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Seaducks and the Chesapeake Bay

The Chesapeake Bay provides important habitat for migratory birds in the Atlantic Flyway. Numbers of scoters (black, surf, and white-winged) and long-tailed ducks wintering in the Maritimes and Chesapeake Bay have noticeably declined in recent years. Changes in the location of seaduck populations have also been observed and have given managers new concerns. Many factors related to human population increases have been implicated in causing changes in the distribution and abundance of seaducks. Anthropogenic factors that could effect the distribution and food habits of seaduck populations include direct and indirect causes, such as excessive development of coastal areas, increased year-round boat traffic, and increased levels of contamination. In addition, the focus of guided hunts has changed due to declines in Canada goose populations putting increased pressure on seaducks. The USGS, in cooperation with the USFWS, is conducting the Atlantic Seaduck project to provide a better understanding of the changes in the distribution and abundance of these ducks, which will help in the conservation of these species.

Visit the Atlantic Seaduck Project Web site to learn more.

Read more about the Project in the Bay Journal…Scientists diving into secrets of elusive seaducks

USGS reports and articles on waterfowl and wildlife can be found by visiting our Publications page and searching our references site.

Visit the USGS Chesapeake Bay Activities Feature Archive