PRIORITIES 2015–2017 Priorities set out in this Implementation Plan are designed to help meet the SDJV mission,
which is to “...promote the conservation of all North American sea ducks through partnerships by providing greater
knowledge  and  understanding  for  effective  management.”
The  2014-2018strategic  plan reflects a  significant  shift  in  focus  for  the  SDJV,  from  a  broad-based  science  program
to  a  more focused  program  intended  to  provide  information  most  needed  by  managers  to  make  informed
decisions.  The strategic plan identifies the SDJV’s highest priorities as:
1)  estimate  parameters needed to manage and ensure sustainability of sea duck harvest,
2) better understand habitat use and needs, and
3) ensure that the SDJV maximizes learning from research thathas already been done.
The plan  also  prioritizes  among  species;  the highest  priority  species  are  surf  scoter,  black scoter, white-winged scoter,
long-tailed duck, and American common eider.