Waterfowl monitoring

Waterfowl breeding in inland waters and coastal bays has been surveyed using standardized methods since 1986. The waterfowl monitoring is a collaborative effort coordinated by the Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), which oversees surveys conducted by hunters in cooperation with the Finnish Wildlife Agency, and by the Finnish Museum of Natural History (Luomus), which coordinates surveys by birdwatchers. Since spring 2020, the surveys conducted by Luomus and Luke have been combined into a nationwide monitoring program.

The results of these surveys are used, for example, in species threat assessments, in regulating the hunting of game birds, and as indicators of the ecological status of aquatic environments. The results of waterfowl monitoring have played a key role in providing scientific evidence to inform decision-makers about the poor condition of bird wetlands and the challenges faced by waterfowl populations.

In addition to assessing the status of waterfowl populations in collaboration with Luomus, Luke studies the impacts of environmental changes—such as habitat loss, climate change, hunting, and predator-prey dynamics—on waterfowl. Waterfowl are also used to investigate long-term changes in aquatic biodiversity and the underlying causes of these changes.

This information is essential for planning the management of waterfowl habitats, regulating hunting, and preserving aquatic biodiversity. It is utilized by wildlife management authorities as well as organizations responsible for the conservation of waterfowl and aquatic ecosystems.

Monitoring results 2025 Coming soon

Waterfowl surveys are conducted in two rounds: pair counts and brood counts. Pair counts preferably begin about a week after ice breakup, using fixed monitoring points. Brood counts are carried out in summer at the same monitoring locations.

In addition to assessing the status of waterfowl populations in collaboration with the Finnish Museum of Natural History (Luomus), the Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke) studies the effects of environmental changes—such as habitat loss, climate change, hunting, and predator-prey dynamics—on waterfowl. Waterfowl are also used to investigate long-term changes in aquatic biodiversity and their underlying causes.

This information is needed for planning the management of waterfowl habitats, regulating hunting, and preserving aquatic biodiversity. It is utilized by wildlife management authorities and organizations responsible for the conservation of waterfowl and aquatic ecosystems.

Eutrophication threatens waterfowl

In general, waterfowl populations in nutrient-rich lakes and coastal bays have nearly halved over the past 20 years. In contrast, populations in nutrient-poor and oligotrophic waters have remained more stable.

The problems faced by common wetland waterfowl species, such as the wigeon and tufted duck, are mainly caused by nutrient runoff from agriculture and forestry, which has led to excessive eutrophication of water bodies.

To improve the status of waterfowl populations, nutrient runoff into wetlands should be reduced, and habitat management measures should be implemented—such as grazing, removal of aquatic vegetation, and intensive fishing of cyprinid fish.