plan sets long range goals for assuring the continued well being of the 

 waterfowl resources while providing recreational and aesthetic values. It 

 also sets out to maintain waterfowl populations that will assure an annual 

 harvest of approximately 100,000 birds. The plan covers the period 1975 to 

 1979 and provides management guidelines based on an analysis of past waterfowl 

 populations, assessment of present conditions, and an evaluation of probable 

 future conditions and needs. In addition to management and research programs, 

 MDIFW also has an active and ongoing habitat acquisition program which places 

 considerable emphasis on waterfowl. As an example, the Department either owns 

 or manages approximately 200 State owned coastal islands that support 

 waterfowl and/or seabird nesting colonies (see atlas map 3) . 



DATA GAPS 



Current deficiences or gaps in the knowledge of waterfowl biology or ecology 

 weaken efforts to manage and protect coastal waterfowl resources. Description 

 of the data gaps here should provide some guidelines for future research. 



The black duck traditionally was the most numerous and sought after duck of 

 the Atlantic Flyway. Current information (primarily winter inventory data) 

 suggests a long term gradual decline in abundance, but the reason for this 

 decline is unknown largely because methods of waterfowl population appraisal 

 generally are inadequate. Black duck population research is currently 

 emphasized by the USFWS , the Canadian Wildlife Service, the Atlantic Flyway 

 Council, and the MDIFW. In Maine, as well as throughout the range of black 

 ducks in the United States, improved winter inventories and habiat surveys are 

 needed. Other studies that concern black ducks are the effects of various 

 pesticides (e.g., spruce budworm sprays) and environmental contaminants 

 (particularly heavy metals) on waterfowl and other living resources. The 

 effect of such agents on food abundance or availability could be limiting. 

 The impact of hunting on black duck populations also needs study. 



The value of eelgrass as food for wintering black ducks, as well as for other 

 wintering waterfowl, has yet to be determined. Little quantitative 

 information is available regarding coastal ice formation in winter and 

 mortality of winter populations. 



The effect of the "red tide" organism on waterfowl is a managment concern. 

 Red tide has been common in much of coastal Maine in recent years and, 

 although no waterfowl mortality has been observed in Maine, black duck 

 mortality caused by red tide organisms occurred on Massachusetts' north shore. 

 Whether contaminated waterfowl (those that have fed on toxic burdened 

 invertebrates) are safe for human consumption is uncertain. 



Little is known of the factors affecting the abundance of the common 

 goldeneye. No comprehensive, definitive study has been made of this species 

 in North America and very little banding has been carried out. The goldeneye 

 is an important component of the coastal Maine harvest but the location of its 

 breeding grounds is unknown. Most Maine hatched and reared goldeneyes are 

 usually harvested in northwest Maine, adjacent areas in Canada, and northern 

 Vermont. Little is known of the population dynamics or status of the species. 



The ecological role of mergansers among coastal waterfowl merits further 

 investigation. Their significance as predators on salmonids has not been 



15-42 



