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DUC – Wetland and Wildlife Conservation in Prince Edward Island 
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 its 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.
Wetland Conservation Policies
Atlantic Canada has moved to the forefront of wetland conservation in Canada with the implementation of wetland policies in New Brunswick in July 2002 and Prince Edward Island in February 2003.
These policies recognize the many societal values provided by functioning wetlands and apply new, increased levels of protection to remaining wetlands.
Grassroots Support for Agri-Conservation Clubs
DUC has sponsored Agri-Conservation Clubs in Atlantic Canada. These clubs introduce farmers to economically viable, sustainable land use practices in a social and educational environment.
In Prince Edward Island, 60 farms are involved, representing over 50,000 acres of farmed land. The Prince Edward Island Soil and Crop Improvement Association recently started two clubs on the island with the support of DUC, the provincial and federal governments and the Atlantic Salmon Federation.
The farmers within the clubs have all completed environmental farm plans and are currently working on nutrient management plans. These activities will directly benefit habitat conservation and DUC involvement.
In New Brunswick, DUC has been working with two clubs to promote sustainable pasture management through riparian fencing and alternative watering programs, as well as the restoration of wetlands.
DUC Conservation at Work in Prince Edward Island
DUC has worked hard to conserve wetlands and their associated habitats in Prince Edward Island, having positively influenced approximately 9,200 acres of habitat. These efforts are impressive at a landscape level, representing 29 per cent of the quality wetland habitat in the province.
DUC has a lot of work yet to do to help ensure that these habitats remain a part of Prince Edward Island’s landscapes into the future.
Learn more about what DUC is up to in Prince Edward Island through the DUC Flyway newsletter:
Get Involved in Conservation
DUC needs your help to conserve wetlands and their associated habitats in Prince Edward Island. These habitats benefit waterfowl, other wildlife and people.
Get in touch with your local DUC office today to become a DUC member, volunteer or make a charitable donation.
