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Seaducks: A time for action

Seaducks (Tribe Mergini) are a diverse group of birds. In North America, many species nest in boreal or arctic habitats in Canada and Alaska and winter in ice-free coastal, marine, and freshwater habitats. Data from long- term surveys, population studies, and local knowledge suggest that some populations and species of seaducks have declined over the past decades. In most cases, the trend data are sufficient to document population problems, although the precise historic population and number of remaining birds are frequently unknown. As various state, provincial, and federal agencies attempt to address this problem, the need for additional information becomes clear. In the U.S., funding for work on seaducks generally has not been available until a species has been listed or proposed for lisiting under the Endangered Species Act. It is also clear that the funding sources for waterfowl in general are inadequate to address all of the management needs for both seaducks and more heavily hunted species. However, this is not a satisfactory justification of the general neglect of seaducks. Here we discuss the problems of identifying and prioritizing studies and research of this diverse group and propose a plan of action.