversity; and will develop an educational and awareness program for schools and the general public focusing on water conservation, energy consumption, and climate change. Recognizing the importance of climate change issues, the group will plant trees (which remove carbon from the atmosphere); and provide support for an emissions reduction project for school buses and municipal vehicles.

Labrador Clean Air Project $60,000
Quebec-Labrador Foundation
Nain and Forteau, Labrador, Newfoundland & Labrador

There is no doubt that climate change will affect everyone but, in Canada, aboriginal and northern communities face unique challenges as scientific evidence suggests that climate change may have a disproportionate impact on the North. It is essential that these communities are aware of the possible impacts, and develop the tools and strategies required for responding to climate change. This is exactly what the Quebec Labrador Foundation intends to do in Forteau and Nain, Labrador, with this project. Using air monitoring equipment, students and residents of these two communities will be trained to analyze vehicle and woodstove emissions, and indoor and outdoor air quality. This project will work with the aboriginal community through the Labrador Inuit Association's office in Nain. Project activities include holding workshops to encourage residents to improve air quality, creating a network of Labradorian communities to access air quality information and solutions, and using social marketing techniques including dealer discounts on energy efficient stoves, snowmobiles, and outboard motors.

Conservation Partnership 2003 $15,000
Ocean Net Inc.
St. John’s, Newfoundland & Labrador (province-wide)

Beaches and shorelines in Newfoundland and Labrador need a helping hand. These areas provide habitat for both seabirds and shorebirds, particularly during migration, and marine debris can present a risk. As part of this project, Ocean Net Inc. will work with 50 communities in the province to clean up beaches and shorelines. Volunteers from each community will be challenged to become environmental stewards to sustain these clean ups over the long term. Litter collected will be analyzed where possible so that Ocean Net Inc. can work with manufacturers and producers to determine why these products are being discarded, and what measures may be taken to ensure this practice does not continue.