Status of breeding black oystercatchers haematopus bachmani in the Salish Sea

Abstract

Collaboration across jurisdictional boundaries using common survey standards for Black Oystercatchers Haematopus bachmani has provided an opportunity to estimate population status in the Salish Sea. Our results indicate that the 2005/06 breeding population of Black Oystercatchers in the Salish Sea was about 210 nesting pairs. Standardized surveys at selected locations can be useful in monitoring trends in the breeding population through time. Continued federal, state and provincial collaboration is recommended on this and other inventory and monitoring programs for species that cross jurisdictional boundaries. Most oystercatcher nesting sites in the Salish Sea are protected through restricted public access and conservation-focused management, although potential threats to nesting sites remain.