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• Wetland and Waterfowl Conservation
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• DUC In Your Province
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Alberta

• Conservation Priorities
• How We Conserve
• On the Ground
• Science and Research
• Industry and Government
• Education
• Projects
• Wetlands to Visit
• Conservation Partnerships
• Volunteer Opportunites
• Upcoming Events
• News and Publications

The Institute for Wetland and Waterfowl Research is the scientific research arm of Ducks Unlimited Canada. Based at the national office at Oak Hammock Marsh in Manitoba, it works hand in hand with DUC regional staff and university partners.

DUC classifies wetlands into five types: swamp, bog, fen, marsh and shallow water.

In This Section

1. Waterfowl and Wetland Surveys
2. Habitat Reports
3. WEBS
4. Provincial Wetland Inventory

 

Science and Research  

An overview of DUC’s science and research projects in Alberta

DUC’s conservation efforts are firmly guided by cutting-edge science and environmental and wetland research.

DUC’s wetland conservation programs are supported by the research efforts of DUC biologists and other scientists. By evaluating and adapting our programs based on cutting-edge science and wetland and waterfowl research, DUC’s conservation efforts continue to improve. The relationship between science and the On the Ground programs is what sets DUC apart from other conservation organizations.

Learn more about conservation research.

Alberta is involved in both national studies and its own specific research such as:

Waterfowl & Wetland Surveys

Each year, DUC biologists conduct surveys of wetlands and waterfowl in select regions in Alberta. The resulting data provide sample estimates of breeding waterfowl populations in the area and important data on the health of our wetlands.

Habitat Reports

DUC monitors wetland and upland habitat conditions in Alberta. The information is gathered into a habitat report that reflects seasonal trends relating to habitat and bird populations.

Pintail Initiative

Continental pintail populations are at historical lows and this beautiful duck is facing an uncertain future. DUC is taking steps to conserve remaining wetlands and grasslands of southern Alberta so that flights of pintails can once again fill the prairie skies.

WEBS

Watershed Evaluation of Beneficial Management Practices (BPMs) is a $5.65 million project led by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC). DUC is a key partner, contributing both technical expertise and funding ($1.25 million) to the project.

SpATS

The Institute for Wetland and Waterfowl Research (IWWR) leads the Spatial and Temporal Variation in Nest Success of Prairie Ducks (SpATS), a long-term study on how nesting success of Prairie waterfowl varies in relation to landscape composition throughout the Prairie Pothole Region.

Provincial Wetland Inventory

Alberta Environment (AE) and Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) have developed a protocol and process for the implementation of the provincial wetland inventory project under the Water for Life strategy. DUC, as the only wetland restoration agency in Alberta, provides a key role in the process by providing input and advice to AE.