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DUC – Wetland and Wildlife Conservation in Newfoundland
and Labrador 
Canada’s Atlantic provinces are among the oldest settled areas of the country. This culturally and historically rich region is home to a diverse range of people and places. It’s also home to critical wetlands and other habitats for waterfowl and other wildlife.
Like it’s people, Atlantic Canada supports a diverse community of waterfowl including dabbling, diving and seaducks throughout the year.
Agricultural, industrial and urban expansion in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island continue to threaten and destroy these valuable habitats every day. That’s why Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) is active in wetland conservation in the region. The challenge in Newfoundland and Labrador is to preserve the significant areas of relatively pristine habitat.
In particular, coastal wetlands are a key conservation priority for DUC in Atlantic Canada. These habitats are key for the entire coastal ecosystem. As well, wetlands in agricultural landscapes are an important priority for DUC’s conservation efforts. These habitats are vital for waterfowl and other wildlife, and have been under threat of development for 350 years.
In several Maritime areas, as much as 90 per cent of the coastal and freshwater wetlands have been lost. Many of DUC’s conservation and education programs are focused on preserving those critical wetlands that remain and restoring those that have been degraded or lost.
Eider Initiative
Over 150,000 pairs of breeding common eider ducks once thrived along Newfoundland and Labrador’s spectacular coastline. Today, human activity, industry and a growing predator population have wreaked havoc on eiders, reducing their numbers to a mere 12,000 breeding pairs.
In September 2002, DUC unveiled a fundraising campaign for the Eider Initiative, an eider duck research program in Newfoundland and Labrador that will fill in knowledge gaps about this coastal icon.
DUC is a science-based organization, with research guiding the way for conservation. The Eider Initiative research program will eventually provide the scientific foundation for the creation of a science-based eider conservation and education strategy.
DUC Conservation at Work in Newfoundland and Labrador
DUC has worked hard to conserve wetlands and their associated habitats in Newfoundland and Labrador having positively influenced approximately 5,739 acres of habitat.
DUC has a lot of work yet to do to help ensure that these habitats remain a part of Newfoundland and Labrador’s landscapes into the future.
Learn more about what DUC is up to in Newfoundland and Labrador through the DUC Flyway newsletter:
Get Involved in Conservation
DUC needs your help to conserve wetlands and their associated habitats in Newfoundland and Labrador. These habitats benefit waterfowl, other wildlife and people.
Get in touch with your local DUC office today to become a DUC member, volunteer, make a charitable donation.