Beached Bird Surveys 

A walk along the coastline can contribute to meaningful conservation. By taking part in a Beached Bird Survey, you contribute valuable information that helps researchers track waterbird mortality, detect environmental changes, and support conservation action along our coasts. 

Coastal waterbirds and seabirds are a vital part of healthy marine ecosystems. From shorelines to open oceans, they help keep nature in balance and connect ecosystems across vast distances. Because they are sensitive to changes in their environment, including pollutants, habitat loss, and impacts of climate change, they play an important role in helping us better understand and protect the habitats they depend on. 

Similar to British Columbia, and in partnership with Environment and Climate Change Canada, volunteers across Québec, Newfoundland, Labrador, and the Maritime Provinces have helped monitor shorelines for beached birds. These surveys are not currently active, however the data is available through NatureCounts. 

Another Way to Help: When and How to Report an Environmental Emergency 

If you find: 

• Oil on the beach that appears to have washed ashore 
• Five or more oiled carcasses (bird, mammal, turtle) on the same survey 
• Massive die-offs (large fish kill, beached marine mammals, turtles, birds) 
• Live oiled birds or other animals in distress 

Please report to Canada’s Environmental Emergency Hotline at 1-800-663-3456. This number is available 24 hours a day. Do not hesitate to call this number in any of the above situations. If you are a volunteer, be sure to report your findings on your Beached Bird Survey data sheets as well. 

If you find birds that are alive and injured or in distress, contact your local wildlife rehabilitation centre. Please do not handle them unless you have specific wildlife rescue training. 

If you find dead marine mammals, especially cetaceans (dolphins, porpoises, or orcas) on the beach, please contact Fisheries and Oceans Canada on their 24-hour toll-free line: 1-800-465-4336. If you can take photos and provide additional location and observation information, please email marinemammals@dfo-mpo.gc.ca with the photos and information.