To address important information gaps about sea ducks, particularly in the face of increasing demands for hunting and increased interest in offshore energy development, the Sea Duck Joint Venture partnership launched an ambitious, large-scale study of sea ducks in the Atlantic Flyway using satellite telemetry. From 2009 to 2013, more than 200 sea ducks along the Atlantic coast and in Lake Ontario were fitted with satellite transmitters, which were surgically implanted, to provide location data every few days for up to 2 years. This ongoing study is generating a wealth of detailed information on coastal and marine habitats used by sea ducks throughout the year.
Untangling a black scoter from a mist net in New Brunswick, Canada.