The Second North American Sea Duck Conference is being sponsored by the Sea Duck Joint Venture, and by various other federal and private organizations. It is being hosted by the United States Geological Survey - Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, and is scheduled for November 7-11, 2005, at the Loews Annapolis Hotel in Annapolis, MD.

BACKGROUND

Sea ducks - buffleheads, eiders, goldeneyes, harlequin ducks, long-tailed ducks, mergansers, and scoters, - are the most poorly understood group of North American waterfowl. Past summary reports of the status of sea ducks have revealed that populations have declined for some species and there has been increased concern for the status of sea ducks in general.

This meeting provides substantive interchange between all scientists studying sea ducks to allow for viable management recommendations to be evaluated and implemented. This meeting also determines areas for further research on seaducks to ensure that useful research is being implemented. This forum provides a stimulating environment conducive to enabling scientists to expand their scientific vision and ultimate effectiveness in serving the mission and goals of sea duck management.

GOALS

The goals of this meeting are:

1. To report the findings of the present research activities of scientists throughout the world who are studying sea ducks.
2. Determine population monitoring needs and research questions that need to be studied further to better understand the states of sea ducks.
3. Allow other stakeholder groups to participate in the collective direction of sea duck activities.

Atlantic Flyway Council

Central Flyway
Council

Mississippi Flyway
Council

Pacific Flyway
Council