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Short-term Goals/Activities (2017-2020): ​

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1.  Promote the coordination and implementation of seabird surveys within the 2018-2020 window.

2. Obtain the following information from SCAW-WG states, provinces and regions: 

   1. Breeding metrics collected for each species; 

   2. Data collection methods and protocols, by species; 

   3. Data collection methods guidance documents/manuals;

   4. Existing breeding data/databases, by species;

   5. Future data needs, by species;

   6. Key threats affecting seabird breeding success;  

   7. Existing management, conservation, outreach efforts.

3. Compile, evaluate and report the information gathered in goal #2 to identify commonalities and differences within and across regions.

4. Using information compiled in goal #3,  develop preliminary regional and multi-regional seabird breeding survey plans (e.g., establish frequency of regional and coast-wide surveys, survey windows, funding needs, etc.). 

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Long-term SCAW-WG Goals/Activities (2017-2022):  

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1. Standardize regional breeding monitoring metrics for multiple seabird species that are comparable within and among Atlantic and Gulf coast regions. 

2. Compile all historical data from prior surveys and compile/review existing information from literature & reports.

3. Coordinate and facilitate seabird breeding data storage, sharing and analyses.

4. Within each region, facilitate the development and implementation of coordinated seabird colony management measures such as signage, beach stewardship networks, predator control and habitat enhancement, restoration and creation.  

5. Provide accurate seabird breeding population estimates for conservation & status assessment, management, and research purposes. 

6. Facilitate linking seabird population trends to fisheries data and management, and other sources of prey base information. NEW GOAL

7. Facilitate linking seabird breeding population trends to nearshore staging and migration habitats, and to offshore seabird abundance and distribution. MODIFIED GOAL 

8. Develop and refine regional and coast-wide research and monitoring objectives that meet the needs of states, provinces, and the AMBC (continuous).   

9. Develop funding proposals to meet research, monitoring and management objectives, as needed (continuous).  

10. Prepare a position paper that provides evidence for designating breeding seabirds as high priority conservation species and justifies the need for regional and/or range-wide monitoring, management and research. The purpose of this document will be to encourage states and provinces to support the goals and objectives of this working group.  

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Additional regional goals can be accessed on the geographic sub-group pages.