Both short-term and long-term goals have been established for the group.

First organized in 2017, the group seeks to monitor, manage & conserve seabird breeding colonies, habitats and prey species along the North American Atlantic and Gulf coasts using collaborative, consistent, science-based approaches.

Five focal species were chosen to best represent all range-wide waterbirds.

Geographic sub-groups were created by proximity, similar habitat types, and joint management issues.