Status assessment of the BUI “Degradation of Wildlife Populations” for the Hamilton Harbour AOC

Session: 04. - Restoring Hamilton Harbour: Tilting at Windmills or a Possible Dream?

Ève Gilroy, Green House Science, [email protected]
Marilyn Baxter, Hamilton Port Authority, [email protected]
Kristin O'Connor, Hamilton Harbour Remedial Action Plan, [email protected]
Julie Vanden Byllaardt, Hamilton Harbour Remedial Action Plan, [email protected]
James Quinn, McMaster University, Dept. of Biological Sciences, [email protected]
Dave Moore, Environment and Climate Change Canada, [email protected]
Laud Matos, Environment and Climate Change Canada, [email protected]

Abstract

The Hamilton Harbour Remedial Action Plan highlighted beneficial use impairments to colonial waterbirds, including Loss of Fish and Wildlife Habitat and Degradation of Wildlife Populations. Habitat restoration efforts have been implemented, notably, by the construction of three nesting islands along the northeastern shoreline of the Harbour in the mid-1990s, and the creation of Tern Islands in Windermere Basin in 2013. The long-term objective is to reach self-sustaining mixed waterbird populations, with a general increase of the rarer species and a reduction of the overabundant species. Experimental management of waterbird populations was deemed necessary for reaching target population goals.

Target population figures for the Hamilton Harbour colonial waterbirds were revised in 2012. The Hamilton Harbour Remedial Action Plan is presently reassessing population trends until 2017, to determine whether the six colonial waterbird species are meeting management targets, assess the success of adaptive management, and provide recommendations on future monitoring and management to ensure sustained RAP achievements.

1. Keyword
Hamilton Harbour

2. Keyword
remediation

4. Additional Keyword
Area of Concern

5. Additional Keyword
Colonial Waterbird

6. Additional Keyword
Remedial Action Plan