Watch our videos from restoring Delta Marsh

See conservation in action (photo gallery)

The first phase of the restoration project is now underway. This phase aims to prevent common carp, a highly destructive alien invasive fish species, from entering the marsh. See how DUC is constructing sophisticated barriers at major access points connecting Delta Marsh to Lake Manitoba. Updated January 2013.

Aerial view of Delta Marsh, Manitoba.

Restoring the Tradition at Delta Marsh

Delta Marsh is one of North America’s largest, freshwater coastal wetlands, where sportsmen and naturalists once flocked in search of outdoor adventure. Once a premier waterfowl breeding and staging area, the 19,000-hectare marsh on the south shores of Lake Manitoba has been steadily declining for the last 50 years. Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) and our partners are committed to restoring the tradition and value of Delta Marsh. The first phase of the restoration project is now underway.

This two-phased project is expected to take 10 years at a cost of over $12 million. The project includes:

• Common Carp Exclusion – The first phase of the restoration project is to exclude common carp from entering the marsh to spawn. It is this spawning and feeding activity that causes massive destruction in the marsh, which has a significant impact on waterfowl, native fish species and water quality. Fortunately, scientists have discovered this damage to be largely reversible, and the positive results of carp exclusion will begin almost immediately after exclusion. View Common Carp Exclusion Factsheet (pdf)
• Key Habitat Securement – protecting valuable areas around Delta Marsh for future generations.
• Science Investigation of Lake Manitoba water levels, hybrid cattail control, and nutrient management (researching the reasons for the deterioration of this important marsh and acting on our findings to restore it back to its original state)

Be Part of the Tradition

We need your help to restore the traditions enjoyed at this important Manitoba marsh such as hunting, fishing, bird watching, canoeing and many others. Contact us to see how you can help keep these traditions alive.