UK Waterbird Conservation
Through our Waterbird Conservation work WWT aims to maintain and enhance the conservation status of UK waterbirds, particularly priority waterfowl species under the African-Eurasian Waterbird Agreement and declining species. This is achieved through integrated research and conservation programmes and by minimising the impact of waterbird conflicts.
Conservation of Priority UK Waterbirds
WWT conducts long term studies on four priority species: the North-west European population of Bewick's Swan, Icelandic Whooper Swan, Svalbard Barnacle Goose and the Irish Light-bellied Brent Goose.
Declining Species
Most waterfowl populations in the UK are in a favourable conservation status. However, there are three species in the long-term decline: Mallard, Icelandic Greylag Goose and Greenland White-fronted Goose. WWT will document trends in declining populations to determine what is responsible. This will enable research to be conducted to determine and hopefully address the cause of the decline.
Minimising Waterbird Conflicts
WWT has always been at the forefront of addressing conflict situations between man and waterfowl. These range from economic problems, such as agricultural damage by geese or fish predation by Cormorants and sawbills, to aesthetic problems in amenity areas caused by Canada Geese, and threats to biodiversity, such as the Ruddy Duck issue. WWT has always been invited to sit on Government chaired conflict resolution workshops and our involvement is crucial to the effective conservation of the species concerned.