The BC Coastal Waterbird Survey (BCCWS), through a network of
volunteers, regional organizers, naturalist groups, government
agencies, and non-government organizations, aims to monitor waterbirds
in coastal areas of British Columbia. The Survey will provide data
that will be used to conserve coastal waterbird populations and
habitats.
The BCCWS has the following specific objectives:
To assess the annual changes and long-term trends in population
size and distribution of coastal waterbirds in BC.
To collect data that contribute to population estimates of
coastal waterbird species in BC.
To advance our understanding of the ecology and the effects of
human activity on coastal waterbirds in BC.
Data, if
collected in a sound sampling frame, such as the BC Coastal Waterbird
Survey, can provide valuable baseline information in the event of a
disaster such as an oil spill. The BC Coastal Waterbird Survey
protocol is designed to collect coastal waterbird data specific to the
objectives of the monitoring program. The survey data will be used for
detecting population trends and distribution patterns, as well as
addressing the other program objectives outlined. The protocol
guidelines are designed to be scientifically defensible. The
guidelines are meant to assist volunteer counters, encourage
consistency between volunteer counters, waterbird counts, and survey
sites. The BC Coastal Waterbird Survey guidelines attempt to be
flexible without compromising the standardized methods of the survey
protocol.
Further Reading:
A Coastal Waterbird Survey in British Columbia BirdWatch Canada.
Spring 1999, Number 10
The BC Coastal Waterbird Survey: A Fabulous Start in 1999 BirdWatch
Canada. Winter 2000, Number 12
Black Oystercatcher Population Status and Trends in British
Columbia. Bird Trends Spring 2000, Number 8
Data, if
collected in a sound sampling frame, such as the BC Coastal Waterbird
Survey, can provide valuable baseline information in the event of a
disaster such as an oil spill. The BC Coastal Waterbird Survey
protocol is designed to collect coastal waterbird data specific to the
objectives of the monitoring program. The survey data will be used for
detecting population trends and distribution patterns, as well as
addressing the other program objectives outlined. The protocol
guidelines are designed to be scientifically defensible. The
guidelines are meant to assist volunteer counters, encourage
consistency between volunteer counters, waterbird counts, and survey
sites. The BC Coastal Waterbird Survey guidelines attempt to be
flexible without compromising the standardized methods of the survey
protocol.