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Waterfowl Ecology and Management

The Waterfowl Ecology and Management Program is responsible for research and management of more than 30 species of migratory waterfowl. The project’s activities are conducted in association with other state and federal agencies which comprise the Atlantic Flyway Council (AFC). Research is designed to measure waterfowl population size, production, survival, harvest, movements and habitat use. Information collected in New Jersey is combined with that collected by other agencies in eastern North America and is used in developing population management recommendations, including hunting season lengths, bag limits, season dates and establishment of special seasons.

In cooperation with the AFC and the US Fish and Wildlife Service, several surveys are conducted each year to measure waterfowl population parameters. Surveys conducted include snow goose, Atlantic brant and tundra swan productivity, Mid-Winter Waterfowl, Spring Waterfowl, wood duck call-count and Breeding Waterfowl.

Analysis of Canada goose population parameters continued in 1997. This involved banding and field observation of neck-banded geese as well as calculating population parameters. New Jersey has the most comprehensive Canada goose neckband observation program of all Atlantic Flyway states. Resident geese in New Jersey experience high survival (82%) and high nest success (68%), indicating a rapidly increasing population. Our resident Canada goose population has expanded to more than 80,000 birds and have generated numerous nuisance complaints. Accordingly, special seasons have been developed to target resident geese.

Project personnel continued to work cooperatively with a variety of state, federal and university agencies on other waterfowl related projects.

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