Eleven out of 15 species of sea ducks appear to have declining populations within some portion of their range (exceptions are common goldeneyes, buffleheads, red-breasted mergansers and common mergansers). Furthermore, two species (Steller's eider and spectacled eider) are listed as threatened. Thus, waterfowl managers need current, science-based models to establish sustainable harvest strategies for sea ducks, and they need it now.
Bird conservation plans are organized by taxa, with comprehensive 'all birds' conservation plans now available in a number of BCRs. Landbird conservation plans in the west were done by state, whereas those in the rest of the country were done by Partners in Flight (PIF) physiographic area. Shorebird plans were done by shorebird planning regions, which generally represent amalgams of BCRs. Waterbird plans were done by waterbird conservation planning regions, which also represent amalgams of BCRs. Waterfowl plans were done by joint venture area based on waterfowl areas of importance.
This map has been cooperatively put together with agreement by the same signer countries of the Migratory Bird Treaty. A standardized system of ecoregion will assist resource management to collaborate seamlessly between countries of migrating birds. An indepth description of each of these regions has been updated as of April 2011.
In North America, we share vital natural resources, including air, oceans and rivers, mountains
and forests. Together, these natural resources are the basis of a rich network of ecosystems,
which sustain our livelihoods and well-being. If they are to continue being a source of future
life and prosperity, these resources must be protected. This stewardship of the North American
environment is a responsibility shared by Canada, Mexico and the United States.
The Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC) is an international organization whose
This map of ecoregions has been produced for Alaska as a framework for organizing and interpreting environmental data for State, national, and international level inventory, monitoring, and research efforts. The map and descriptions for 20 ecological regions were derived by synthesizing information on the geographic distribution of environmental factors such as climate, physiography, geology, permafrost, soils, and vegetation. A qualitative assessment was used to interpret the distributional patterns and relative importance of these factors from place to place (Gallant and others, 1995).
Ecoregions denote areas of general similarity in ecosystems and in the type, quality, and quantity of environmental resources. They are designed to serve as a spatial framework for the research, assessment, management, and monitoring of ecosystems and ecosystem components. These general purpose regions are critical for structuring and implementing ecosystem management strategies across federal agencies, state agencies, and nongovernment organizations that are responsible for different types of resources within the same geographical areas.
Conservation needs in Alaska and across the nation require an unprecedented
collaborative effort that links science and conservation with the combined
capacities of many conservation partners. Landscape Conservation
Cooperatives (LCCs) are self-directed partnerships that provide science
support for conservation actions that address landscape-level challenges or
stressors such as climate change. The Northwestern Interior Forest LCC is
one of 21 LCCs identified nationally to complete a network approach of
The Aleutian and Bering Sea Islands Landscape Conservation Cooperative (ABSI -LCC) is one of 21 Landscape Conservation Cooperatives (LCCs) identified nationally to complete a network of LCCs across the nation. The LCC concept was formed as land and resource managers recognized that dealing with the potential effects from climate change will require a stronger level of collaboration. They are designed to provide connections between researchers and managers seeking to address large landscape and seascape concerns.
The ShoreZone mapping system has been in use since the early 1980s and has been applied to more than 40,000 km of shoreline in Washington and British Columbia (Berry et al 2004; Howes 2001). Through partnerships with other agencies and organizations, portions of southeastern and central Alaska have been imaged and mapped. This project is funded by NOAA and a number of other agencies and organizations as listed below.
Sea Duck Bibliography as compiled by duck Data 1935-2011