Soaring science: Canadian scientists showcasing the latest in waterfowl research at North American Duck Symposium 

Wetland conservation is both an art and a science, and Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) has relied on science-backed solutions to inform our on-the-ground conservation strategies since our origin over 85 years ago. Staff across our organization are committed to investigating new and innovative ways to conserve and manage wetlands to support continental waterfowl populations, and international knowledge-sharing allows everyone to understand the larger picture of this research: ducks cross borders – so knowledge should too!  

Eleven scientists and conservationists from across the organization will represent DUC at the 9th North American Duck Symposium in Portland, Oregon from February 5 to 9, 2024.  

The conference is attended by academics, government and non-governmental biologists, consultants and professionals from around the world. The event theme this year is “Embracing New Frontiers in Waterfowl Ecology and Management,” and DUC’s slate of scientists and researchers from our regional operations and our Institute for Wetland and Waterfowl Research (IWWR) will present related new and published research: 

• Kyla Bas, conservation program specialist, B.C. – Boreal Duck Reproductive Success: Relationships with Breeding Pair Density, Spring Phenology and Predator-prey Dynamics  
• Matt Dyson, research scientist, IWWR (two presentations):

• • Linear Feature Effects on Settling and Productivity of Ducks in the Western Boreal Forest 
  • Waterfowl Survey Design and Species-habitat Relationships in the Ring of Fire Region of Ontario 

• Bruce Harrison, head of conservation solutions, B.C. – Associating Sea Ducks with Coastal Habitats in British Columbia 
• Vanessa Harriman, conservation scientist, IWWR – Ducks and Submersed Aquatic Vegetation Respond Positively After Invasive Carp Exclusion  

Staff from the Canadian delegation will also be supporting international collaborations including presentations with colleagues from Ducks Unlimited, Inc. in the U.S., and posters. Staff will also explore presentations from a selection of international waterfowl experts and create connections for future cross-collaboration.  

Once back on Canadian soil, our team of delegates will share what they have learned with their conservation colleagues and help integrate the most relevant pieces into our everyday operations.