BARRIER BAY ISLANDS: Research and Monitoring Needs

The Piping Plover population has been monitored within the region since 1986. This program should continue into the foreseeable future.

Piping Plover productivity has been estimated for a portion of the population over the past several years. This work should continue for the foreseeable future.

The impact of Herring and Black-backed Gull populations on the distribution and productivity of beach nesting birds should be evaluated experimentally.

American Oystercatchers should be included in the monitoring program for Piping Plovers.

The relationship of landscape dynamics to the carrying capacity of beach nesting birds within the southern portion of the planning unit should be investigated.

Experimental work is needed to assess the feasibility and value of providing artificial islands for beach-nesting species.

Further research is needed to determine the ecological requirements of Gull-billed Terns within the planning unit.

Long-term work is needed to better characterize demographics within regional populations of several species.