FIRST ANNUAL REPORT of the
WILDLIFE ECOLOGY RESEARCH CHAIR
Dr. Fred Cooke
Senior Chair, Wildlife Ecology
Simon Fraser University
JANUARY 1994
I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY................................................................................................. 3
II. INTRODUCTION............................................................................................................. 3
III. MISSION STATEMENT................................................................................................. 3
A. Conservation Goals, The CWS Perspective........................................................4
1. Habitats .................................................................................................. 4
2. Bird Species ........................................................................................... 5
3. Integrated Population Approach ............................................................. 7
i. Population Ecology..................................................................8
ii. Behavioural Ecology...............................................................8
iii. Physiological Ecology............................................................9
B. Academic Goals, The SFU Perspective..............................................................10
1. Population Ecology................................................................................. 10
2. Behavioural Ecology............................................................................... 11
3. Physiological Ecology............................................................................. 11
4. General Points........................................................................................ 12
C. Organisation .....................................................................................................12
IV. THE CHAIR IN ACTION ............................................................................................... 13
A. Specific Projects................................................................................................14
1. The Population Dynamics Of Western Sandpiper................................. 14
i. Alaska ................................................................................14
ii. Boundary Bay, BC ..............................................................14
iii. Sidney Island, BC................................................................14
iv. Ensenada, Mexico...............................................................15
v. Chitre, Panama ...................................................................15
2. Winter Ecology Of Dunlin................................................................... 15
3. The Triangle Isl. Project: A Pop'n Study Of 6 Species Of Seabirds...... 15
4. Demography Of The Pacific Population Of Lesser Snow Geese............ 16
5. Winter Population Ecology Of Brant In The Fraser Delta .................... 17
6. Population Studies Of Trumpeter Swans.............................................. 18
7. Population Studies Of American Wigeon............................................. 18
8. Population Studies Of Harlequin Ducks ............................................... 18
i. Strait of Georgia, BC ..........................................................18
ii. Jasper National Park ...........................................................19
9. Population Studies of Grebes ............................................................... 19
i. Strait of Georgia .................................................................19
ii. Clinton and Williams Lake, B.C. ........................................19
iii. Upper Fraser River..............................................................19
10. Population Status Of Marbled Murrelets .............................................. 20
B. Other Initiatives ................................................................................................20
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WILDLIFE ECOLOGY RESEARCH CHAIR
V. PERSONNEL....................................................................................................................22
A. Board of Directors ............................................................................................ 22
B. Research Team ................................................................................................. 22
1. Faculty ....................................................................................................22
2. Research Group.......................................................................................22
C. Workshops/Meetings Attended by Chair Representatives.................................. 23
D. Workshops/Meetings To be Attended by Chair Representatives ....................... 23
VI. BUDGET .........................................................................................................................24
A. Projects ............................................................................................................ 24
1. Population Dynamics of Western Sandpiper .........................................24
i. Safety Sound, Alaska.......................................................... 24
ii. Boundary Bay, BC.............................................................. 24
iii. Sidney Island, BC ............................................................... 25
iv. Ensenada, Mexico .............................................................. 25
v. Chitre, Panama................................................................... 25
2. Winter Ecology of Dunlin ....................................................................26
3. Triangle Island: A Population Study of 6 Species of Seabirds ...............27
4. Demography of the Pacific Population of Lesser Snow Goose ...............28
5. Winter Population Ecology of Brant in the Fraser Delta .......................29
6. Population Studies of Trumpeter Swan.................................................30
7. Population Studies of American Wigeon ..............................................31
8. Population Studies of Harlequin Ducks.................................................32
i. Strait of Georgia, BC .......................................................... 32
ii. Jasper National Park, ALTA............................................... 32
9. Population Studies of Grebes ................................................................33
i. Strait of Georgia, BC .......................................................... 33
ii. Clinton and Williams Lake, BC.......................................... 33
iii. Upper Fraser River, BC....................................................... 33
10. Population Status of Marbled Murrelets................................................34
B. Budget for 1993-1994 Fiscal Year .................................................................... 35
C. Proposed Budget for 1994-1995 Fiscal Year ..................................................... 36
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MISSION STATEMENT - JANUARY 1994
I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The aim of this first annual report is to:
i) set out the goals and rationale for the research program of the Chair,
ii) define the more specific objectives for the first five years and to outline the specific
steps which have been taken or planned towards the realization of the goals and
objectives,
iii) present an accounting of the programs for the 1993-94 fiscal year and
iv) prepare a budget for 1994-95 and identify as far as possible the resource requirements
for the programs.
II. INTRODUCTION
The Wildlife Ecology Research Chair was established on 16th April 1993 as a joint
venture of the Canadian Wildlife Service (CWS ) of Environment Canada, the Natural
Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC ) and Simon Fraser University
(SFU ), and is the first in Canada to be established under the Federal Green Plan. The
Chair, comprising senior, associate and junior faculty positions, associated students and an
administrative assistant, is financed at an annual level of $125K from each of CWS and
NSERC and $80K from SFU, for each of the first five years of the Chair. CWS has
budgeted an additional $75K in Subvention Funds for 1994-1998 inclusive to be
administered by the Chair. In addition SFU has provided $100K in each of the first 2
years as start-up equipment funds, and a further $100K for contingency funds. Other
funds obtained and/or sought by the Chair are outlined under the individual projects.
III. MISSION STATEMENT
The mandate of the Chair is to foster high quality, graduate level research in the field of
wildlife ecology, with specialisations in behavioural, population and physiological ecology.
The central concept is to provide an interface between the mission-oriented research and
management policies of the Canadian Wildlife Service and the more curiosity-driven
research of the university community. By encouraging this interface, the government
agencies would gain access to a broader base of scientific information for government
policy and decision making and university researchers would benefit from a broader
practical application for the more theoretical ideas which their disciplines generate .
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WILDLIFE ECOLOGY RESEARCH CHAIR
With these perspectives in mind, I have formulated the mission of the Chair
i) by defining how the mandate of the Chair fits into the broader objectives of the CWS,
Pacific and Yukon Region and
ii) by considering the theoretical framework of wildlife ecology and what questions the
Chair is in position to focus on most effectively.
A. Conservation Goals, The CWS Perspective
To conserve and protect wildlife and habitat, managers require scientific advice based on
understanding of population dynamics and ecosystem functioning. If we can discover the
processes involved in population dynamics of particular species in their environment then
we can begin to understand the dynamics of those ecosystems in which they live. Under
the Migratory Birds Convention and Canada Wildlife Acts, the CWS is required to
protect and maintain migratory bird populations through protection of habitats,
policy decisions, public forums, influence and research. Such an all-embracing
mandate requires focused objectives and cooperation with other research and management
agencies. From the perspective of CWS, Pacific and Yukon Region, 3 major ecotypes are
defined.
i) Marine and Coastal,
ii) Wetlands and Freshwater
iii) Forest and Grasslands.
Detailed definitions and understanding of priority ecosystems (e.g. Strait of Georgia) is the
mandate of the Wildlife Ecology Division, with whom we will coordinate for advice on the
relationship between our target species and the ecosystems in which they occur.
1. Habitats
When the Chair was established it was agreed that the research emphasis would be on
birds of the Marine and Coastal environment. Specific ecosystems are as follows:
i) Coastal Salt and Freshwater Marshes
ii) Mudflats, Sandy and Rocky Shorelines
iii) Agricultural Lands in the Fraser Lowlands
iv) Inshore waters of the Fraser Delta and the Strait of Georgia
v) Open Sea
vi) Off-shore Islands
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MISSION STATEMENT - JANUARY 1994
2. Bird Species
Each of these environments provide food and shelter for many of Canada's waterfowl,
shorebirds and seabirds, the taxa which will be the main research focus of the Chair. Our
aim is to focus on a few of the important target bird species for detailed research with the
objective of understanding not only the demographic processes but through them, the
dynamics of the ecosystems of which the birds are a part.
The choice of species is based on our assessment of their importance to the ecosystems
where they occur, their likely importance as species of conservation concern and their
suitability as research organisms. Additionally we felt it important to cover year round
residents, winter visitors, passage migrants, summer residents, and species which breed in
one area and winter in another.
The key to conservation of birds is understanding the demographic processes which
influence population numbers. Ultimately we are interested in the factors that influence
reproduction and survival, and for this reason it is important to have the ability to examine
these factors throughout the life cycle of the birds. We have therefore chosen species
amenable to direct or indirect study throughout the annual cycle.
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WILDLIFE ECOLOGY RESEARCH CHAIR
The species of birds which we plan to concentrate on, their seasonal status, and the
environments in which they primarily occur in BC are listed below:
Species
Seasonal Status
Habitat
Snow Goose
winter
salt-marshes
agricultural fields
Trumpeter Swan
winter *
salt-marshes
agricultural fields
American Wigeon
winter *
mud flats
agricultural fields
Harlequin Duck
resident
(different habitats)
rocky shores, inshore waters,
mountain streams
Brant
winter and transient
mudflats
inshore waters
Western Sandpiper
transient
mudflats
Dunlin
winter
mudflats
Grebes sp.
winter and transient *
inshore waters
Cassin's Auklet
summer
open sea
off-shore islands
Rhinoceros Auklet
resident
(different habitats)
open sea, inshore waters,
off-shore islands
Tufted Puffin
resident
(different habitats)
open sea,
off-shore islands
Pigeon Guillemot
resident
inshore waters, rocky shores,
off-shore islands
Cormorants sp.
resident
off-shore islands,
inshore waters
Marbled Murrelet
resident
(different habitats)
inshore waters,
old growth forest
(* also breeds in interior parts of province)
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MISSION STATEMENT - JANUARY 1994
3. Integrated Population Approach
We take as a useful model the approach to bird conservation pioneered in United
Kingdom by the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO ), referred to as Integrated Population
Monitoring (IPM ). It identifies the following stages.
Stage 1. Is there a mechanism in place to detect conservation problems associated with
bird populations? This would usually be associated with disturbing changes in
population size due to anthropogenic effects on the environment of the birds,
Stage 2. If disturbing changes are recognized, can one identify the stages in the life-cycle
that are affected? If survival is involved, does it affect all age groups equally? If
reproduction is involved, at what stage - egg production, fledgling success or
recruitment? At what level does the problem lie?
Stage 3. If the stage of the life cycle that is affected has been identified, can one identify
the causal components that influence it? For example, if over-winter mortality is
high, is this due to changes in food availability, predator pressure (including
hunting pressure), contaminant levels or other factors?
Stage 4. Can remedial steps be taken? What management advice can we give?
IPM provides us with a logical framework for bird conservation but still presents a
formidable task. Fortunately there is already considerable background information
available on most of the species we have chosen through the work of the CWS. For
example, the production of the book "Birds of British Columbia" represents an important
initiative by CWS as do the various programs, such as Christmas counts, breeding bird
surveys, nest record schemes that involve the public, particularly bird watchers, in the
monitoring function.
The role of the Chair in this program relates more to stages 2 and 3, the demographic
aspects of the IPM and in this we hope to work closely with scientists of the Wildlife
Ecology Division, using a team approach. The specifics of this approach will be pointed
out under the individual research projects.
The scientific approaches to IPM fall under three headings:
i. Population Ecology,
ii. Behavioural Ecology and
iii. Physiological Ecology
although in reality there are no such sharp divisions between these groups.
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WILDLIFE ECOLOGY RESEARCH CHAIR
i. Population Ecology
Our general aim will be to expand existing projects or set up new field research projects
that monitor variability in reproductive and survival performance of the species of
concern. To investigate variation in reproduction will entail several seasons of field work
on reasonably large samples of nesting birds. Where possible, we intend to embark on a
program of individually marking birds, and to collect blood, tissue and feather samples
from the birds to assess genetic variability and contaminant levels. The aim of the research
is to identify the environmental factors responsible for variation in reproductive
performance and to detect long term demographic trends. To examine variation in
survival rates, we will use individually marked birds and Capture-Mark-Recapture (CMR )
models to assess variability of local and age-specific survival, immigration and emigration.
Where possible we will build on existing data-bases of banded birds.
These data will be used for population modelling to help us understand both the
demographic processes and the sensitivity of populations to environmental perturbations.
The systems ecologist to be hired by CWS will be essential for this aspect of the research.
ii. Behavioural Ecology
Behavioural ecology seeks to understand the natural behaviour of animals including
foraging, distribution, daily and annual movements, reproductive behaviour and life
history. The central tenet of the discipline is that all these behaviours evolved as a result
of identifiable and measurable factors acting on the lifetime reproductive success of
individuals. Behavioural ecology developed from the cross-fertilization between longterm field studies of animals in their natural habitats, theoretical insights into the evolution
of behaviour, and the successful conduct of quantitative, experimental work in both
laboratory and field. Using these approaches, much progress has been made over the past
few decades in understanding animal behaviour.
We can use behavioural ecological approaches to help understand why animals use their
environment as they do, aiming to more than simply describe. For example, we may be
able to describe the dispersion of a species over available feeding sites, but to be able to
predict the outcome of a change resulting from , for example, development, we need to
investigate the basis of the distribution. Behavioural ecology has developed a number of
tools, including dynamic programming and games theory to help investigate this basis, and
identify the ecological constraints under which birds find themselves.
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MISSION STATEMENT - JANUARY 1994
iii. Physiological Ecology
Ecological constraints are more readily understood if we have some knowledge of the
underlying physiological processes, essential for maintenance, reproduction and survival.
The appointment of a physiological ecologist to the Associate Chair position will fill a gap
that is evident in most other demographic studies. By looking at intra-specific variability
of physiological processes we hope to discover the responses of birds to environmental
perturbations such as might be imposed by environmental contaminants for example. In
this way we hope to interface with the Ecosystem Health Section, Wildlife Ecology
Division.
Physiological ecology is concerned with how animals function, whereas population and
behavioural ecology seek to explain why animals function the way they do. In the past,
these two questions have often been considered to be independent, and physiological
ecologists have been accused of showing only that 'animals live where they can'. Although
it is now becoming increasingly apparent that the ecology and evolution of any species can
not be considered in isolation from it's physiology - and in fact that these two approaches
are complementary - this continues to be a weakness of many other demographic studies.
At the most general level, the efficiency of energy and nutrient intake, its processing,
allocation and expenditure is critical to the survival and reproductive success of individuals
and populations. Within-species, individual variation in physiological traits can be as
marked as that in ecological, behavioural or morphological traits, although the causes and
consequences of this variation are poorly understood. An understanding of the
mechanisms underlying this intraspecific variability in physiological traits is essential in
determining the constraints that might limit the ability of individuals, populations and
species to respond to chemical and biological changes in the environment.
Reproduction and migration represent two major aspects of the life cycles of most birds,
and in particular of those species that have been targeted as being of primary importance
in this study (colonially-breeding seabirds and migratory shorebirds and waterfowl). These
will therefore form the focus of the work of the Associate Chair. Reproductive output is
dependent on breeding propensity and breeding effort (the number and size of eggs laid)
and these vary markedly between individuals. Understanding the physiological basis of egg
production, and egg-size variation, in wild birds will represent one of the two main goals
of this project. Egg production has been demonstrated to be the phase of the life-cycle of
birds that is most sensitive to environmental change (particularly with regard to pollution
and habitat alteration). Secondly, efficient utilisation of food resources and control of body
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WILDLIFE ECOLOGY RESEARCH CHAIR
reserves is essential for the successful completion of migration and for over-winter
survival. Again, it is known that there is marked intraspecific variation, for example, in the
rate of fat deposition between individuals. The second goal of this project will be to
investigate the physiological basis of this variation in relation to possible constraints
operating on diet choice, digestive capabilities and fat storage.
B. Academic Goals, The SFU Perspective
1. Population Ecology
What are the major academic issues in population ecology, which the Chair can contribute
to the discipline as a whole? We identify two large areas where the projects outlined here
can contribute. Firstly, although many long term bird population studies have investigated
variation in reproduction, much less has been done in terms of variation in survival. This
is partly due to the fact that more effort and resources are required to collect the data, and
partly because until recently the necessary mathematical models have not been available.
Recently however, new software packages have become available and we have spent
considerable time learning these new techniques with the view to applying them to long
term bird-banding data. Having pioneered this with the La Perouse Bay data set, we are
now in a position to adapt it for other data sets, both those already in existence and those
which we generate during the mandate of the Chair. One of the academic goals of the
Chair therefore will be to develop a Canadian centre where the measurement of survival
variation can be measured and assessed. To this end, we have hired Dr. E. Cooch whose
mathematical and computer skills make him ideal for this work. As well, Dr. R. Pradel,
who helped to develop the Survival General Estimation (SURGE) program for
investigating survival variation has joined our team as a post-doctoral fellow (PDF ). We
also plan to hold workshops to teach these methods and make them more readily available
for Canadian academics and wildlife biologists.
The SURGE and other recent methodologies are also valuable for examining patterns of
philopatry in birds and will be used for a theoretical and practical exploration of the whole
question of philopatry in birds. Although some general predictions about natal and
breeding philopatry can now be made, there is very little understanding about the
processes involved in winter and migration philopatry. Many applied questions depend on
an understanding of the rules that determine whether a bird will return to a previously used
location. Often it is important to know whether the populations of birds in an area are
residents, transients or a mix of the two. Turnover rates of birds within populations are
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MISSION STATEMENT - JANUARY 1994
also important in assessing impact of birds on their environment. Both these questions
ultimately depend on understanding the principles of philopatry away from the breeding
ground. We hope to concentrate on these questions as a unifying theme for our
population work.
2. Behavioural Ecology
Although population ecology and behavioural ecology have been closely tied during their
histories, fundamental assumptions remain unique to each. In particular, population
models consider neither adaptive adjustments in behaviour nor the possibility of
behavioural evolution in making predictions. Yet there is every reason to believe that
these are fundamentally important processes.
The discipline of behavioural ecology as a whole has set, as a major goal, the integration
of behavioural and population theory into a unified whole. Several major works of the
past decade have been devoted to considering the ecological consequences of adaptive
behaviour, but so far, the real progress has been very limited.
The Chair will be able to make a major contribution in this area because of the crossfertilization between large and active groups in both population and behavioural ecology.
The aim is to understand intraspecific life history variation, and to use that as a basis for
population predictions, rather than the reverse, which is the existing procedure. This
would constitute a major and important advance, and we plan to be major contributors in
this area.
3. Physiological Ecology
The principal academic goal of research in Physiological Ecology will be to gain an
understanding of the significance of, and mechanisms underlying, individual and agespecific expression of physiological traits. As a model system, the work will initially
investigate the physiological basis of reproductive investment in egg-laying and the
functional significance of egg-size variation in birds. Specifically, the project will
concentrate on three main aspects: 1) energetic costs of egg production, 2) the
relationship between egg-size and offspring fitness, and 3) mechanisms and constraints in
egg-laying females. The approach taken will be to conduct experimental work under
more-or-less controlled conditions, for example using captive breeding birds or perhaps a
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WILDLIFE ECOLOGY RESEARCH CHAIR
nest-box breeding population, and then to test ideas and hypotheses generated in this way
on selected free-living species of particular interest to the Chair. A similar approach
would be taken toward the study of the physiological basis of, and possible constraints on,
diet choice, digestive capabilities and fat deposition. This work would concentrate on
migratory shorebirds, probably dunlin or western sandpipers, and the aim would be to
establish a population of these birds in captivity.
These two areas of research are linked by the common goals of understanding
1) individual differences in the patterns of resource acquisition and expenditure, and
2) the adaptive significance of individual variation in physiological traits in free-living
birds, this in turn allowing a better understanding of their likely responses to
environmental change.
4. General Points
In addition to the general themes outlined above, we hope that the projects which we
undertake will lead to generalities about avian demographic processes which will have
applicability to the conservation problems associated with lesser known and endangered
species. Often the detailed study necessary for conservation action is not possible if the
species is rare and sensitive to disturbance and conservationists have no option but to
extrapolate from more widespread and better studied species. For example, the work with
Western Sandpipers, may provide valuable insights into the management and protection of
the endangered Piping Plover.
C. Organisation
In addition to the Senior and Associate Chair, Drs. F. Cooke T. D. Williams, the
organisation of the research program has required the hiring of three limited term
Assistant Professors, each with special responsibility for one of the major taxonomic
groups of the above program. Dr. David Lank is an evolutionary and behavioural
ecologist specialising in shorebirds. Dr. Evan Cooch is a population biologist and
statistician specialising in waterfowl, and Dr. Ian Jones a behavioural and population
ecologist is our seabird expert. They will take an important scientific responsibility in the
projects covered by their specialities. In addition we have hired an Administrative
Assistant, Joanne Harrington, to oversee the logistic, financial and organisational aspects
of the Chair.
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MISSION STATEMENT - JANUARY 1994
IV. THE CHAIR IN ACTION
Ten projects are outlined in the following table. They represent a considerable investment
of time and financial resources and some may have to be phased in more slowly than
proposed. That they are possible at all, reflects the close collaboration between the Chair
and CWS. In Section VI,A, details of the research projects are provided.
CWS
Initiatives
CWS / SFU
Joint Ventures
SFU
Initiatives
Winter Population
Ecology of Brant in the
Fraser Delta
The Population Dynamics
of Western Sandpipers
Population Studies of
Trumpeter Swans
Triangle Island: A
Population Study of 6
Species of Seabirds
Population Studies of
American Wigeon
Demography of the Pacific
Population of Lesser
Snow Geese
Population Studies of
Harlequin Ducks
Population Status of
Marbled Murrelets
Population Studies of
Grebes
Winter Ecology of Dunlin
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WILDLIFE ECOLOGY RESEARCH CHAIR
A. Specific Projects
At present, we have made no attempt to prioritize the projects below. They are presented
to give an account of the initiatives started to date or soon to be undertaken. The
conservation goals and details of each project are listed in Section VI.A. of this report.
1. The Population Dynamics Of Western Sandpiper
The long-term objective of this study is to provide an understanding of the factors
controlling the population of this long distance migrant which occupies many several
different habitats and locations during their annual cycle. What factors influence the
species in these different locations and determine when migration between the different
locations occurs? Of more immediate conservation interest is the consequence of the
removal or deterioration of one or more of these habitats to the survival of the species.
Events in Panama could influence the populations of Western Sandpipers as far away as
Alaska. Our aim is to carry out long term demographic work in at least one breeding area
(Seward Peninsula, Alaska), two migration locations (Boundary Bay and Sidney Island,
BC) and two wintering sites (Chitre, Panama and Ensenada, Mexico).
i. Alaska
Brett Sandercock, a Ph.D. candidate, headed a research team at Safety Sound, near Nome,
Alaska that studied a breeding population of Western and Semipalmated Sandpipers in
terms of energetics and reproductive biology. This work was initiated in 1993 and will
continue in 1994 and beyond.
ii. Boundary Bay, BC
Drs. B. Elner and R. Butler are studying food availability, distribution, morphometrics and
energetics of Western Sandpipers during their migratory stop-overs at Boundary Bay.
This is being continued with the addition to the team of Dr. Mary Sewell (a PDF funded
under the Fraser River Action Plan (FRAP ) program).
iii. Sidney Island, BC
Under the direction of Dr. R. Butler, habitat use and energetics of Western Sandpipers
continues along with a long term banding program.
iv. Ensenada, Mexico
With funding from the Latin American Program (LAP ) and under the direction of Dr. H.
de la Cueva, of the Centro de Investigacion Cientifica y de Educacion Superior de
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MISSION STATEMENT - JANUARY 1994
Ensenada (CICESE ), Dr. R. Butler of the CWS has initiated a banding program. The
Senior Chair, Mary Sewell and Brett Sandercock visited the project site in January 1994
to further coordinate this project.
v. Chitre, Panama
A banding program was initiated in 1988 by Dr. R. Butler under the direction of
Dr. F. Delgado and funded through LAP. This long term study has yielded valuable data
for assessing local winter survival rates. As a result of a visit to Chitre by Drs. Cooke,
Ydenberg and Butler, a research program involving Panamanian students under the
direction of Dr. Delgado, and Canadian students under the direction of the Chair was
agreed on. This would comprise a detailed understanding of the relationship between the
Western Sandpipers and their winter habitat, including food, predators and competitors.
In addition, the continuing long term data base will be analysed for local survival rate and
philopatry estimations. Patrick O'Hara, an M.Sc. student has been selected to coordinate
this study and will work closely with Dr. J. Christy of the Smithsonian Tropical Research
Institute (STRI ).
2. Winter Ecology Of Dunlin
Capitalizing on the information learned about the food resource base in Boundary Bay, we
hope to initiate a population and feeding ecology study of the large population of Dunlin
which winter on Boundary Bay. This would begin in the fall of 1994, at the earliest, in
coordination with Dr. R. Butler and Dr. D. Lank.
3. The Triangle Island Project: A Population Study Of 6 Species Of Seabirds.
The CWS has long had an interest in establishing a permanent field station on Triangle
Island, a remote island off the northern tip of Vancouver Island and site of BC's largest
seabird colony. Triangle Island is the ideal location for studying the demographic
processes in six important BC seabirds species: Cassin's Auklet, Rhinoceros Auklet,
Tufted Puffin, Pigeon Guillemot, Common Murre and Pelagic Cormorant. The island is
the site of the largest concentration of any wild vertebrate species in western Canada: an
enormous colony of over one million Cassin's Auklets. A research station consisting of a
cabin will be contructed in March 1994, with field research and monitoring commencing in
early April. Dr. Ian L. Jones will be directing this project.
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WILDLIFE ECOLOGY RESEARCH CHAIR
The research program will be broadly concerned with assessing the population stability of
each species of seabird in a long-term study lasting the duration of the Chair. Recent
advances in mathematical modelling have made it possible to clearly identify factors in the
life cycle that contribute most significantly to variation in population abundance. As well,
extensions to existing methods for analyzing mark-recapture data will enable us to
examine the demographics of dispersal. Data on population parameters combined with
ecological modelling will provide the first comprehensive data on how these species could
be impacted by a variety of natural and human-made perturbations. The ultimate product
of our research effort will be the comprehensive population models for each of the five
target seabird species. These will incorporate demographic parameters from each species,
the influence of annual variation in food availability related to oceanographic conditions,
and stochastic variation in demographic and environmental parameters. The population
dynamic simulation models will be able to predict for each species the long term outcome
of a range of catastrophic events (such as oil spills and other mass mortality events) and
environmental perturbations (such as ENSO). Financial support has been sought from the
Nestucca Fund, the Vancouver Foundation, NSERC, and the Department of Biological
Sciences, SFU.
Dr. Ron Ydenberg will have one M.Sc student working at Triangle Island in the first
season. We are negotiating with several more students regarding projects starting in
1995. Permission to work on this Ecological Reserve has been obtained from the
Ecological Reserves Branch of BC Parks, and from the Archeology Branch of the Ministry
of Small Business, Tourism and Culture.
4. Demography Of The Pacific Population Of Lesser Snow Geese
In a workshop held in February 1993 at the Westham Island Headquarters of CWS, we
defined the key management and theoretical questions associated with the Snow Geese of
the Pacific Coast. There are 3 populations with some gene exchange occurring among
them. These are
i) the Wrangel Island breeding birds which winter in the Fraser and Skagit Deltas,
ii) the Wrangel Island breeding birds which winter in California and
iii) the Banks Island breeding birds which also winter in California.
The population ecology of the Wrangel Island birds is reasonably well known through the
long-term studies of Syroechkovsky, Litvin, Baranyuk and colleagues. The wintering
population dynamics of the Fraser-Skagit population is well understood through the
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MISSION STATEMENT - JANUARY 1994
research of Mr. S. Boyd of the Ecosystems Research Division CWS. The California
wintering population is under study by Dr. J. Takekawa and colleagues from the National
Biological Surveys Division, US Fish and Wildlife Sciences, Dixon, California, with
assistance from the Pacific Flyway Council. The breeding ecology of the Banks Island
colony is poorly understood.
The objectives of this project are:
i) to collate all the existing data for these populations and to build up a comprehensive
data base for modelling the population demographics using Leslie matrix type models.
This will allow us to do sensitivity analyses to determine the consequences of different
management approaches and to discover where the population is most vulnerable.
These analyses will be carried out by Drs. E. Cooch and S. Brault (U. of Mass,
formerly with CWS),
ii) to initiate a breeding ground study on Banks Island, NWT. This will initially be a
banding study but will include other aspects of the breeding biology and hopefully will
begin in 1994 or 1995. Funds are currently being sought from Arctic Goose Joint
Venture (AGJV ), Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC ), Polar Continental Shelf and the
Pacific Flyway Council. This will be coordinated by Dr. E. Cooch.
iii) to continue the population counts in the Fraser and Skagit deltas, and observations of
family structure, age ratios and individually banded geese on the wintering ground on
Westham Island. This is being coordinated by S. Boyd.
5. Winter Population Ecology Of Brant In The Fraser Delta
Brant populations on the Pacific Coast of North America have shown a long-term decline.
More locally, a once abundant wintering population of Brant in Boundary Bay now
numbers less than a thousand birds. Brant are still hunted on Boundary Bay in small
numbers and there is some controversy as to whether the hunted birds are part of this
over-wintering population or migrants which pass through the area in the Spring.
Fortunately many of the Pacific Coast Brant are individually marked allowing an
assessment of the resident/transient status of the wintering and the hunted population.
This should have a direct bearing on decisions on Brant management such as, the
restoration of Brant populations in the Bay at higher levels than at present. This project
is currently being coordinated by Mr. I. Goudie of CWS. As well, Barbara Pohl, a
potential PDF is currently seeking funds from the German Government to assist with this
study.
Miss11.doc (23-Jan-98)
Page 17
WILDLIFE ECOLOGY RESEARCH CHAIR
6. Population Studies Of Trumpeter Swans
Populations of Trumpeter Swans wintering in BC have increased considerably in recent
years and currently threaten both agricultural crops and coastal salt marshes, perhaps to
the detriment of other species of birds which use them. We have embarked on a study of
this species, with a view to understanding the causes and consequences of this population
increase. Mr. B. Carter, an M.Sc. student has embarked on this study which will
concentrate on a marked winter population of swans but will also involve some
investigation of reproduction variation in the Alaska breeding range. Mr. S. Boyd of CWS
will continue to collect population data and age ratio counts on the wintering population
in the Fraser and Skagit deltas.
7. Population Studies Of American Wigeon
American Wigeon are herbivorous ducks which cause widespread damage to winter cover
crops in the Lower Mainland of BC. We are interested in understanding the population
dynamics of this species, both in the wintering area and in the breeding grounds. It is
thought that most of the birds wintering in southern BC breed in Alaska and northern
Yukon and so we are planning to embark on a breeding study at the Old Crow Flats in
Northern Yukon in conjunction with the Whitehorse Office of CWS. Mr. G. Robertson, a
Ph.D. student at SFU is coordinating this project.
8. Population Studies Of Harlequin Ducks
In parts of their range Harlequin Ducks are becoming increasingly rare and are subject to a
wide range of environmental hazards such as oil spills, rafting and coastal development.
Little is known of the demography of the species and two studies have been initiated in
1993 which will increase our understanding.
i. Strait of Georgia, BC
Mr. I. Goudie has initiated a wintering study in the Strait of Georgia as part of a broader
study of wintering populations of sea ducks. In addition several moulting populations
have been or will be banded for demographic studies.
ii. Jasper National Park, ALTA
Mr. W. Hunt, an M.Sc. student under the supervision on Dr. R. Ydenberg, has started an
investigation of the breeding biology of Harlequin Ducks in Jasper National Park, with
Page 18
MISSION STATEMENT - JANUARY 1994
particular reference to possible disturbance from white-water rafting. This study
concentrates on the feeding ecology of the ducks in the breeding season.
9. Population Studies of Grebes
Grebes are potentially vulnerable both on the breeding grounds and in the winter.
Breeding habitat loss occurs as a result of drainage, shoreline modification and human
disturbance. In winter, loss of food and environmental contamination are major threats.
The grebes provide a useful monitor of environmental change in the Fraser Delta and
Strait of Georgia.
i. Strait of Georgia, BC
James Clowater, an M.Sc student at SFU, has recently joined the department to begin a
project on food utilization by grebes in the Straits of Georgia during the winter months.
The details of the project have yet to be worked out but will involve Western, Red-necked
and/or Horned Grebes. In addition, population and demographic information in the
wintering grounds will be collected in conjunction with Mr. S. Boyd.
ii. Clinton and Williams Lake, BC
Surveys of breeding grebes in BC have shown several populations to be declining or
endangered. As a result, a preliminary study of the breeding ecology of two of these
species (Eared and Western Grebes) was initiated by Mr. S. Boyd in 1993. The objectives
are to understand the population ecology of these species, colony fidelity and relationship
between Clinton and Williams Lake, BC. This will continue for several years and will
expand to include other species of grebes as suitable students join the program.
iii. Upper Fraser River, BC
Grebes may provide the focal species for a study of food web interactions and productivity
by Dr. Robert Vadas, a PDF who will be joining the Chair imminently. His work will
essentially connect ongoing studies of waterbird populations (CWS) and fish (Department
of Fisheries and Oceans) into the larger ecological picture necessary to develop predictive
ecosystem models for management. Details of both species and location of this work has
yet to be determined.
Miss11.doc (23-Jan-98)
Page 19
WILDLIFE ECOLOGY RESEARCH CHAIR
10. Population Status Of Marbled Murrelets
The Marbled Murrelets is a species of concern because of its use of old growth forests for
nesting sites. Additionally, surveys suggest that populations are declining in many parts of
BC. Work by the CWS has documented a large population of Murrelets using the
Desolation Sound area throughout the summer. They have in addition developed ways of
capturing and marking the population. A pilot study is planned for 1994 to estimate
population sizes and composition, local philopatry and survival, by capturing and marking
as many birds as possible. If successful, this population will form the basis for a longer
term study to try to discover more about life history traits in this elusive species.
In conjunction with the marking program, blood and feather samples will be collected in
an attempt to understand population structure and breeding status. This work will be
done in collaboration with Drs. K. Martin (CWS ), A. Derocher (B.C. Forest Service) and
T. Quinn (U. Colorado ).
B. Other Initiatives
One of the key requirements of a major research program is the development of an
intellectual framework for the ideas and projects. To this end, we have initiated a series of
symposia, seminars and workshops to disseminate the ideas outlined above. These
include:
i) A Snow Goose Workshop organised by the Ecosystems Research Division under the
direction of Dr. S. Brault to define the research approaches needed to understand the
population structure and demography of the western populations of the Lesser Snow
Goose. This was held on 22-23 February 1993, and was attended by some of the
major Snow Goose researchers from US and Canada.
ii) A Western Sandpiper Workshop sponsored by the Chair and coordinated by the Chair
and the Ecosystems Research Division brought together researchers from 6 countries
to define the objectives and research goals of the multinational initiatives for Western
Sandpiper research. This was held on 3 - 5 November 1993 at SFU.
iii) A Vertebrate Community Dynamics Workshop was organised jointly by the Chair and
the Kluane Boreal Forest Community Project to examine the research approaches and
paradigms associated with long term ecological studies by examining two highly
successful but very different projects, those at Kluane, which use large scale habitat
manipulation, and that of La Perouse Bay, which involved a mainly observational
approach focussed around a single species. This was held 6 November 1993 at UBC.
Page 20
MISSION STATEMENT - JANUARY 1994
iv) The Ecosystems Research Division and the Chair have initiated a seminar program to
be held weekly at the CWS Headquarters. These will commence as soon as space
becomes available.
v) Discussions continue with officials of the BTO to become more familiar with IPM
techniques. Subsequently, Dr. J. Greenwood, Director General of the BTO was
invited to give a series of seminars in Canada during the third week of January 1994.
vi) The organisation of a workshop on Survival Estimation Techniques led by
Dr. J. D. Lebreton, of CNRS, Montpellier, France. Dr. Lebreton is one of the leaders
in developing the SURGE programs for calculating survival and recapture rates from
capture-mark-recapture data. This workshop is aimed at University and Government
Agency researchers across Canada who are anxious to learn of the new techniques.
This is to be held 31 March - 3rd April 1994 at the CWS Pacific Wildlife Research
Centre.
vii) The development and teaching of a graduate course in survival estimation techniques
for advanced students at SFU. This is to be held in the spring term of 1994 and is
taught by Dr. E. Cooch.
viii) The completion and publication by Oxford University Press of the book, The Snow
Geese of La Perouse Bay - A Study of Natural Selection in the Wild. This was not an
initiative of the Chair, but it represents the earlier research of members of the group
and its philosophy reflects the values of IPM approaches.
ix) The organisation by Dr. E. Cooch of the 8th North American Arctic Goose
Conference to be held in Albuquerque New Mexico in January 1995.
Miss11.doc (23-Jan-98)
Page 21
WILDLIFE ECOLOGY RESEARCH CHAIR
V. PERSONNEL
A. Board of Directors
Name
Position
Affiliation
Dr. Fred Cooke
Dr. Larry Dill
Dr. Bob Elner
Dr. Art Martell
Dr. Ron Ydenberg
Senior Research Chair
Professor
Head of Ecosystem Research
Regional Director, ECB, DOE
Professor
SFU
SFU
CWS
CWS
SFU
B. Research Team
1. Faculty
Name
Position
Dr. Fred Cooke
Dr. Tony Williams
Dr. Evan Cooch
Dr. Ian Jones
Dr. David Lank
Senior Chair
Associate Chair
Assistant Professor
Assistant Professor
Assistant Professor
2. Research Group
Postdoctoral Fellow
Ph.D. Student
M.Sc. Student
Assistants
Dr. Roger Pradel
Greg Robertson
Brian Carter
Joanne Harrington
Dr. Robert Vadas
Dr. Mary Sewell
Brett Sandercock
Joanna Smith *
James Clowater
Patrick O'Hara
Sean Cullen *
Hugh Knechtel
Connie Smith
* potential participants
Page 22
MISSION STATEMENT - JANUARY 1994
C. Workshops/Meetings Attended by Chair Representatives
Title
Date
Location
Participants
Western Sandpiper
Workshop
11/93
SFU
Vertebrate Community
Dynamics Workshop
11/93
UBC
Wrangel Island Coordination
Meeting
Assoc. for Studies of Animal
Behaviour
Pacific Seabird Group
11/93
Lafayette, LA
F. Cooke
D. Lank
B. Sandercock
F. Cooke
E. Cooch
I. Jones
D. Lank
F. Cooke
11/93
London, UK
D. Lank
1/94
Sacremento, CA
1/94
Squamish, BC
F. Cooke
I. Jones
I. Jones
D. Lank
Brian Carter
James Clowater
Patrick O'Hara
Roger Pradel
Greg Robertson
SFU/UBC
Ecology Retreat
D. Workshops/Meetings To be Attended by Chair Representatives
Workshop/Meeting Title
Date
Location
Participants
Pacific Flyway
N. American Wildlife
Conference
Internation Ornithological
Congress
03/94
03/94
Portland, OR
Anchorage,AL
08/94
Vienna, Austria
F. Cooke
F. Cooke
E. Cooch
F. Cooke
11/94
Aussois, FR
T. Williams
B. Ganter
F. Cooke
6/94
Missoula,
Montana
Evolutionary and
Ecological Processes
A.O.U.
Miss11.doc (23-Jan-98)
F. Cooke
E. Cooch
D. Lank
B. Ganter
Page 23
WILDLIFE ECOLOGY RESEARCH CHAIR
VI. BUDGET
A. Projects
1. Population Dynamics of Western Sandpiper
Conservation Goals:
Western Sandpipers use habitat during migration (such as Boundary Bay) which are under
considerable threat from human activites. These activities include waterfront
development, coastline modification, contamination of mudflats and recreational use.
What is the impact of habitat loss or degradation on this species ?
Details:
i. Safety Sound, Alaska
RESEARCH FOCUS: Adaptive significance of clutch size.
PROJECT ORGANIZER: Mr. Brett Sandercock
RESEARCH TEAM MEMBERS:
FUNDING:
1. CWS Chair
salary/mat.& supplies
2. N. Scientific Training Program
B. Sandercock travel/accom
3. N. Scientific Training Program
research asst. travel/accom
4. CNST
5. CWS
6. AOU
7. Cooper Society
8. Fuertes
9. NSERC Undergrad. Student Res. Award res. asst. salary
$15,000.00
$6750.00 (pending)
$6750.00 (pending)
$10,000.00 (pending)
$2,500.00 (pending)
$1,500.00 (pending)
$1,000.00 (pending)
$500.00 (pending)
(pending)
CONTACTS MADE:
1. Dr. R. Gill
USFWS (Alaska)
ii. Boundary Bay, BC
RESEARCH FOCUS: Impact to ecosystem of sandpiper feeding on marine invertebrates.
PROJECT ORGANIZER: Dr. R. Elner
RESEARCH TEAM MEMBERS: Dr. Mary Sewell
FUNDING:
1. CWS contribution (#31-529047)
salary/mat.& supplies
$70,000.00 (2 years)
2. SFU Undergraduate Workstudy
student res. asst. salary
(pending)
CONTACTS MADE:
Page 24
MISSION STATEMENT - JANUARY 1994
iii. Sidney Island, BC
RESEARCH FOCUS: Habitat use and energetics.
PROJECT ORGANIZER: Dr. R. Butler
RESEARCH TEAM MEMBERS:
FUNDING:
CONTACTS MADE:
iv. Ensenada, Mexico
RESEARCH FOCUS: Wintering biology and demographics.
PROJECT ORGANIZER: Dr. R. Butler
RESEARCH TEAM MEMBERS:
FUNDING:
1. LAP (through Dr. R. Butler)
$5000.00
2. Subvention Funds
$10,000.00
(pending)
CONTACTS MADE:
1. Dr. H. de la Cueva
CICESE (Ensenada, Mexico)
v. Chitre, Panama
RESEARCH FOCUS: Wintering biology and demographics.
PROJECT ORGANIZER: Mr. Patrick O'Hara
RESEARCH TEAM MEMBERS: Mr. Brett Sandercock, students of University of Panama
FUNDING:
1. CWS contribution (LAP through R. Butler)
$10000.00
2. STRI
$5000.00 (pending)
3. SFU teaching assistantship
$5000.00
4. CWS Chair
$11000.00
CONTACTS MADE:
1. Dr. John Christy (STRI - Panama City)
2. Fransisco Delgado (University of Panama
Miss11.doc (23-Jan-98)
Page 25
WILDLIFE ECOLOGY RESEARCH CHAIR
2. Winter Ecology of Dunlin
Conservation Goals:
Dunlin use similar habitats to Western Sandpipers during migration but also during the
winter. The conservation issues are similar to those of the Western Sandpiper but cover a
broader period of the year.
Details:
LOCATION:
Boundary, BC
Migrating energetics in overwintering dunlin.
PROJECT ORGANIZER: Dr. David Lank, Dr. R. Butler
RESEARCH TEAM MEMBERS:
FUNDING:
1. Subvention Fund
RESEARCH FOCUS:
CONTACTS MADE:
Page 26
$10,000.00 pending
MISSION STATEMENT - JANUARY 1994
3. Triangle Island: A Population Study of 6 Species of Seabirds
Conservation Goals:
Understanding the threats from oil spills, changes in fish stocks, marine pollution and
environmental change to the sea birds of the BC coast is the aim of this project. Sea birds
are valuable monitors of the marine environment and there is evidence in other parts of the
Pacific Coast, of dramatic declines in numbers of Cassins Auklets and Common Murres.
Rhinoceros Auklets on the other had appear to be increasing.
Details:
LOCATION:
Triangle Island, BC
SPECIES STUDIED: Cassin's & Rhinoceros Auklets, Tufted Puffin, Pigeon Guillemot,
Common Murre, Pelagic Cormorant
RESEARCH FOCUS:
1. Long-term demographic study, emphasizing interrelationships among population parameters
including population size, adult survival, recruitment, reproductive. success, immigration,
emigration.
2. Interspecific comparison among several seabird species at different trophic levels breeding in
large populations at a single location.
3. Population dynamic simulation models to predict the long term outcome of catastrophic events
and environmental perturbations.
PROJECT ORGANIZER: Dr. Ian Jones
RESEARCH TEAM MEMBERS: Yolanda Morbey, Moira Lemon, Hugh Knechtel, Christine Adkins, Joanna
Smith
FUNDING SOURCE:
1. Nestucca Fund
research station and eqpt.
(proposed)
2. Vancouver Foundation
research station and eqpt. $20,000.00 (pending)
3. NSERC Equipment Grant
Zodiak inflatable boat
$13,195.92
4. Simon Fraser University
Zodiak inflatable boat
$4,548.98
5. CWS
station running costs
$20,000.00 (pending)
6. CWS
technician salary (1 mo.)
7. Subvention Fund
$20000.00 (pending)
8. CWS Chair
$15000.00
CONTACTS MADE:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Miss11.doc (23-Jan-98)
Dennis Moffatt, Planning and Conservation Services, Min. of Envir., Lands and Parks
Ron Lampard, Min. of Environment, Lands and Parks
Steve Acheson, Archaeology Branch, Min. of Small Business, Tourism and Culture
Sheila and Peter Redhead, Cape Scott Lightstation, Vancouver Island
Cecil Chang, Canadian Coast Guard
Page 27
WILDLIFE ECOLOGY RESEARCH CHAIR
4. Demography of the Pacific Population of Lesser Snow Goose
Conservation Goals:
Russian scientists have been concerned with the long term decline of the Wrangel Island
breeding colony. This has been averted recently, at least in those birds which use the BC
wintering grounds, but still, the factors which influence the size of this population remain
insufficiently understood. This population is valuable for recreational view and for
hunting.
Details:
LOCATION:
Pacific Coast and Yukon
RESEARCH FOCUS:
1. Long-term demographic study, emphasizing interrelationships among population parameters
including population size, adult survival, recruitment, reproductive. success, immigration,
emigration.
2. Computer modelling of the stability and dynamics of waterfowl populations.
PROJECT ORGANIZER: Dr. Evan Cooch
RESEARCH TEAM MEMBERS: Dr. Roger Pradel
FUNDING SOURCE:
1. CWS contribution (#31-529041)
E. Cooch salary (1/2)
2. CWS contribution(#31-619054)
E. Cooch salary (1/2)
3. Chair contribution (#31-529041)
R. Pradel
$20,000.00
4a. Arctic Goose Joint Venture
$50,000.00 annually for 5 years
4b. Pacific Flyway Council
4c. Ducks Unlimited (Canada)
CONTACTS MADE:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Page 28
Dr. R. Trost, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Arlington, Virginia
Dr. J. Hines, CWS (Yellowknife)
Dr. E. Syroechkovski, Moscow
Dr. K. Litvin, Moscow
Dr. V. Baranyuk, Moscow
Mr. G. Stenouse, Ducks Unlimited, Canada
Drs. T. Rothe, D. Connelly, Pacific Flyway Council
MISSION STATEMENT - JANUARY 1994
5. Winter Population Ecology of Brant in the Fraser Delta
Conservation Goals:
A small local wintering population is potentially endangered.
Details:
LOCATION:
Fraser River estuary, BC
RESEARCH FOCUS:
1. Biodiversity, and Community and Population Structures of Birds, Benthos and Fish.
2. Bird ecology and the human dimension.
PROJECT ORGANIZER: Mr. I. Goudie
RESEARCH TEAM MEMBERS: Barbara Pohl (tentative PDF)
FUNDING:
1. Eco-Research Grant
salary, mat.& supplies
$30,000.00
(pending)
(Tri-Council Initiative)
2. German gov't funding
$20,000.00
(pending)
3. Subvention Fund
$10,000.00
(pending)
CONTACTS MADE:
1. Dr. D. Kraege, Washington Dept. of Conservation
2. Dr. M. Chudder, BC Dept . of Wildlife
Miss11.doc (23-Jan-98)
Page 29
WILDLIFE ECOLOGY RESEARCH CHAIR
6. Population Studies of Trumpeter Swan
Conservation Goals:
A formerly endangered species has responded favourably to protection. In fact wintering
populations are currently increasing to the extent that they are causing conflict with
farmers due to their use of farmland crops for winter food.
Details:
LOCATION:
Fraser Delta and possibly Nisutlin River,Yukon
Wintering ecology and habitat selection; population structure; breeding biology.
PROJECT ORGANIZER: Mr. Brian Carter
RESEARCH TEAM MEMBERS:
FUNDING:
1. Northern Scientific Training Program B. Carter travel/accom.
$5,500.00 (pending)
res. asst. travel/accom.
$4,700.00 (pending)
2. CWS Research grant
B. Carter salary
$2,500.00 (pending)
3. Canadian Wildlife Foundation
B. Carter salary
$3,000.00(pending)
(Orville Erickson Award)
4. CWS Chair
$10,000.00
RESEARCH FOCUS:
CONTACTS MADE:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Page 30
Sean Boyd, CWS
Rick McKelvey, CWS
Rod King, US Fish and Wildlife Service
Trumpeter Swan Association
MISSION STATEMENT - JANUARY 1994
7. Population Studies of American Wigeon
Conservation Goals:
This species, declining in parts of its range, is causing conflicts with farmers in the Fraser
Delta. This area provides recreation in the form of viewing and hunting and is an
important component of the Boundary Bay foreshore. The variety of ways in which its
population is affected by human land and recreation use needs to be studied.
Details:
LOCATION:
Pacific coast and Old Crow Flats,Yukon
Population dynamics of breeding and wintering waterfowl
PROJECT ORGANIZER: Mr. Greg Robertson
RESEARCH TEAM MEMBERS:
FUNDING:
1. NSERC post-graduate fellowship
G. Robertson salary
$17,400.00 until 09/94
2. Frank M. Chapman Memorial Award local travel in L. Mainland
$500.00 until 04/94
3. CWS Univ. Res. Support Fund
computer exp./assistant salary $2,500.00 (pending)
4. CWF Grant (Erickson Scholarship)
G. Robertson salary
$3,000.00 (pending)
5. SFU Graduate Scholarship
G. Robertson salary
$4,700.00 (pending)
6. American Orni. Union Scholarship
living expenses in field
$1,500.00 (pending)
7. Northern Scientific Training Program G. Robertson travel/acc.
$6,360.00 (pending)
res. asst. travel/acc.
$6,360.00 (pending)
8. CWS Chair
$10,000.00
RESEARCH FOCUS:
CONTACTS MADE:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Miss11.doc (23-Jan-98)
J. Hawkins, CWS (Whitehorse)
D. van der Wettering, CWS (Whitehorse)
W. Temple, UBC
T. Dunystee, Greenfields Project
Page 31
WILDLIFE ECOLOGY RESEARCH CHAIR
8. Population Studies of Harlequin Ducks
Conservation Goals:
In parts of their range Harlequin Ducks are becoming increasingly rare and are subject to a
wide range of environmental hazards such as oil spills, rafting and coastal development.
Little is known of the demography of the species and two studies have been initiated in
1993 which will increase our understanding.
Details:
i. Strait of Georgia, BC
RESEARCH FOCUS: Wintering population study.
PROJECT ORGANIZER: Mr. I. Goudie
RESEARCH TEAM MEMBERS:
FUNDING:
CONTACTS MADE:
ii. Jasper National Park, ALTA
RESEARCH FOCUS: Breeding biology.
PROJECT ORGANIZER: Mr. W. Hunt
RESEARCH TEAM MEMBERS:
FUNDING:
1. Parks Canada
CONTACTS MADE:
Page 32
$30 - 50,000.00
MISSION STATEMENT - JANUARY 1994
9. Population Studies of Grebes
Conservation Goals:
Grebes are potentially vulnerable both on the breeding grounds and in the winter.
Breeding habitat loss occurs as a result of drainage, shoreline modification and human
disturbance. In winter, loss of food and environmental contamination are major threats.
The grebes provide a useful monitor of environmental change in the Fraser Delta and
Strait of Georgia.
The research on grebes will consist of both breeding ground and wintering studies.
i.
LOCATION:
Strait of Georgia, BC
RESEARCH FOCUS: Comparative foraging ecology and distribution.
PROJECT ORGANIZER: Mr. James Clowater
RESEARCH TEAM MEMBERS:
FUNDING:
1. NSERC post-graduate scholarship
salary
2. Eco-Research
3. CWS Chair
$17,000
$30,000
$10,000
(pending)
(pending)
CONTACTS MADE:
ii.
LOCATION:
Clinton and Williams Lake, BC
RESEARCH FOCUS: Population ecology, colony fidelity and geographic comparison.
PROJECT ORGANIZER: Mr. S. Boyd
RESEARCH TEAM MEMBERS:
FUNDING:
1. Subvention Fund
$15,000.00
CONTACTS MADE:
1. Mr. Sean Cullen
iii. LOCATION: Upper Fraser River, BC
RESEARCH FOCUS:
PROJECT ORGANIZER: Dr. R. Elner
Dr. Robert Vadas, Jr.
FUNDING:
1. CWS contribution (#31-529047)
salary/mat.& supplies
RESEARCH TEAM MEMBERS:
$70,000.00 (2 years)
CONTACTS MADE:
Miss11.doc (23-Jan-98)
Page 33
WILDLIFE ECOLOGY RESEARCH CHAIR
10. Population Status of Marbled Murrelets
Conservation Goals:
The Marbled Murrelets is a species of concern because of its use of old growth forests for
nesting sites. Additionally, surveys suggest that populations are declining in many parts of
BC. Work by the CWS has documented a large population of Murrelets using the
Desolation Sound area throughout the summer. They have in addition developed ways of
capturing and marking the population. A pilot study is planned for 1994 to estimate
population sizes and composition, local philopatry and survival, by capturing and marking
as many birds as possible. If successful, this population will form the basis for a longer
term study to try to discover more about life history traits in this elusive species.
Details:
LOCATION:
Desolation Sound, BC
Population structure and breeding status.
PROJECT ORGANIZER: Dr. F. Cooke
RESEARCH TEAM MEMBERS: Mike Gill, Irene Manly
FUNDING:
1. Marbled Murrelet Recovery Team
RESEARCH FOCUS:
2. Subvention Fund
CONTACTS MADE:
1. Dr. A. Derocher (BC Dept. of Environment)
Page 34
$15,000.00 (committed)
$25,000.00 (pending)
$10,000.00 (pending)
MISSION STATEMENT - JANUARY 1994
B. Budget for 1993-1994 Fiscal Year
Account No.
Initial Funds
Debits
Encumbrances
Credits
Capital
51-117210
100000.00
51579.70
22656.00
25764.30
Startup
13-875600
100000.00
697.19
0.00
99302.81
CWS Chair
31-529041
125000.00
49323.52
58432.62
17243.86
CWS-FRAP
31-529047
76000.00
7258.02
16344.00
52397.98
NSERC-FC
31-611228
60482.00
22876.21
37605.80
-0.01
N-IRC-research
31-619054 *
27581.25
0.00
27477.24
104.01
N-IRC-salaries
31-619055 *
47418.75
33791.38
12332.62
1294.75
SFU Chair
13-875613
60000.00
31271.14
28526.11
202.75
396482.00
144520.27
180718.39
71243.34
* 75% annual amount since funding from July to March of fiscal period
Miss11.doc (23-Jan-98)
Page 35
WILDLIFE ECOLOGY RESEARCH CHAIR
C. Proposed Budget for 1994-1995 Fiscal Year
Page 36