In recent decades shorebird populations have plummeted. Without effective and immediate action some species could disappear entirely in the coming decade. The number of one population of Red Knots has fallen by 80 percent in the last 20 years. The population of Semipalmated Sandpiper wintering on the northern coast of South America has also dropped 80 percent in the past two decades.

 

Scientists know that populations are falling precipi­tously, but they don’t know exactly why. Through our Arctic field research, Manomet researchers hope to unlock some of the mysteries of these dramatic shorebird population declines.

 

Manomet’s Arctic Field Research will build the science foundation for conservation by contributing to the success of the Arctic Shorebird Demographic Network and by providing critical data on shorebird abundance and nesting success in the most threatened arctic landscape. Manomet scientists and staff design the fieldwork protocols, train and supervise field crews and analyze the resulting data. This research helps the science community understand the habitat of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and its vulnerability to a changing climate.