Assessing the role of over-wintering marine sites in supporting declining Surf Scoters (Melanitta perspicillata) in the Salish Sea.

Many populations of marine birds in the Salish Sea are declining rapidly, yet the source of these declines remains unclear. This project focuses on assessing changes relative to historical surveys in diet, body condition, and prey availability of Surf Scoters in several nearshore marine areas. This study employs methods of DNA metabarcoding to assess diet which is an emerging non-lethal alternative to conventional methods of diet analysis for marine birds. Results of this study will resolve important gaps in our understanding of this species. Most importantly, the findings will be instrumental in improving restoration and management of nearshore habitats for this at-risk species.

Faculty Supervisor:

Eric Anderson

Student:

Partner:

Birds Canada (BC)

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

British Columbia Institute of Technology

Program: