Protecting healthy shorebird habitat and spearheading community-based stewardship
Introduction
Fortunately, most of the coastline and nearshore region of the upper Bay of Fundy is relatively undeveloped and continues to be ecologically vibrant. The landscape surrounding the Bay is a mosaic of agricultural, residential and undeveloped land. Portions of Fundy play a key role in the success of the fall migration of several shorebird species. It is important that we act now to conserve these natural areas while they are intact and healthy.
Although shorebirds have been migrating through Fundy for hundreds of years, it wasn’t until the early 70s that the annual phenomenon drew the attention of scientists. By the 80s, efforts were formally in place to conserve and monitor the health of migratory shorebirds in the region. Coordinated primarily by the Canadian Wildlife Service, these efforts include the annual Maritime Shorebird Survey, a banding programme, and aerial surveys.
From 2001 – 2004, efforts to conserve coastal habitats in the upper Bay of Fundy received a huge boost from the Fundy Shorebird Project (FSP). The FSP was the first large scale project to focus exclusively on the conservation of the region’s migratory shorebirds. Several initiatives developed by the FSP are currently being maintained in Nova Scotia by the provincial Department of Natural Resources and the Eastern Habitat Joint Venture.
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 Sandpipers depart resting areas to recommence feeding once the tide recedes.
Photo: Donald Sam
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Fundy Shorebird Project
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