Wetlands provide vital ecosystem services, but have been rapidly declining in number, size, and quality throughout North America, affecting numerous marsh-dependent species.
In response, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island Eastern Habitat Joint Venture (EHJV) partners have secured and stewarded close to 940,000 hectares of wetland habitat! Yet measuring these conservation successes in hectares alone provides no indication of the health or biodiversity of these wetlands.
The Maritimes Marsh Monitoring Program (MMMP) was established in 2012 to monitor all wetland-associated species and their habitats around the Maritime provinces. The program allows us to track long-term population trends, help establish wetland conservation and management priorities for the Maritimes, and assess the effectiveness of ongoing conservation efforts.
Building on Birds Canada’s experience with other marsh monitoring programs in the Great Lakes, Prairies, and Quebec, we refined our survey methodology for this region and proudly contribute data to national monitoring efforts. In recognition of the Atlantic region’s diversity of wetland types, we expanded our marsh coverage to include coastal wetlands starting in 2013.
Our volunteer base is ever growing, with passionate citizen scientists donating their time and skills to the conservation of these remarkable birds. If you want to join our team click here for more background, and please get in touch!
For more information, contact:
Andrew Coughlan, Director, Quebec at Birds Canada
P.O. Box 6436 STN MAIN
Sackville, NB E4L 1G6
To register for the program and data entry, please go to: NatureCounts – Maritimes Marsh Monitoring Program
Common Gallinule Photo: Lucas Berrigan
Partners and Sponsors
Thank you to all our partners and sponsors who contribute, funds, time, and enthusiasm to keep this program running.
