Piping Plover melodus subspecies (Charadrius melodus melodus): recovery strategy (amended) and action plan 2021 [proposed]

Official title: Recovery Strategy (Amended) and Action Plan for thePiping Plover melodus subspecies (Charadrius melodus melodus) in Canada [proposed]

Species at Risk Act
Recovery Strategy Series

Cover photo
Piping Plover
Document information

Recommended citation: Environment and Climate Change Canada. 2021. Recovery Strategy (Amended) and Action Plan for the Piping Plover melodus subspecies (Charadrius melodus melodus) in Canada [Proposed]. Species at Risk Act Recovery Strategy Series. Environment and Climate Change Canada, Ottawa. viii + 124 pp.

Official version: The official version of the recovery documents is the one published in PDF. All hyperlinks were valid as of date of publication.

Non-official version: The non-official version of the recovery documents is published in HTML format and all hyperlinks were valid as of date of publication.

For copies of this recovery document, or for additional information on species at risk, including the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) Status Reports, residence descriptions, action plans, and other related recovery documents, please visit the Species at Risk (SAR) Public RegistryFootnote 1.

Cover illustration: John Chardine, Environment Canada © 2010

Également disponible en français sous le titre

« Programme de rétablissement (modifié) et Plan d’action pour le Pluvier siffleur de la sous-espèce melodus (Charadrius melodus melodus) au Canada [proposition] »

Content (excluding the illustrations) may be used without permission, with appropriate credit to the source.

Preface

The federal, provincial and territorial government signatories under the Accord for the Protection of Species at Risk (1996)Footnote 2 agreed to establish complementary legislation and programs that provide for effective protection of species at risk throughout Canada. Under the Species at Risk Act (S.C. 2002, c.29) (SARA), the federal competent ministers are responsible for the preparation of recovery strategies and action plans (for species for which recovery has been deemed feasible) for species listed as Extirpated, Endangered and Threatened species. They are also required to report on progress within five years after the publication of the final document on the Species at Risk Public Registry.

This document has been prepared to meet the requirements under SARA of both a recovery strategy and an action plan. As such, it provides both the strategic direction for the recovery of the species, including the population and distribution objectives for the species, as well as the more detailed recovery measures to support this strategic direction, outlining what is required to achieve the objectives. SARA requires that an action plan also include an evaluation of the socio-economic costs of the action plan and the benefits to be derived from its implementation. It is important to note that the setting of population and distribution objectives and the identification of critical habitat are science-based exercises and socio-economic factors were not considered in their development. The socio-economic evaluation only applies to the more detailed recovery measures. The recovery strategy and action plan are considered part of a series of documents that are linked and should be taken into consideration together, along with the COSEWIC status report.

The Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for the Parks Canada Agency is the competent minister under SARA for the Piping Plover melodus subspecies and has prepared this recovery strategy and action plan, as per sections 37 and 47 of SARA. To the extent possible, it has been prepared in cooperation with the Provinces of Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador. It was developed in cooperation and consultation with the Eastern Canadian Piping Plover Recovery Team, non‑governmental organizations, Indigenous organizations and other stakeholders as per section 39(1) and 48(1) of SARA.

Success in the recovery of this species depends on the commitment and cooperation of many different constituencies that will be involved in implementing the directions and actions set out in this recovery strategy and action plan and will not be achieved by Environment and Climate Change Canada, the Parks Canada Agency, or any other jurisdiction alone. All Canadians are invited to join in supporting and implementing this strategy and action plan for the benefit of Piping Plover melodus subspecies and Canadian society as a whole.

Implementation of this recovery strategy and action plan is subject to appropriations, priorities and budgetary constraints of the participating jurisdictions and organizations.

The recovery strategy sets the strategic direction to arrest or reverse the decline of the species, including identification of critical habitat to the extent possible. It provides all Canadians with information to help take action on species conservation. When critical habitat is identified, either in a recovery strategy or an action plan, SARA requires that critical habitat then be protected.

In the case of critical habitat identified for terrestrial species including migratory birds SARA requires that critical habitat identified in a federally protected areaFootnote 3 be described in the Canada Gazette within 90 days after the recovery strategy or action plan that identified the critical habitat is included in the public registry.  A prohibition against destruction of critical habitat under ss. 58(1) will apply 90 days after the description of the critical habitat is published in the Canada Gazette.

For critical habitat located on other federal lands, the competent minister must either make a statement on existing legal protection or make an order so that the prohibition against destruction of critical habitat applies.

If the critical habitat for a migratory bird is not within a federal protected area and is not on federal land, within the exclusive economic zone or on the continental shelf of Canada, the prohibition against destruction can only apply to those portions of the critical habitat that are habitat to which the Migratory Birds Convention Act (MBCA)  applies as per ss. 58(5.1) and ss. 58(5.2).

For any part of critical habitat located on non-federal lands, if the competent minister forms the opinion that any portion of critical habitat is not protected by provisions in or measures under SARA or other Acts of Parliament, or the laws of the province or territory, SARA requires that the Minister recommend that the Governor in Council make an order to prohibit destruction of critical habitat. The discretion to protect critical habitat on non-federal lands that is not otherwise protected rests with the Governor in Council.

Acknowledgments

This recovery document was prepared by Julie McKnight (Environment and Climate Change Canada, Canadian Wildlife Service (ECCC-CWS) – Atlantic Region) with significant input from ECCC-CWS Atlantic and Quebec Region Biologists. Critical Habitat maps were produced by Matt Mahoney (ECCC-CWS – Atlantic Region). Acknowledgement and thanks are extended to other parties that provided advice and input to help inform the development of this document including relevant Indigenous Organizations and individuals, provincial and territorial governments, other federal departments (e.g., PCA), landowners, citizens and stakeholders. Much thoughtful input and advice was provided by the Eastern Canadian Piping Plover Recovery Team and associated working groups.

Executive summary

This recovery strategy updates and replaces the Recovery Strategy for the Piping Plover (Charadrius melodus melodus) in Canada (Environment Canada 2012) which was published as final on the Species at Risk Public Registry in August 2012.

Under Section 45 of the Species at Risk Act (SARA), the competent Minister may amend a recovery strategy at any time. This Recovery Strategy (Amended) and Action Plan for the Piping Plover melodus subspecies (Charadrius melodus melodus) in Canada is for the purposes of:

In some cases, additional changes have been made to the Recovery Strategy (Amended) and Action Plan for the Piping Plover melodus subspecies (Charadrius melodus melodus) in Canada (hereafter, “amended recovery document”) to align the document with current guidelines and templates for recovery documents.

This amended recovery document is being posted on the Species at Risk Public Registry for a 60-day comment period. At the time of final posting, the Recovery Strategy (Amended) and Action Plan for the Piping Plover melodus subspecies (Charadrius melodus melodus) in Canada will replace the 2012 Recovery Strategy for Piping Plover (Charadrius melodus melodus) in Canada (Environment Canada 2012).

Piping Plover is a small, stocky shorebird that depends on its cryptic coloration to avoid predators. The species only nests in North America and occurs in two populations in Canada, each with subspecies status: the melodus subspecies breeds along the Atlantic coast of Canada and the circumcinctus subspecies breeds inland, in the prairie provinces and Great Lakes region.

This recovery document applies only to the melodus subspecies of Piping Plover. There are unknowns regarding the feasibility of recovery for the species as presented in the recovery feasibility summary section. In keeping with the precautionary principle, this recovery strategy and action plan has been prepared as per section 41(1) of SARA, as would be done when recovery is determined to be technically and biologically feasible.

Piping Plover melodus subspecies, hereafter Piping Plover or plover, was listed on Schedule 1 of SARA, at proclamation, in June 2003. In Quebec, Piping Plover is listed as a threatened species according the Loi sur les espèces menacées ou vulnérables (RLRQ, c E-12.01) (Act respecting threatened or vulnerable species) (CQLR, c E‑12.01). The species is listed as Endangered under provincial legislation in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador. The Province of Prince Edward Island is reviewing the status of species to establish its list of species at risk.

This document has been prepared to meet the requirements under SARA of both a recovery strategy and an action plan. As such, it provides both the strategic direction for the recovery of the species as well as the more detailed recovery measures to support this strategic direction, outlining what is required to achieve the objectives.

Factors which directly threaten the survival of individuals include residential & commercial development (housing and urban areas), human intrusions and disturbance (e.g., motorized vehicles, beach users), problematic native species/diseases (predators), natural system modifications (e.g., beach nourishment, shoreline stabilization, beach cleaning or raking), pollution, climate change and severe weather (e.g., storms and flooding) and energy production and mining (e.g., sand and beach sediments).

The short-term population objectives are to achieve a minimum of 250 year-end pairs of Piping Plover and an annual productivity of 1.65 chicks fledged per pair. Long-term, the objectives are to increase to and maintain the population at 310 pairs; proportionally represented in each province to meet historical estimates.

Broad strategies to be taken to address the threats to the recovery of Piping Plover are presented in section 6.2: Recovery Planning Table and Implementation Schedule. An implementation schedule is included as part of the action plan requirements (s. 49) and prioritizes each recovery measure and delineates timelines.

Section 41(1)(c) of SARA requires that the recovery strategy include an identification of the species’ critical habitat, to the extent possible, as well as examples of activities that are likely to result in its destruction. Critical habitat is fully identified for Piping Plover in this document to the extent possible given the best available information.

The direct and societal costs of implementing the recovery measures contained in this document (as part of the action plan content) are expected to be low (between $0 and $5 million) over the short term (five years) and will have limited socio-economic impact and constraints to human land use. Indirect costs are expected to be minimal and resulting benefits relate to the value of biodiversity to Canadians, ecosystem services, and conservation of other species.

Recovery feasibility summary

Based on the following four criteria that Environment and Climate Change Canada uses to establish recovery feasibility, there are unknowns regarding the feasibility of recovery for Piping Plover melodus subspecies. In keeping with the precautionary principle, this recovery document has been prepared as per section 41(1) of SARA, as would be done when recovery is determined to be technically and biologically feasible. This recovery strategy and action plan addresses the unknowns surrounding the feasibility of recovery.

1. Individuals of the wildlife species that are capable of reproduction are available now or in the foreseeable future to sustain the population or improve its abundance.

Yes. In 2016, 174 pairs of Piping Plovers melodus subspecies were observed in Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia and insular Newfoundland.

2. Sufficient suitable habitat is available to support the species or could be made available through habitat management or restoration.

Yes. Nearly 200 beaches were used by breeding Piping Plovers melodus subspecies between 1991 and 2016.Many sites accommodate more than one pair of plovers per year.

3. The primary threats to the species or its habitat (including threats outside Canada) can be avoided or mitigated.

Unknown. The Science & Technology Branch of Environment and Climate Change Canada reviewed the species’ recovery program in 2013 (Gratto‑Trevor et al. 2013) and determined that the most significant factors affecting Piping Plovers melodus subspecies appear to relate to conditions encountered in nonbreeding areas, particularly on wintering grounds. It is unclear if threats during the nonbreeding areas (e.g., extreme weather events) can be mitigated.

4. Recovery techniques exist to achieve the population and distribution objectives or can be expected to be developed within a reasonable timeframe.

Yes. Agencies in Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador implement approaches similar to those in other jurisdictions (e.g., habitat enhancement, control of unleashed pets, motorized vehicle control) and these have resulted in tremendous population increases elsewhere. Between 1991 and 2006, the U.S. Atlantic coast population of plovers increased by 95%. The success of similar programs elsewhere suggests that meeting population objectives is feasible. Although conservation efforts elsewhere have achieved positive results, Piping Plover melodus subspecies is considered to be management-dependent on the Atlantic coast (USFWS 1996). Formal and informal partnerships with industry, scientists, municipal governments, federal/provincial governments, conservation organizations, property owners and the public will help achieve the long-term conservation and recovery of Piping Plover melodus subspecies.

1. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) species assessment information

Date of assessment: November 2013

Common name (population): Piping Plover - melodus subspecies

Scientific name: Charadrius melodus melodus

COSEWIC status: Endangered

Reason for designation: Numbers of the eastern subspecies of this small shorebird remain extremely low and the population continues to decline, despite concerted conservation efforts. Threats from predation, human disturbance, and declines in habitat extent and quality also continue.

Canadian occurrence: Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador

COSEWIC status history: The species was considered a single unit and designated Threatened in April 1978. Status re-examined and designated Endangered in April 1985. In May 2001, the species was re-examined and split into two groups according to subspecies. The melodus subspecies was designated Endangered in May 2001 and November 2013.

2. Species status information

Piping Plover melodus subspecies, hereafter Piping Plover or plover, is listed as Endangered in Canada under Schedule 1 of the Species at Risk Act (SARA). The subspecies also occurs along the Atlantic coast of the United States, where it is listed as Threatened under the United States’ Endangered Species Act. In Quebec, Piping Plover melodus subspecies is listed as a threatened species according to the Loi sur les espèces menacées ou vulnérables (RLRQ, c E-12.01) (Act respecting threatened or vulnerable species) (CQLR, c E-12.01) and is listed as Endangered under provincial legislation in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador. Prince Edward Island is currently reviewing the status of the species. In 2011, the Canadian breeding range accounts for approximately 25% of thee global breeding range (Elliott et al. 2015).

Table 1. Conservation ranks for Piping Plover melodus subspecies (NatureServe 2017)

Species

G- Ranka

N-Rankb

S-Rankc

COSEWIC Status

Piping Plover

(Charadrius melodus melodus)

G3T3

N3B

Breeding occurrences:

Quebec: S1B

New Brunswick: S1B

Prince Edward Island: S1B

Nova Scotia: S1B

Insular Newfoundland: S1B

Endangered

a G-Rank — Global Conservation Status Rank: G3 = species is vulnerable, T = status rank of subspecies (T3 = vulnerable).

b N-Rank — National Conservation Status Rank: N3B = breeding population within the nation is Vulnerable.

c S-Rank —sub-national (provincial or territorial) ranks (B = breeding): S1 = Critically Imperiled; S2 = Imperiled.

Despite active conservation programs throughout Atlantic Canada and Quebec, the number of Piping Plover pairs declined more than 30% between 2006 and 2016 (Canadian Wildlife Service (CWS), unpublished data).

3. Species information

More detailed information about the species and its habitats is available in the status report (COSEWIC 2013).

3.1 Species description

Piping Plovers nest only in North America and occur in two populations in Canada, each with subspecies status: the melodus subspecies breeds along the Atlantic coast and the circumcinctus subspecies breeds inland, in the prairie provinces and Great Lakes region. This recovery document applies only to the melodus subspecies.

Piping Plover is a small, stocky shorebird that depends on its cryptic coloration (adults, chicks and eggs) to avoid predators. Their backs resemble the colour of dry sand with plumage varying between light grey and pale brown. Their underparts are white and, in breeding plumage, a black band runs completely or partially across the breast. They have a second (also partial or complete) band across their forehead, between the eyes. Their short bill is orange with a black tip. Adults weigh 43-63 g and are 17-18 cm long. Piping Plovers are capable of breeding at one year of age.

Plovers normally arrive on the breeding grounds from the end of March to early May. Nest initiation may occur any time after the birds arrive (but usually late May onwards) until mid-July. Nests are only occasionally initiated after this time. Young may hatch starting in late May or early June onwards, depending on when nesting was initiated. Migration back to the wintering grounds begins in early to mid-July. The bulk of the population has left Canada by early September.

Adults normally produce a clutch of four eggs; however, fewer eggs may be produced, often with re-nesting attempts. Young hatch after 26 to 28 days of incubation and are able to fly after 25 to 28 days. Chicks are precocialFootnote 4 and usually leave the nest within hours of hatching. Young plovers forage independently shortly after leaving the nest. One brood is normally produced per year; however, re-nesting is possible if a clutch is lost. The normal lifespan of birds once they reach adulthood is 8-11 years (Haig 1992).

3.2 Species population and distribution

Population numbers of Piping Plovers have fluctuated since the early 1900s when uncontrolled hunting had greatly decreased numbers (Bent 1929). Populations began to recover by about 1925 (Haig and Oring 1985) due to increased protection (e.g., Migratory Birds Convention Acts in the United States and Canada). Numbers rose in the 1930s, but decreased again by 1945, due to increased recreational use of beaches and other factors. Breeding populations continued to decline in Atlantic Canada, Quebec and the Atlantic Coast of the United States (Cairns and McLaren 1980) until management efforts were initiated in the 1980s. Since then, numbers have increased significantly along the Atlantic Coast of the United States, but not in Atlantic Canada and Quebec.

The first complete survey for breeding Piping Plovers was conducted as part of the International Piping Plover Census in 1991. Since 1991, and most consistently since 2000, annual surveys of breeding habitat are conducted. Beaches are surveyed at the beginning of the breeding season (during a standard window count in June), and those with plovers are visited regularly throughout the breeding season. Year-end counts are the total number of pairs observed at the end of the breeding season. Between 2000 and 2016, numbers of pairs have varied between a high of 272 pairs in 2002 and a low of 174 pairs in 2016. (Figure 1). The population has remained relatively stable, albeit at a low level, since 2012.

Figure 1, read long description

Figure 1. Piping Plovers (year-end pairs) by province observed during International Piping Plover Census years.

Long description

Figure 1: Figure 1 is a bar graph displaying an annual survey of breeding habitat. The x-axis represents the year the survey takes place. The years range from 1991 to 2016. The y-axis represents the total count of breeding pairs of plovers observed at the end of the breeding season. Each bar graph is divided into shaded areas in different shades of grey, which represent the provinces of Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland. The graph displays variation throughout the years. The year 2006 had a high count of breeding pairs at 255 besides 1991, which had a count of 250 pairs. In 2016, breeding pair count was lowest at 174 pairs.

Plovers nests in coastal areas of Québec (Magdalen Islands), New Brunswick (the Gulf of St. Lawrence and Northumberland Strait coast), Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia (southern Atlantic coast, beaches along the Northumberland Strait and Cape Breton Island) and insular Newfoundland (Figure 2).

Figure 2, read long description

Figure 2. Breeding distribution of Piping Plovers (1991-2016)

Long description

Figure 2: Figure 2 displays the breeding distribution of Piping Plovers between the years 1991 to 2016. Plovers breed mainly on beaches around the coasts of Newfoundland, Prince Edward Island (along the Gulf of St. Lawrence), and east of New Brunswick (from beaches around Miscou Island down south up till beaches near Cape Tormentine and along coasts near Sackville). Plovers also were found to breed on some beaches along the southern Atlantic coast and the east of Nova Scotia around Northumberland Strait and Cape Breton Island. 

Piping Plovers winter primarily on the Atlantic coast of the United States from North Carolina to Florida, along the Gulf coast of Florida and on islands of the West Indies (Gratto-Trevor et al. 2012).

3.3 Needs of the Piping Plover

All species need food, water, shelter and space to reproduce and rest to survive and thrive. Piping Plover food items primarily include marine worms, insects (e.g., fly larvae, beetles), tiny crustaceans, mollusks and other small marine invertebrates. Foraging areas must be in close proximity to nest sites so flightless chicks can access them. Plovers obtain water from their food and by drinking (often while bathing). Piping Plovers need shelter from harsh weather (e.g., wind, blowing sand, rain, excessive heat from the sun), predators and humans. In general, Piping Plovers use sand, gravel, or cobble-dominated open ocean-front beaches, pocket beaches and barriers (islands, beaches, spits and bars) in marine coastal areas for most life processes.

Breeding habitatFootnote 5

Piping Plover generally selects the widest section of a beach for nesting. Plovers rarely nest in areas of pure sand and dense dune grass, but instead select sandy areas with sparse vegetation or gravel, pebble, cobble, shell fragments, wrack (dry macroalgae/seaweed normally deposited by storms or by tidal or wave action above the mean high tide mark), or other debris to provide camouflage (Cohen et al. 2009, Flemming et al. 1992). The level of human disturbance may influence site suitability.

Early successional habitat, most often free of dense vegetation, is preferred for breeding. Natural ecological processes such as ice scour, storms and extreme high tides promote the maintenance of habitat in early succession. The tips of sandspits or sites near channels are particularly vulnerable to the extreme natural events that keep areas free of vegetation and redistribute nesting substrate onto beach areas and are preferred nesting locations. These habitats are important since they allow adults and young access to foraging sites along ephemeral pools, lagoons, or flats where rich food resources are located. The maintenance of natural ecological processes along coastal areas is therefore essential for conservation of breeding habitat.

Foraging habitat

Adults and young feed in marine and bayside foreshoreFootnote 6 and backshoreFootnote 7 zones above and below the mean high water mark including along foredunesFootnote 8 and beach ridgesFootnote 9. Ephemeral pools and areas of wrack are excellent foraging areas. Adult birds are able to gain access to foraging sites beyond the immediate breeding or brood-rearing area and are often seen flying across channels or gullies to use nearby foraging areas. Sites used by young must be located within walking distance of the nest because young are flightless until approximately 25 days of age. Young birds may travel a considerable distance to gain access to prime foraging areas.

Resting habitat

Piping Plovers generally rest (i.e., roost) in areas adjacent to nest sites and/or in close proximity to foraging habitats. Plovers use clumps of vegetation, driftwood, wrack and large rocks for shelter from harsh weather and rely on natural elements to camouflage their appearance and blend in with their surroundings to avoid predators and humans. Resting habitat must provide refuge from the highest tides.

Brood-rearing habitat

Brood-rearing habitat provides the necessary elements for both foraging and resting mentioned above and must be present within an appropriate distance of breeding sites because young are flightless until approximately 25 days of age. Broods are known to move a considerable distance from their nest location. Observations from various studies in the United States show that broods may move several hundred metres from the nest location (USFWS 1996). Preliminary information suggests that this is also the case in Atlantic Canada and Quebec (CWS, unpublished data). In Quebec, Piping Plovers were observed using between 67 and 762 m of shoreline for feeding and brood rearing (Shaffer et Laporte 1989; Shaffer et Laporte 1992). Enhanced survival rates of young plovers were found in areas with access to interior or bayside flats (Cohen et al. 2009, Loegering and Fraser 1995). Access to these sites can be created by waves that sometimes overwash barriers during winter storms. Young plovers rely on brooding by adult birds for warmth during cold and shelter from heat; however, older juveniles that spend less time being brooded may increasingly utilize shelter (see resting habitat above). Young plovers also rely on sparsely vegetated dunes as refuges during high tides or to escape from potential predators and human disturbance. Densely vegetated dunes are ineffective since young birds have limited mobility and cannot penetrate these areas.

4. Threats

4.1 Threat assessment

The threats considered in the original recovery strategy for the species (Environment Canada 2012) are still valid and are reproduced below. Terminology has been revised to follow the threat lexicon developed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature-Conservation Measures Partnership (2006) (IUCN-CMP). Threats are ranked by level of concern and the table below provides some insight as to which threats should be targeted for the recovery of Piping Plover.

Table 2. Threat assessment table
Threata Level of concernb Extent Occurrence Frequency Severityc Causal certaintyd

1. Residential & commercial development

Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable

1.1 housing & urban areas

High

Widespread

Continuous

Continuous

High

High

3. Energy production & mining

Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable

3.2 Mining & Quarrying (e.g., mining sand and beach sediments)

Low

Localized

Historic

Continuous

High (local)
Low (range-wide)

Low

6. Human intrusions & disturbance

Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable

6.1 Recreational Activities (e.g., motorized vehicles and other beach users)

High

Widespread

Historic, Current, Anticipated

Seasonal

High

High

7. Natural system modifications

Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable

7.3 Other Ecosystem Modifications (e.g., beach nourishment, shoreline stabilization, beach cleaning or raking)

High

Localized

Historic, Current, Anticipated

Continuous

Moderate

Medium

8. Invasive & other problematic species, genes & diseases

Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable

8.2 problematic native species/diseases

(e.g., american crow, red fox, common raven, gulls, merlin, raccoon, coyote, striped skunk, short-tailed weasel, american mink, dogs, cats)

High

Widespread

Historic, Current, Anticipated

Seasonal

High

High

9. Pollution

Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable

9.2 industrial & military effluents

Medium

Widespread

Anticipated

One-time

High (local)
Low (range-wide)

High

11. Climate change & severe weather

Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable

11.4 Storms & Flooding

Medium

Widespread

Historic, Current, Anticipated

Seasonal

Moderate

High

a Classification of Threats adopted from IUCN-CMP (Salafsky et al. 2008)

b Level of Concern: signifies that managing the threat is of (high, medium or low) concern for the recovery of the species, consistent with the population and distribution objectives. This criterion considers the assessment of all the information in the table).

c Severity: reflects the population-level effect (High: very large population-level effect, Moderate, Low, Unknown).

d Causal certainty: reflects the degree of evidence that is known for the threat (High: available evidence strongly links the threat to stresses on population viability; Medium: there is a correlation between the threat and population viability e.g. expert opinion; Low: the threat is assumed or plausible).

4.2 Description of threats

Current and anticipated issues and activities that directly threaten the survival of Piping Plover are detailed below. The threats may not be distributed equally across the range and the threat level may vary within provinces and jurisdictions.

1.1 Housing & urban areas

Coastal developments (e.g. residential or commercial developments, construction of wharves and jetties) may physically destroy or alter the function of a site and render it unsuitable for plovers.

6.1 Recreational activities (e.g., motorized vehicles and other beach users)

Many human activities result in disturbance to Piping Plovers. Disturbance generally causes changes in normal breeding, foraging, resting and/or brood-rearing behaviour. Human disturbance includes pedestrian traffic, unleashed pets, camping and campfires, sunbathing, collection (of driftwood, shells or wrack), horseback riding, fishing, kite flying, kite buggying, fireworks and motorized vehicle traffic (e.g., cars, trucks, off-road and all-terrain vehicles).

The degree of severity, frequency of disturbance and proximity to breeding habitat and foraging areas within any specific component of the habitat will dictate how plovers are affected. Severe disturbance (e.g., vehicular traffic, unleashed pets, horseback riding, fireworks, camping and campfires, kite buggying) affects site use, increases the likelihood of breeding failure and potentially results in adult and young mortality. Moderate and minor disturbance factors (e.g., walking, swimming, sunbathing, collecting driftwood or other natural beach components, fishing, flying kites) increase the likelihood of lower productivity due to increased energy expenditures to avoid the activity or a decrease in efficiency in conducting normal activities. Even though some activities such as walking on the beach may be considered low disturbance, nests are highly camouflaged and pedestrians may inadvertently trample them. There have also been several confirmed instances of children removing chicks from breeding beaches.

Operation of off-road vehicles, all-terrain vehicles, kite buggies, or other vehicles on beaches used by plovers may result in chick mortality, destruction of the eggs or nest and, in some cases, nest abandonment (Ryan 1996, Flemming et al. 1988, Loegering and Fraser 1995, Melvin et al. 1994). Compaction of substrate caused by vehicle traffic may reduce invertebrate abundance and therefore local prey availability (Wolcott and Wolcott 1984).

A number of predators benefit from association with humans (Prugh et al. 2009, Gratto‑Trevor and Abbott 2011), which can result in higher populations in areas frequented by people, and many are attracted to garbage left behind at beaches. Domestic and feral pets also prey on plover chicks and adults and destroy nests.

7.3 Other ecosystem modifications (e.g., beach nourishment, shoreline stabilization, beach cleaning or raking)

Beach nourishmentFootnote 10 projects may be beneficial and/or detrimental to plovers, depending on a number of factors. The reuse of clean, appropriately-sized and otherwise compatible, sediments (e.g., from a nearby dredging project) to increase the width or length of a beach or dune may be minimally disruptive to natural sediment transport processes and to plovers if project proposals are well designed (e.g., timing allows prey resources time to recover, slope of beach is maintained, sediments are not compacted, associated disturbance is minimized) (Haney et al. 2007). Poorly designed beach nourishment projects may negatively affect Piping Plover habitat and their prey (e.g., if provisioned sediment grain size is not compatible with beach sediments, disturbance is high, compaction of sediments occurs, slope is too steep and prevents natural beach processes over time, timing is incompatible for prey resources to recover) Wooldridge et al. 2016).

Invasive vegetation, wrack removal and shoreline stabilization activities (e.g., planting dune vegetation, placing Christmas trees or snow fencing, armoring with riprap and construction of seawalls, groins, jetties) all contribute to cumulative beach habitat loss. Shoreline stabilizationFootnote 11 blocks the natural processes by which coastal habitats respond to storms, while accelerating sea level rise further reduces beach suitability for Piping Plovers (USFWS 2012). Continuing loss and degradation of habitat is one of the key threats to Piping Plovers in their non-breeding range (USFWS 2012).

Beach wrack provides important resting, shelter, camouflage and food for plover adults and chicks. They may be negatively impacted by the removal of wrack by raking activities (Dugan et al., 2003). Beach raking may also lead to the destabilization of the beach and loss of sand (erosion). However, with proper planning and timing and without disturbing plovers, the removal of human-created debris by hand removes human food items that could be attractive to predators and also removes debris which plovers could become entangled in (e.g., monofilament line).

8.2 Problematic native species/diseases (e.g., American Crow, Red Fox, Common Raven, gulls, Merlin, Raccoon, Coyote, Striped Skunk, Short-tailed Weasel, American Mink, dogs, cats)

Depredation has been identified as one of the most important factors limiting populations across the North American breeding range (Goossen et al. 2002). Current predation rates appear to be higher than they were in the past probably as a result of changes in human activity and land-use practices Current estimates from Atlantic Canada and Quebec suggest that hatch success is approximately 57% and predators are confirmed or suspected in at least one-third of all nests lost (CWS, unpublished data). There are many known or suspected predators of adults, chicks and eggs, including American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos), Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes), Common Raven (Corvus corax), gulls (Larus spp.), Merlin (Falco columbarius), Raccoon (Procyon lotor), Coyote (Canis latrans), Striped Skunk (Mephitis mephitis), Short-tailed Weasel (Mustela erminea), American Mink (Neovison vison), dogs and cats. Human activities and land use practices have resulted in artificially high predator populations (Raithel 1984 in Melvin et al. 1991). These predators may hunt or opportunistically take adult Piping Plovers, chicks, or eggs. Increasing predation pressure can have a negative impact on populations of Piping Plover (Burger 1987, USFWS 1996).

9.2 Industrial & military effluents

Pollutants such as oil pose a risk to foraging adults and chicks. Oil affects birds through physical contact, physiological changes and acute toxic poisoning. Oiled birds may be affected by the disruption in the natural water-repellency of feathers, affecting their thermo-regulatory capacity (Leighton 1994), or there may be reduced hatching success if oil is transferred to the eggs during incubation (McGill and Richmond 1979, Lewis and Malecki 1984). Ingestion of toxic compounds while preening also commonly occurs. Ingested toxins can lead to severe internal damage and organ failure (Peakall et al. 1983). Three cases of oiled adult Piping Plovers have been recorded in Canada (Amirault-Langlais et al. 2007).

Oil spills not only have the potential to impact the birds and their habitat but also their invertebrate prey. The greatest impact may be experienced by flightless chicks which are unable to access alternative foraging grounds.

Several oil spills have affected Piping Plovers in the United States. There is a similar risk along the coastline in Canada.

11.4 Storms & flooding

Extreme weather events (e.g., hurricanes, flooding, storms) may cause localized erosion and loss of habitat. Conversely, when unimpeded by coastal development or activities required for maintenance of infrastructures, severe weather events may create new habitat through accretion/deposition of sand and other sediments. Severe weather may also maintain the early successional stage habitat required for breeding.

Extreme high tides may flood nests above the mean high water mark. This can result in considerable nest loss if high tides coincide with the peak breeding season. Long periods of intense rain following hatching can decrease chick survival rates. Hurricanes, periods of cold weather and storms may contribute to adult mortality.

5. Population and distribution objectives

Short-term population objective 1

Achieve and maintain a minimum of 250 year-end pairs of Piping Plover. This reflects maintenance of the population at levels observed in 1991 (the first year of complete survey coverage – see Figure 1).

Short-term population objective 2

Achieve and maintain an annual productivity greater than 1.65 chicks fledged per territorial pair. This is the minimum productivity rate calculated to maintain the population at its current level (Calvert 2004).

Long-term population and distribution objectives

Increase the population, and maintain it for the long-termFootnote 12, to a minimum of 310 year‑end pairs; proportionally represented in each province (as per Table 3) to meet historical maximum estimates.

Table 3. Long-term population and distribution objectives for Piping Plover.
Province Population objective (pairs)

Québec

55

New Brunswick

105

Prince Edward Island

60

Nova Scotia

60

Newfoundland and Labrador

30

Total

310

Short-term and long-term objectives are specified because there is a high uncertainty about whether the long-term objective can be achieved. Increases observed since listing in the United States (i.e., nearly tripling of population size from 1986 to 2008 (USFWS 2009)) suggest that reaching long-term objectives in Atlantic Canada and Quebec should be feasible. Long-term population objectives for each province (identified in Table 3) are based on the maximum number of pairs documented in each province between 1991 and 2016 and, where known, closely approximate historical estimates (e.g., Cairns and McLaren 1980).

6. Broad strategies and general approaches to meet objectives

6.1 Actions already completed or currently underway

Recovery programs for Piping Plover were initiated in 1985, with many conservation techniques having been developed and implemented since this time to address human‑induced and natural threats. A National Recovery Plan for Piping Plover (Goossen et. al. 2002) outlining the approach recommended to recover the population was published in 2002. That recovery plan expired in 2004. Approaches to conservation that have been implemented to help achieve the recovery objectives include targeted outreach (beach visitors), public education, volunteer and landowner involvement in protecting breeding plovers, protection of key breeding habitats through acquisition and minimizing human disturbance (e.g., symbolic fencingFootnote 13, signage, beach closures in National Parks of Canada), reduction of predation (e.g., beach clean-up programs, litter management and localized predator management), increased enforcement in coastal areas, research on factors affecting the species and its habitat (including in non‑breeding areas), the discouragement of beach developments and population monitoring.

Recent federal and provincial cooperation for endangered species conservation via legislation and other measures has enhanced efforts to protect the subspecies and its habitat. In Quebec, Piping Plover is listed as a threatened species according to the Loi sur les espèces menacées ou vulnérables (RLRQ, c E-12.01) (Act respecting threatened or vulnerable species) (CQLR, c E-12.01). The species is listed as Endangered under provincial legislation in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador. The Province of Prince Edward Island is reviewing the status of species to establish its list of species at risk.

Substantive involvement on the part of many agencies occurs every year to protect the species. The Eastern Canadian Piping Plover Recovery Team and Working Group meet annually to discuss progress made during the previous year and to plan future efforts. The team includes representatives from CWS (Atlantic and Québec regions) of Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), Parks Canada Agency (PCA), the five provincial wildlife agencies and non-governmental organizations. Numerous non‑governmental organizations have had much success in protecting sensitive coastal features and Piping Plover: Attention FragÎles of the Îles-de-la-Madeleine, Nature NB, Island Nature Trust, Bird Studies Canada, Eskasoni Fish and Wildlife Commission Inc., Halifax Field Naturalists, the Nova Scotia Bird Society, the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, Intervale Associates, Codroy Valley Area Development Association, Nova Scotia Nature Trust and Nature Conservancy Canada.

Environmental assessment reviews of projects that may pose a risk to plovers are conducted frequently. Identification of measures to mitigate potential negative impacts of projects has been an important activity to ensure the maintenance of habitat. Measures are recommended that ensure the risk to breeding plovers is eliminated or reduced, while also addressing public safety issues.

6.2 Recovery planning table and implementation schedule

The recovery measures outlined below are arranged by both the broad strategies to recover the species and the general descriptions of research and management approaches.

Table 4. Implementation Schedule
Approach # Recovery Measure Prioritya Threats or concerns addressed Timeline

Broad Strategy: Reduce human disturbance

Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable

Outreach and Stewardship

1

Ensure the continuation of Piping Plover conservation projects throughout the breeding and nonbreeding range of Piping Plover (e.g., Guardian programs).

High

1.1 Housing & Urban Areas

6.1 Recreational Activities (e.g., motorized vehicles and other beach users)

Ongoing

Outreach and Stewardship

2

Encourage volunteer and community engagement in Piping Plover conservation projects (e.g., training, volunteer toolkit) throughout the breeding and nonbreeding range of Piping Plover.

High

1.1 Housing & Urban Areas

6.1 Recreational Activities (e.g., motorized vehicles and other beach users)

Ongoing

Outreach and Stewardship

3

Educate and engage beach visitors, landowners, local business owners, tourism industry experts, youth, coastal industries and all-terrain vehicle groups in conservation activities that benefit Piping Plovers.

High

1.1 Housing & Urban Areas

6.1 Recreational Activities (e.g., motorized vehicles and other beach users)

Ongoing

Outreach and Stewardship

4

Regularly evaluate outreach and stewardship programs to assess their effectiveness.

Medium

1.1 Housing & Urban Areas

6.1 Recreational Activities (e.g., motorized vehicles and other beach users)

Ongoing

Compliance promotion

5

Implement appropriate techniques for reducing human disturbance to breeding Piping Plovers (e.g., signage and symbolic fencing).

High

1.1 Housing & Urban Areas

6.1 Recreational Activities (e.g., motorized vehicles and other beach users)

Ongoing

Compliance promotion

6

Encourage compliance with existing laws and regulations.

High

1.1 Housing & Urban Areas

6.1 Recreational Activities (e.g., motorized vehicles and other beach users)

Ongoing

Compliance promotion

7

Work with enforcement agencies to address threats and priorities.

High

1.1 Housing & Urban Areas

6.1 Recreational Activities (e.g., motorized vehicles and other beach users)

Ongoing

Broad Strategy: Ensure enough suitable habitat to meet long-term population objectives

Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable

Address plovers in  comprehensive coastal planning and management strategies

8

Develop and implement Piping Plover “best management practices” and wherever possible, integrate them into coastal planning and management strategies throughout the breeding and nonbreeding range of Piping Plover.

High

1.1 Housing & Urban Areas

7.3 Other Ecosystem Modifications (e.g., beach nourishment, shoreline stabilization, beach cleaning or raking)

Ongoing

Address plovers in  comprehensive coastal planning and management strategies

9

Engage in existing coastal planning and management initiatives at provincial, municipal and site scales, identify regions where no such initiatives exist and encourage their development.

Medium

1.1 Housing & Urban Areas

7.3 Other Ecosystem Modifications (e.g., beach nourishment, shoreline stabilization, beach cleaning or raking)

Ongoing

Protect habitat

10

Determine appropriate protection measures for habitat throughout Piping Plover’s breeding and nonbreeding range, and work towards implementation.

High

1.1 Housing & Urban Areas

7.3 Other Ecosystem Modifications (e.g., beach nourishment, shoreline stabilization, beach cleaning or raking)

Ongoing

Outreach and Stewardship

11

Inform coastal landowners, land managers and developers about the role and value of natural coastal processes and the negative impacts of dwellings, boardwalks and other structures very near or in dunes, as well as erosion control structures.

High

1.1 Housing & Urban Areas

7.3 Other Ecosystem Modifications (e.g., beach nourishment, shoreline stabilization, beach cleaning or raking)

Ongoing

Outreach and Stewardship

12

Mitigate negative impacts of development by providing project alternatives.

High

1.1 Housing & Urban Areas

7.3 Other Ecosystem Modifications (e.g., beach nourishment, shoreline stabilization, beach cleaning or raking)

Ongoing

Outreach and Stewardship

13

Discourage beach cleaning or raking efforts that remove natural elements such as macroalgae, eel grass, driftwood, cobble and other natural debris from plover habitat.

High

1.1 Housing & Urban Areas

7.3 Other Ecosystem Modifications (e.g., beach nourishment, shoreline stabilization, beach cleaning or raking)

Ongoing

Consider plovers in environmental assessments

14

Provide input to project proposals through federal and provincial governments, as well as local planning authorities to consider project implications/impacts on the species and its habitat.

High

1.1 Housing & Urban Areas

7.3 Other Ecosystem Modifications (e.g., beach nourishment, shoreline stabilization, beach cleaning or raking)

9.2 Industrial & Military Effluents

Ongoing

Enhance habitat

15

Explore options for habitat management, where warranted, to optimize breeding potential in areas where suitable protected habitat is limited.

Low

1.1 Housing & Urban Areas

7.3 Other Ecosystem Modifications (e.g., beach nourishment, shoreline stabilization, beach cleaning or raking)

11.4 Storms & Flooding

As necessary

Broad Strategy: Reduce predation

Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable

Appropriate use of recovery techniques

16

Evaluate population-level impacts of management techniques.

High

8.2 Problematic Native Species/Diseases (predators)

Ongoing

Waste management

17

Work in cooperation with federal, provincial and municipal park and land managers to ensure effective waste management programs at plover beaches.

Medium

8.2 Problematic Native Species/Diseases (predators)

Ongoing

Predator management

18

Summarize the impact of predation on Piping Plover and review predator management techniques.

Medium

8.2 Problematic Native Species/Diseases (predators)

As necessary

Broad Strategy: Address key knowledge gaps to recovery

Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable

Research

19

Facilitate partnerships and opportunities to undertake research on key knowledge gaps that will lead to recovery. See Appendix B for details.

High

Knowledge gaps

Ongoing

Research

20

Implement a research program to determine movements and areas used by nonbreeding birds, and to better understand factors affecting survival throughout their range.

High

Knowledge gaps

Ongoing thru to 2024

Form and maintain partnerships

21

Partner with governments, non-government organizations and academics to understand and address nonbreeding range issues.

High

Knowledge gaps

Ongoing

Evaluate environmental assessments

22

Work with environmental assessment review practitioners to complete follow-up evaluations regarding the effectiveness of proposed mitigation.

High

Knowledge gaps

Ongoing

Broad Strategy: Monitor the population

Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable

Count adults

23

Conduct annual counts of breeding birds.

High

Knowledge gaps

Annually

Count adults

24

Census the population throughout the breeding and nonbreeding range every five years as part of the International Piping Plover Census.

High

Knowledge gaps

Every 5 years

Count adults

25

Provide training and mentoring (where necessary) to standardize monitoring efforts and survey known Piping Plover beaches.

High

Knowledge gaps

When necessary

Measure productivity

26

Monitor and calculate productivity for every pair in southern Nova Scotia and a minimum of 70 pairs (ideally 100 pairs) in the Gulf of St. Lawrence region distributed representatively throughout the area.

High

Knowledge gaps

Annually

Evaluate habitat

27

Monitor availability and suitability of habitat every five years as part of the International Piping Plover Census.

High

Knowledge gaps

Every 5 years

28

Identify and document threats to Piping Plovers and their habitat on the breeding and nonbreeding grounds.

High

Knowledge gaps

Ongoing

Broad Strategy: Minimize impacts of adverse weather conditions

Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable

Maintain habitat

29

Ensure sufficient high-quality habitat is maintained to minimize the overall impact of negative weather events.

Medium

11.4 Storms & Flooding

Ongoing

Mitigate nest flooding

30

On a case-by-case basis and when feasible, reduce impacts of flooding by using appropriate management tools (e.g., sandbagging and nest translocation).

Low

11.4 Storms & Flooding

When necessary

Broad Strategy: Minimize impacts of poorly understood mortality factors

Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable

Oil spill contingency planning

31

Liaise with the Regional Environmental Emergencies Team (e.g., provide data, input and report oiled birds).

Low

9.2 Industrial & Military Effluents

Ongoing

Remain vigilant for population-level threats

32

Consider threats related to toxic chemicals and react where warranted by collecting and analyzing specimens (eggs, deceased or incapacitated adults and/or chicks)

Low

9.2 Industrial & Military Effluents

Ongoing

a “Priority” reflects the degree to which the broad strategy contributes directly to the recovery of the species or is an essential precursor to an approach that contributes to the recovery of the species.

6.2.1 Monitoring

Monitoring measures for Piping Plover were reviewed by the Science & Technology Branch of Environment Canada in 2013 (Gratto-Trevor et al. 2013). Recommendations for monitoring the recovery of the species and its long-term viability were provided. All monitoring protocols are currently followed by Piping Plover stewardship organizations, ECCC, PCA and provincial counterparts. Specifically, the review recommended that:

7. Critical habitat

Section 41 (1)(c) of SARA requires that recovery strategies include an identification of the species’ critical habitat, to the extent possible, as well as examples of activities that are likely to result in its destruction.

Critical habitat for Piping Plover is based on habitat occupancy and habitat suitability and is fully identified for Piping Plover in this document, to the extent possible, given the best available information. Additional critical habitat may be added in the future if new information supports the inclusion of areas beyond those currently identified (e.g., additional sites occupied in response to creation of habitat by winter storms, ice scour, tidal surges and other natural or anthropogenic events).

Critical habitat was fully identified for Piping Plover in the original recovery strategy with data encompassing 1991-2010. One site was removed from those identified in the original recovery strategy because it did not meet habitat occupancy criteria and as a result, the site is no longer identified as critical habitat. This recovery document contains new critical habitat (i.e., new sites were added as a result of findings during inventories conducted from 2011-2016) for the species and replaces critical habitat identified in the original recovery strategy (Environment Canada 2012).

7.1 Identification of the species’ critical habitat

Critical habitat for the Piping Plover melodus subspecies is identified as all areas of suitable habitat (Table 5) within the defined 1 x 1 grid squares (C-3 - 86). Suitable habitat relates to areas possessing a specific set of biophysical attributes required for Piping Plover’s life processes as summarized in Table 5. Note that not all attributes in Table 5 must be present in order for an area to be identified as critical habitat. If the area is capable of supporting Piping Plover, it is considered critical habitat for the species, even though some of the associated attributes might be missing.

Table 5. The area and associated biophysical attributes required for Piping Plover to carry out its life processes.
Life stage Life process Area or type of site Biophysical attributes

Adults,

eggs,

young

  • reproduction: pair formation, nest building, copulation, egg-laying, incubation, hatching;
  • growth: brood-rearing, fledging;
  • rest: sleeping, roosting
  • backshoreFootnote 14, foredunesFootnote 15 (including wave washover features and wind-formed blowouts) and beach ridgesFootnote 16 of Atlantic coastal beaches (e.g., ocean-front beaches, pocket beaches) and
  • barriers (beaches, islands, spits and bars).
  • sand, gravel and/or cobble substrate with elevated areas safe from highest tides;
  • gently sloping foredune (< 9% Boyne et al. 2014);
  • sparsely vegetatedFootnote 17; and
  • relatively wide backshore;
  • with one or more natural elements that provide shelter and/or  camouflage (e.g., small clumps of vegetation, stones, logs, driftwood, pebbles, dried macroalgae, shells).

adults,

young

  • nutrition

foreshoreFootnote 18, backshore, foredunes (including wave washover features and wind-formed blowouts) and beach ridges of Atlantic coastal beaches and barriers in close proximity to breeding sites.

  • presence of suitable invertebrate prey resources;
  • sand, gravel, or cobble substrate;
  • with one or more natural elements that enhance foraging potential (e.g., dried macroalgae, driftwood, ephemeral pools, tidal flats, sparsely vegetated dunes).

7.1.1 Information and methods used to identify critical habitat

The first complete survey for breeding Piping Plovers was conducted as part of the International Piping Plover Census in 1991. Since then, sites are surveyed at the beginning of the breeding season (during a standard window count in June), and those with plovers are visited regularly throughout the breeding season. On the Magdalen Islands in Quebec, these surveys include georeferencing each nest.

Atlantic Canada

Nest location data from 1991 - 2016 is not available for plovers in Atlantic Canada. In the absence of this data, any beach occupied by at least one breeding pair of Piping Plovers in at least one year between 1991 and 2016 where suitable habitat criteria (Table 5) are met is identified as critical habitat under SARA. The 1x1 km grid representations were drawn to encompass entire stretches of ocean-front and pocket beaches and the entirety of barriers (islands, beaches, spits and bars) to accommodate the shifting nature of coastal habitats. These areas are necessary to meet the long-term population and distribution objectives.

Quebec

In Quebec, the Magdalen Islands contain over 300km of beaches. To reflect what areas are required to meet the species’ long-term objective, sites are further refined by habitat use using available nest location data from 1991-2016. The 1x1 km grid representations were superimposed on known nest locations, including a 500 m distance on either side of each nest to capture adjacent areas of suitable habitat (Table 5) necessary for feeding and brood rearing. The 500 m is based on both field observations and published data (e.g., Loegering 1992, USFWS 1996). In Quebec, Piping Plovers were observed using between 67 and 762 m of shoreline for feeding and brood rearing (Shaffer et Laporte 1989; Shaffer et Laporte 1992).  Melvin et al. (1994) observed chicks at distances ranging between 10 and 900 m from their nests and in Ontario, 500 m of contiguous suitable habitat on either side of a breeding pair is used to approximate the areas used by Piping Plovers during their breeding cycle (Environment Canada. 2013).

In both regions, suitable habitat (Table 5) within the 1x1 km grid representations is identified as critical habitat under SARA and provides enough habitat to meet the long-term population and distribution objectives.

Due to the dynamic nature of coastal ecosystems, critical habitat mapping is represented by 1 x 1 km grid squares where the habitat occupancy criteria (above) and suitable habitat (Table 5) are met. Grid representation is created based on the site scale (1 x 1 km) and best characterizes the extent and nature of critical habitat. In Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador there are 163, 313, 223, 180 and 75 grid square units, respectively, identified as critical habitat (totaling 954 grid square units). These are presented in Appendix C.

Breeding pairs in non-critical habitat

Although sometimes used by Piping Plovers, nests in clearly unsuitable habitats that do not contain the biophysical attributes are not identified as critical habitat. Unsuitable features such as existing anthropogenic infrastructure (e.g., existing small craft harbours, wharves, boardwalks, parking lots), dredge spoils and steep embankments within a site are not necessary for the survival or recovery of the species and are therefore not critical habitat. These sites likely do not contribute to recovery because some key attribute is often missing (e.g., access to foraging areas for chicks).

In addition, two sites in Atlantic Canada that met the occupancy criteria were not included in the identification of critical habitat since the sites were considered too small and isolated to successfully support a breeding pair and their young (K. Francis and S. Abbott 2017, personal communication). Similarly, 4 sites (2 in Atlantic Canada and 2 in Quebec) met the occupancy criteria but were not in an area supporting the necessary biophysical attributes as described in Table 5 since these nest sites were below the high water mark (outside of the area defined as the backshore) and likely not viable (S. Mader and F. Shaffer 2017, personal communication).

Although these known nest sites are not identified as critical habitat under SARA, the sections 32 and 33 (general prohibitions) of SARA apply to the species and its residence.

More information on critical habitat to support protection of the species and its habitat may be requested by contacting Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Recovery Planning section at: ec.planificationduretablissement-recoveryplanning.ec@canada.ca.

7.2 Schedule of studies to identify critical habitat

The information currently available is sufficient to fully identify critical habitat under SARA; therefore, a schedule of studies is not required.

7.3 Activities likely to result in the destruction of critical habitat

Understanding what constitutes destruction of critical habitat is necessary for the protection and management of critical habitat. Destruction is determined on a case by case basis. Destruction would result if part of the critical habitat were degraded, either permanently or temporarily, such that it would not serve its function when needed by the species. Destruction may result from a single or multiple activities at one point in time or from the cumulative effects of one or more activities over time. Activities described in Table 6 include those likely to cause destruction of critical habitat for the species; however, destructive activities are not limited to those listed.

Table 6: Examples of activities likely to result in the destruction of critical habitat
Description of activity Description of effect Details of effect

Use of any motorized vehicle (e.g., off‑road, all-terrain, motorcycles).)

  • Wrack may be crushed into the sand, making it unavailable as shelter and/or camouflage, or as foraging substrate;
  • Sediments may be compacted and invertebrate prey within them may be killed;
  • Dangerous habitat may be created. Vehicle ruts appear to provide shelter and/or camouflage but flightless plovers may become trapped in ruts and may be run over by vehicles;
  • Vegetation can be damaged by the regular use of paths causing dune blow-outs and increased erosion. This may alter the width, slope and length of the beach

.

Related IUCN-CMP Threat: 6.1 Recreational Activities (e.g., off-road vehicles).

This activity would likely result in the destruction of critical habitat if it occurred within the bounds of critical habitat.

This activity could cause destruction at all times of the year.

Coastal development in critical habitat or in closely associated areas (e.g., construction of homes, vacation homes and associated infrastructure such as roads, boardwalks and trails)

  • Natural landward migration processes (e.g., overwash and sand migration) are impeded by development;
  • Development may physically destroy or alter breeding habitat and/or the function of a site

Related IUCN-CMP Threat: 1.1 Housing & Urban Areas (e.g., construction of cottages or homes).

This activity would likely result in the destruction of critical habitat if it occurred within the bounds of, or very near, critical habitat.

This activity could cause destruction at all times of the year.

Beach nourishment (also referred to as beach replenishment or “soft” armouring or “soft” stabilization)

  • Natural beach dynamics may be impeded;
  • Beach slope may be altered;
  • Substrate provided may be unsuitable (e.g., inappropriate grain size or sediment mix);
  • The grain size of introduced substrate can influence how fast the beach erodes, leading to changes in beach slope and shape;
  • Non-native vegetation species may be introduced;
  • Natural elements that provide shelter and/or camouflage may be removed/ buried or if provided, may be unsuitable;
  • Invertebrate prey densities may be reduced

Related IUCN-CMP Threat: 7.3 Other Ecosystem Modifications (e.g., beach nourishment, shoreline stabilization, beach cleaning or raking).

This activity would likely result in the destruction of critical habitat if it occurred within the bounds of critical habitat.

This activity could cause destruction at all times of the year.

Of note in exceptional circumstances, the reuse of clean; appropriately-sized and otherwise compatible; sediments (e.g., from a nearby dredging project) to increase the width or length of a beach or dune may be minimally disruptive to natural sediment transport processes and to plovers if project proposals are well designed (e.g., timing allows prey resources time to recover, slope of beach is maintained, sediments are not compacted, associated disturbance is minimized).

Shoreline stabilization (also known as armouring or “hard” stabilization)

  • Natural processes by which coastal habitats respond to storms may be impeded while foreshore erosion is accelerated;
  • Non-native vegetation species may be introduced;
  • Natural elements that provide shelter and/or camouflage may be removed/buried or if provided, may be unsuitable;
  • Amount and quality of intertidal foraging habitat for shorebirds may be reduced;
  • Natural transport of sand may be restricted leading to erosion of shorelines elsewhere

Related IUCN-CMP Threat: 1.1 Housing & Urban Areas.

This activity would likely result in the destruction of critical habitat if it occurred within the bounds of critical habitat.

Outside of critical habitat, this activity may likely result in the destruction of adjacent critical habitat if natural processes by which coastal habitats respond to storms are impeded.

This activity could cause destruction at all times of the year.

Sand mining (removal of sand, gravel and/or cobble substrate)

  • Substrate and natural elements that provide shade and/or camouflage may be removed;
  • Beach slope may be altered

Related IUCN-CMP Threat: 3.2 Mining & Quarrying (e.g., sand and beach sediments).

This activity would likely result in the destruction of critical habitat if it occurred within the bounds of critical habitat.

This activity could cause destruction at all times of the year.

Beach cleaning or raking (e.g., mechanical raking, sifting/screening)

  • Natural elements that enhance foraging potential and provide shade and/or camouflage may be removed

Related IUCN-CMP Threat: 7.3 Other Ecosystem Modifications (e.g., beach nourishment, shoreline stabilization, beach cleaning or raking).

This activity would likely result in the destruction of critical habitat if it occurred within the bounds of critical habitat.

This activity could cause destruction at all times of the year.

Of note, removing garbage or other human-created debris by hand would not likely result in the destruction of critical habitat and should generally be positive for Piping Plovers as long as disturbance to the birds is minimized.

Deliberate or accidental discharge of oil and toxic chemicals

  • Invertebrate prey may be killed;
  • Functionality of foreshore and backshore of beaches for breeding, resting and/or foraging may be removed depending on timing and location;
  • All biophysical attributes of critical habitat may be impacted by clean-up operations

Related IUCN-CMP Threat: 9.2 Industrial & Military Effluents.

The effects of this activity would likely result in the destruction of critical habitat; recognizing that the spills may occur within or outside the bounds of critical habitat.

This activity could cause destruction at all times of the year.

7.4 Scope of the action plan

The original recovery strategy for the Piping Plover in Canada was posted on the Species at Risk Registry in 2012 (Environment Canada 2012) and is replaced and amended by this document. This recovery document (amended recovery strategy and action plan) should be considered along with The Multi-species Action Plan for Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site of Canada (Parks Canada Agency 2017), The Multi-species Action Plan for Kouchibouguac National Park of Canada and associated National Historic Sites of Canada (Parks Canada Agency 2016b), The Multi‑species Action Plan for Prince Edward Island National Park of Canada (Parks Canada Agency 2016c) and The Multi-species Action Plan for Gros Morne National Park (Parks Canada Agency 2016)

As in the original recovery strategy (Environment Canada 2012), this amended recovery strategy and action plan includes critical habitat in three PCA National Parks (Kouchibouguac National Park of Canada, Prince Edward Island National Park of Canada and Kejimkujik National Park of Canada Seaside). The critical habitat identified in these National Parks is included in the scope of this action plan. However, additional critical habitat was identified by PCA in Gros Morne National Park through their park‑based Action Plan in 2016 and therefore it is not included in the scope of this action plan but the document should also be considered.

7.5 Proposed measures to protect critical habitat

As part of the species’ action plan, the information below outlines proposed measures to be taken to protect critical habitat for Piping Plover.

Measures proposed to protect critical habitat on federal lands

Gazette statements are available on the Species at Risk Public Registry (the Registry). There are currently three gazette statements published on the Registry. In January 2013 and in December 2017, two gazette statements associated with the original recovery strategy (Environment Canada 2012) were posted on the Registry and describe a number of federally protected areas. An additional gazette statement associated with the Multi-species Action Plan for Gros Morne National Park of Canada (Parks Canada Agency 2016) describing critical habitat at Western Brook Beach in Gros Morne National Park of Canada was posted on the Registry in June 2016. An additional gazette statement is required for Pointe de l'Est National Wildlife Area to complete the description of federal properties with critical habitat.

Critical habitat for Piping Plover also occurs on federal lands that are not federally protected areas. Under the provisions of subsection 58(5) of SARA, the competent minister shall, after consulting with every other competent minister, make an order for any portion of critical habitat that is not legally protected by provisions in or measures under SARA or any other Act of Parliament. If the minister does not make the order, the minister shall include in the Registry a statement setting out how the critical habitat or portions of it are legally protected. ECCC will continue to work with applicable federal departments to ensure that critical habitat on other federal lands is protected.

Measures proposed to protect critical habitat on non-federal lands

With regard to the portions of critical habitat on non-federal lands, ECCC will assess the protection currently in place. This involves first working with the Governments of Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador to determine which provincial laws and legal instruments are in place to prevent destruction of critical habitat. If there are gaps in the protection of critical habitat, provisions or measures in place under SARA or other federal legislation will be reviewed to determine whether they prevent destruction of critical habitat. Conservation measures, including stewardship initiatives, that contribute to preventing critical habitat destruction will also be considered and monitored. The laws, legal agreements and conservation measures in place that protect critical habitat will be monitored for efficacy at least every five years.

If it is determined that any portions of critical habitat are not protected, and steps are being taken to protect those portions, those steps will be communicated via the Registry through the reports referred to in section 63 of SARA.

8. Evaluation of socio-economic costs and benefits

SARA requires that an action plan include an evaluation of the socio‑economic costs of the action plan and the benefits to be derived from its implementation (SARA 49(1)(e), 2002). This evaluation addresses only the incremental socio-economic costs of implementing this action plan from a national perspective as well as the social and environmental benefits that would occur if the action plan were implemented in its entirety, recognizing that not all aspects of its implementation are under the jurisdiction of the federal government. It does not address cumulative costs of species recovery in general nor does it attempt a cost-benefit analysis. Its intent is to inform the public and to guide decision making on implementation of the action plan by partners.

The protection and recovery of species at risk can result in both benefits and costs. The Act recognizes that “wildlife, in all its forms, has value in and of itself and is valued by Canadians for aesthetic, cultural, spiritual, recreational, educational, historical, economic, medical, ecological and scientific reasons” (SARA 2002). Self-sustaining and healthy ecosystems with their various elements in place, including species at risk, contribute positively to the livelihoods and the quality of life of all Canadians. A review of the literature confirms that Canadians value the preservation and conservation of species in and of themselves. Actions taken to preserve a species, such as habitat protection and restoration, are also valued. In addition, the more an action contributes to the recovery of a species, the higher the value the public places on such actions (Loomis and White 1996, Fisheries and Oceans Canada 2008). Furthermore, the conservation of species at risk is an important component of the Government of Canada’s commitment to conserving biological diversity under the International Convention on Biological Diversity. The Government of Canada has also made a commitment to protect and recover species at risk through the Accord for the Protection of Species at Risk. The specific costs and benefits associated with this action plan are described below.

8.1 Policy baseline

The policy baseline consists of the protection under SARA for Piping Plover, along with other legislation that may provide direct or indirect habitat protection for the species. The provinces of Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador have access to many legislative, regulatory and management tools for the conservation and stewardship of Piping Plover.

For example,

The baseline also includes any recovery measures already undertaken, such as those carried out by recovery practitioners funded by federal or provincial species at risk programs, in-kind contributions by recovery biologists and/or universities.

The critical habitat located on federally protected areas (i.e., National Parks, National Wildlife Areas and a Migratory Bird Sanctuary) is (or will be) protected under section 58(3) of SARA.

8.2 Socio-economic profile and baseline

Key stakeholders that may be impacted by the implementation of this action plan include federal and provincial landowners/ land managers, municipal planners and planning authorities, private landowners and beach managers, private land conservation organizations, those in the fishing and tourism industries, all-terrain vehicle associations and users, academics focused on shorebirds, environmental emergencies teams and beach visitors and users.

Two Indigenous groups were involved with past Piping Plover initiatives in Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia because their lands are in close proximity to beaches identified as critical habitat. Two Indigenous groups are actively involved with Piping Plover conservation initiatives in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Many recovery measures will be implemented with the assistance of federal or provincial species at risk funding programs, in-kind contributions by recovery biologists, or research by universities.

8.3 Socio-economic costs of implementing this action plan

Implementation of the recovery measures identified in Table 4 may generate direct costs as well as societal costs. These costs are reported in this section only if they result in incremental expenditures or constraints in land uses (including foregoing or modifying current and future activities) compared to measures already in place (see ongoing measures in Table 4).

The direct and societal costs of implementing the recovery measures contained in this action plan are expected to be low (between $0 and $5 million) over the short term (five years). These anticipated costs include salary, volunteer time, travel, materials, equipment and other related costs. Indirect costs are those resulting from implementing the action plan, which may have an impact on various stakeholders.

There are a number of activities currently taking place at sites where Piping Plovers breed including beach recreation (e.g., pedestrian traffic, sunbathing, camping and campfires, kite buggies and surfing and unleashed pets) and off-road vehicle (ORV) use. In Newfoundland and Labrador, ORV use on beaches is a legal activity unless otherwise designated by a ministerial directive. Ministerial directives are now in place for most critical habitat sites, but not all sites. On the Magdalen Islands in Quebec, ORV use on beaches during the Piping Plover breeding season is illegal, except where an off-road trail is located. It is assumed that ORV use will be restricted on lands identified as critical habitat during the Piping Plover breeding season (May‑August), resulting in an impact to ORV users. Restrictions on other recreational activities may be required to protect breeding plovers and their habitat.

Coastal development activities such as operation and maintenance of wharves, dredging of small craft harbours, jetties, creation of erosion control structures and activities associated with cottages/homes may occur in areas on, or near, Piping Plover critical habitat. Coastal development activities may need to be regulated through federal, provincial and municipal processes if they are likely to destroy critical habitat. For example, dredging occurs regularly in harbour entrances and channels to allow local fishers access to the open seas. In a small number of cases this occurs on or near Piping Plover critical habitat. Dredging activities usually occur in early spring, coinciding with the arrival of Piping Plovers and the species’ breeding season. As a result, modifications to dredging operations may be required at some small craft harbours.

Other coastal development activities, such as shoreline stabilization, may be impacted as a result of the protection of critical habitat. However, there may be ways to mitigate activities to prevent the destruction of critical habitat. At this time, specific development activities and any modifications that may be required are unknown, and therefore it is difficult to estimate the impact.

8.4 Benefits of implementing this action plan

Value of biodiversity to Canadians

Biodiversity is essential for healthy ecosystems, human health, prosperity, security and well-being. For these reasons, globally, society invests between US$ 8B and US$ 10B annually in biodiversity conservation (TEEB 2008).

Canadians derive many benefits from biodiversity including recreational, aesthetic, educational and cultural benefits, as well as ecological goods and services essential to human survival. Care for the environment is consistently ranked as one of Canadian’s top priorities in public opinion pollsFootnote 19. A 2011 opinion poll found that three-quarters of Canadian respondents feel that preserving natural areas and the diversity of native plant and animal life in Canada is important to themFootnote 20.

The total value of species at risk includes non-consumptive-use values (such as recreation, spiritual/cultural, research and education), indirect-use values (value of the ecological role of a species in an ecosystem) and non-use values (i.e., preserving the benefits of nature for future generations)Footnote 21. Implementing the recovery measures of this action plan will have a positive impact on society. The direct value of recovering these species, for the preservation or the enhancement of biodiversity, is not easily estimated.

Eco-tourism and cultural values

Eco-tourism is the fastest-growing area of the tourism industry (Mastny 2001). In 2004, this market grew three times faster than the industry as a whole and the World Tourism Organization estimates that global spending on eco-tourism is increasing by 20% a year, about six times the industry-wide rate of growth (TEEB 2008). In 1996, the Importance of Nature to Canadians Survey estimated that 6.2% of Canadians (1.5 million) watched, photographed, studied, or fed wildlife and spent close to $488M on these activities. There may be an increase in eco-tourism activity, as a result of achieving the population and distribution objectives for Piping Plover, which would then lead to spin-offs to local business and enhanced cultural value of local communities.

Protection of other species

Efforts to protect plover critical habitat will benefit other species of flora and fauna including these Species at Risk: Red Knot (Calidris canutus rufa), Gulf of St. Lawrence Aster (Symphyotrichum laurentianum), “Ipswich” Sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis princeps) and Beach Pinweed (Lechea maritima). Activities within this action plan may lead to positive impacts for rufa Red Knot, Gulf of St. Lawrence Aster, “Ipswich” sparrow and the Beach Pinweed and may decrease the direct cost of future conservation and protection actions for these species.

Ecosystem services

Sand dune systems act as a natural coastal defence against erosion, waves and flooding and buffer against extreme weather events (Spurgen 1998). They also provide other important ecosystem services including water filtration and purification, nutrient cycling and water storage in dune aquifers (Defeo et al. 2009).

8.5 Distributional Impacts

Piping Plovers occur on federal, provincial and private lands and it is expected that responsibility for the species’ recovery will be shared amongst those landowners as well as all beach users. Implementation of this action plan will require contributions from, and collaboration among, various levels of government, non-governmental organizations, universities, individuals and others. Non‑governmental organizations are active in Piping Plover conservation where the species occurs, and an approach of this action plan is to foster cooperative relationships with landowners and others to maintain critical habitat.

9. Measuring progress

The performance indicators presented below provide a way to define and measure progress toward achieving the population and distribution objectives.

New information may be integrated to reflect new knowledge, challenges and opportunities. An evaluation of the recovery strategy will be based upon the performance measures listed below.

Annually, success of the recovery strategy implementation will be measured against the following performance indicators:

Over three consecutive international censuses, which occur every five years, success of the recovery strategy implementation will be measured against the following performance indicators:

The competent minister must report on the implementation of the recovery strategy (section 46 of SARA) and action plan (section 55 of SARA) and the progress towards meeting its objectives within five years. Reporting on implementation of the action plan, under section 55 of SARA, will be done by assessing progress towards implementing broad strategies. Reporting on the ecological and socio-economic impacts of the action plan, under section 55 of SARA, will be done by assessing the results of monitoring the recovery of the species and its long-term viability and by assessing the implementation of the action plan.

10. References

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Boyne, A. W., D. L. Amirault-Langlais, and A. J. McCue. 2014. Characteristics of Piping Plover habitat in the Canadian maritime provinces. Northeastern Naturalist 21:164‑173.

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Calvert, A. 2004. Demographic modeling of populations of the Piping Plover Charadrius melodus in Atlantic Canada and implications for conservation planning. Contract report to Canadian Wildlife Service (Atlantic Region), Environment Canada, Sackville, N.B. 41 pp.

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Elliott-Smith, E., Bidwell, M., Holland, A.E., and Haig, S.M., 2015, Data from the 2011 International Piping Plover Census: U.S. Geological Survey Data Series 922, 296 p., http://dx.doi.org/10.3133/ds922

Environment Canada. 2012. Recovery Strategy for the Piping Plover (Charadrius melodus melodus) in Canada. Species at Risk Act Recovery Strategy Series. Environment Canada, Ottawa. v + 29 pp.

Environment Canada. 2013. Action Plan for the Piping Plover (Charadrius melodus circumcinctus) in Ontario. Species at Risk Act Action Plan Series. Environment Canada, Ottawa. iii + 20 pp.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada. 2008. Estimation of the Economic Benefits of Marine Mammal Recovery in the St. Lawrence Estuary. Policy and Economics Regional Branch, Quebec.

Flemming, S.P., R.D. Chiasson, P.C. Smith, P.J. Austin-Smith, and R.P. Bancroft. 1988. Piping Plover status in Nova Scotia related to its reproductive and behavioural responses to human disturbance. Journal of Field Ornithology 59(4): 321-330.

Flemming, S.P., R.D. Chiasson, and P.J. Austin-Smith. 1992. Piping Plover nest site selection in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. Journal of Wildlife Management 56: 578-583.

Gieder, K., S. Karpanty, J. Fraser, D. Catlin, B. Gutierrez, N. Plant, A. Turecek, and E. Thieler. 2014. A Bayesian network approach to predicting nest presence of the federally‐threatened piping plover (Charadrius melodus) using barrier island features. Ecological Modelling 276:38–50.

Goossen, J.P., D.L. Amirault, J. Arndt, R. Bjorge, S. Boates, J. Brazil, S. Brechtel, R. Chiasson, G.N. Corbett, F.R. Curley, M. Elderkin, S.P. Flemming, W. Harris, L. Heyens, D. Hjertaas, M. Huot, B. Johnson, R. Jones, W. Koonz, P. Laporte, D. MacAskill, R.I.G. Morrison, S. Richard, F. Shaffer, C. Stewart, L. Swanson, and E. Wiltse. 2002. National Recovery Plan for the Piping Plover (Charadrius melodus). National Recovery Plan No. 22. Recovery of Nationally Endangered Wildlife. Ottawa. 47 pp.

Gratto-Trevor, C., G.J. Robertson, and C.A. Bishop. 2013. Scientific Review of the Recovery Program for Piping Plover (melodus subspecies) in Eastern Canada. Environment Canada, Ottawa. 97 pp.

Haig, S. M. and L. W. Oring. 1985. The distribution and status of the Piping Plover throughout the annual cycle. J. Field Ornithol. no. 56:334-345.

Haig, S.M. 1992. Piping Plover. In The Birds of North America, No. 2 (A. Poole, P. Stettenheim, and F.Gill, Eds.). Philadelphia: The Academy of Natural Sciences; Washington, DC: The American Ornithologists’ Union.

Haney, R., L. Kouloheras, V. Malkoski, J.Mahala, and Y. Unger. 2007. Beach Nourishment: MassDEP’s Guide to Best Management Practices for Projects in Massachusetts. 31pp.

Leighton, F.A. 1994.The toxicity of petroleum oils to birds: an overview. Pages 10-22 in Wildlife and Oil Spills: Response, Research and Contingency Planning. L . Frink, I.C. Ball-Wier, and C. Smith (Editors). Tri-State Bird Rescue & Research. Wilmington, Delaware.

Lewis, S.J., and R.A. Malecki. 1984. Effects of oiling on Larid productivity and population dynamics. Auk 101: 584-592.

Loegering, J.P. 1992. Piping Plover breeding biology, foraging ecology and behavior on Assateague Island National Seashore, Maryland. MS thesis. Virginia Polythenic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia. 247p.

Loegering, J.P., and J.D. Fraser. 1995. Factors affecting Piping Plover chick survival in different brood-rearing habitats. Journal of Wildlife Management 59(4): 646-655.

Loomis, J.B., and D.S. White. 1996. Economic benefits of rare and endangered species: Summary and meta-analysis. Ecological Economics, 18: 197-206.

Mastny, L. 2001. Traveling Light: New Paths for International Tourism. World Watch Paper 159.

McGill, P.A., and M.E. Richmond. 1979. Hatching success of Great Black-backed Gull eggs treated with oil. Bird-Banding 50: 108-113.

Melvin, S.M., C.R. Griffin, and L. MacIvor. 1991. Recovery strategies for Piping Plovers in managed coastal landscapes. Coastal Management 19: 21-34.

Melvin, S.M., A. Hecht, and C.R. Griffin. 1994. Piping Plover mortalities caused by off‑road vehicles on Atlantic Coast beaches. Wildlife Society Bulletin 22: 409-414.

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Parks Canada Agency. 2016c. Multi-species Action Plan for Prince Edward Island National Park. Species at Risk Act Action Plan Series. Parks Canada Agency, Ottawa.iv + 16 pp.

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Appendix A: Effects on the environment and other species

A strategic environmental assessment (SEA) is conducted on all SARA recovery planning documents, in accordance with the Cabinet Directive on the Environmental Assessment of Policy, Plan and Program ProposalsFootnote 22. The purpose of a SEA is to incorporate environmental considerations into the development of public policies, plans, and program proposals to support environmentally sound decision-making and to evaluate whether the outcomes of a recovery planning document could affect any component of the environment or any of the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy’sFootnote 23 (FSDS) goals and targets.

Recovery planning is intended to benefit species at risk and biodiversity in general. However, it is recognized that implementation of action plans may inadvertently lead to environmental effects beyond the intended benefits. The planning process based on national guidelines directly incorporates consideration of all environmental effects, with a particular focus on possible impacts upon non-target species or habitats. The results of the SEA are incorporated directly into the action plan itself, but are also summarized below in this statement.

The SEA concluded that this plan will clearly benefit the environment and will not entail any significant adverse effects. Piping Plovers require relatively undisturbed, undeveloped coastal beach habitats and the maintenance of natural coastal processes, all of which will benefit co-occurring species.

Appendix B: Summary of the assessment of research needs

Knowledge gaps related to the recovery of Piping Plover were reviewed and prioritized based on the ability of the research to provide knowledge immediately essential for directing effective future conservation actions (Gratto-Trevor et al. 2013). The prioritization of these knowledge gaps are summarized in Table B.1. Additional descriptions of the knowledge gaps and justification for the priority ratings can be found in Appendix V of Gratto-Trevor et al. (2013).

Table B.1. A summary of the prioritization of research needs / knowledge gaps identified in the amended recovery strategy, based on the findings from Gratto-Trevor et al. (2013).
Research need Priority

Knowledge gaps to recovery presented in the amended recovery strategy and prioritized by Gratto-Trevor et al. (2013):

Not applicable

Identification of nonbreeding grounds (i.e., staging, migration and wintering).

High

Identification of threats to plovers on nonbreeding grounds.

High

Analyses of population viability so that the probability of population persistence can be calculated and the possible outcomes of different management scenarios can be explored.

High

Evaluate recovery management techniques (e.g., predator management and vegetation manipulation).

High

Factors affecting juvenile and adult survival, including invertebrate prey availability.

High – survival analysis; Low – prey availability

The effectiveness of mitigation measures required under environmental assessments.

Medium

Identification of the predators of adults, eggs and young and an assessment of their population-level impacts. This must be done in advance, if any predator control activities are proposed.

Medium - in specific cases only

Increase understanding of stressors in the coastal zone that affect plover habitat, survival and productivity, to enable effective input into coastal planning.

Medium

Movement of adults and young between breeding areas.

Medium-Low

Conservation genetics to determine population links within the Atlantic provinces and Quebec and with populations outside the region.

Medium-Low

Factors affecting reproductive success and survival.

Medium-Low

Accuracy of fledgling rate estimates.

Medium-Low

The influence of invertebrate population, distribution and abundance on habitat selection by plovers.

Low

Assess the carrying capacity of habitats in Atlantic Canada and Quebec and whether there is a need to protected currently unoccupied sites to meet population recovery objectives.

No longer a priority

Assess the impact of sea level rise as a result of climate change on critical habitat designated under SARA.

No longer a priority

Additional knowledge gaps to recovery identified by Gratto-Trevor et al. (2013), but not presented in the amended recovery strategy:

Not applicable

Identify the season and areas where most juvenile and adult mortality occurs.

High

Document the size of the areas used by adults and broods near the nest to refine core use areas within critical habitat.

Medium

Knowledge gaps to recovery presented in the amended recovery strategy, not prioritized by Gratto-Trevor et al. (2013), but prioritized in this action plan:

Not applicable

Asses the response of plovers to disturbance, harassment and habitat management.

Medium

Compare characteristics of occupied habitat to apparently suitable, but unoccupied habitat.

Low

Appendix C: Geographic location of areas containing critical habitat

Figure C3, read long description
C-3. Grid squares containing critical habitat for Piping Plover in Quebec. Critical Habitat for Piping Plover occurs within these 1km x 1km UTM grid squares (red shaded squares), where the criteria and methodology set out in section 7.1 of the recovery strategy are met. Areas outside of the shaded polygon do not contain critical habitat.
Long description 

Figure C-3: Figure C-3 displays critical habitat for Piping Plover melodus ssp in Biron Island Beach, Quebec. A lower scale inset in the corner explains that the island is north of Grosse-Île Municipality, Quebec. Piping Plover critical habitat is identified using six 1km x 1km standardized UTM grid squares, which cover the southwest portion of the island.

Figure C4, read long description
C-4. Grid squares containing critical habitat for Piping Plover in Quebec. Critical Habitat for Piping Plover occurs within these 1km x 1km UTM grid squares (red shaded squares), where the criteria and methodology set out in section 7.1 of the recovery strategy are met. Areas outside of the shaded polygon do not contain critical habitat.
Long description 

Figure C-4: Figure C-4 displays critical habitat for Piping Plover melodus ssp in Bassin Aux Huîtres Beach, East sector, Quebec. A lower scale inset in the corner explains that the beach is south of Grosse-Île Municipality, Quebec. Piping Plover critical habitat is identified using three standardized UTM 1km x 1km grid squares on an extended spit to the south of the middle of the region.

Figure C5, read long description
C-5. Grid squares containing critical habitat for Piping Plover in Quebec. Critical Habitat for Piping Plover occurs within these 1km x 1km UTM grid squares (red shaded squares), where the criteria and methodology set out in section 7.1 of the recovery strategy are met. Areas outside of the shaded polygon do not contain critical habitat.
Long description 

Figure C-5: Figure C-5 displays critical habitat for Piping Plover melodus ssp in Bassin Aux Huîtres Beach, West sector, Quebec. A lower scale inset in the corner explains that the beach is south of Grosse-Île Municipality, Quebec. Piping Plover critical habitat is identified using two standardized UTM 1km x 1km grid squares on the beach at the southeast corner of the region.

Figure C6, read long description
C-6. Grid squares containing critical habitat for Piping Plover in Quebec. Critical Habitat for Piping Plover occurs within these 1km x 1km UTM grid squares (red shaded squares), where the criteria and methodology set out in section 7.1 of the recovery strategy are met. Areas outside of the shaded polygon do not contain critical habitat.
Long description 

Figure C-6: Figure C-6 displays critical habitat for Piping Plover melodus ssp in Pointe de la Grande Entrée Beach, Quebec. A lower scale inset in the corner explains that the beach is southwest of Grosse-Île Municipality, Quebec. Piping Plover critical habitat is identified using two standardized UTM 1km x 1km grid squares on the beach at the eastern corner of the region.

Figure C7, read long description
C-7. Grid squares containing critical habitat for Piping Plover in Quebec. Critical Habitat for Piping Plover occurs within these 1km x 1km UTM grid squares (red shaded squares), where the criteria and methodology set out in section 7.1 of the recovery strategy are met. Areas outside of the shaded polygon do not contain critical habitat.
Long description 

Figure C-7: Figure C-7 displays critical habitat for Piping Plover melodus ssp in Dune du Sud Beach, Quebec. A lower scale inset in the corner explains that the beach is a spit in between Grosse-Île Municipality, Quebec and Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine Municipality, Quebec. Piping Plover critical habitat is identified using 23 standardized UTM 1km x 1km grid squares across the whole beach.

Figure C8, read long description
C-8. Grid squares containing critical habitat for Piping Plover in Quebec. Critical Habitat for Piping Plover occurs within these 1km x 1km UTM grid squares (red shaded squares), where the criteria and methodology set out in section 7.1 of the recovery strategy are met. Areas outside of the shaded polygon do not contain critical habitat.
Long description 

Figure C-8: Figure C-8 displays critical habitat for Piping Plover melodus ssp in Dune du Sud Beach, Sillons sector, Quebec. A lower scale inset in the corner explains that the beach occurs between Grosse-Île Municipality, Quebec and Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine Municipality, Quebec. Piping Plover critical habitat is identified using five standardized UTM 1km x 1km grid squares in the middle portion of the beach.

Figure C9, read long description
C-9. Grid squares containing critical habitat for Piping Plover in Quebec. Critical Habitat for Piping Plover occurs within these 1km x 1km UTM grid squares (red shaded squares), where the criteria and methodology set out in section 7.1 of the recovery strategy are met. Areas outside of the shaded polygon do not contain critical habitat.
Long description 

Figure C-9: Figure C-9 displays critical habitat for Piping Plover melodus ssp in La Digue Beach and La Pointe Beach, Quebec. A lower scale inset in the corner explains that the beach occurs to the east of Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine Municipality, Quebec. Piping Plover critical habitat is identified using four standardized UTM 1km x 1km grid squares across the isthmus between Cap-aux-Meules and Havre-aux-Maisons.

Figure C10, read long description
C-10. Grid squares containing critical habitat for Piping Plover in Quebec. Critical Habitat for Piping Plover occurs within these 1km x 1km UTM grid squares (red shaded squares), where the criteria and methodology set out in section 7.1 of the recovery strategy are met. Areas outside of the shaded polygon do not contain critical habitat.
Long description 

Figure C-10: Figure C-10 displays critical habitat for Piping Plover melodus ssp in La Martinique Beach and Havre Aubert Beach, Quebec. A lower scale inset in the corner explains that the beach occurs south of Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine Municipality, Quebec. Piping Plover critical habitat is identified using 18 standardized UTM 1km x 1km grid squares across the beach.

Figure C11, read long description
C-11. Grid squares containing critical habitat for Piping Plover in Quebec. Critical Habitat for Piping Plover occurs within these 1km x 1km UTM grid squares (red shaded squares), where the criteria and methodology set out in section 7.1 of the recovery strategy are met. Areas outside of the shaded polygon do not contain critical habitat.
Long description 

Figure C-11: Figure C-11 displays critical habitat for Piping Plover melodus ssp in Dune du Sand Hook Beach, Quebec. A lower scale inset in the corner explains that the beach occurs to the southeast of Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine Municipality, Quebec. Piping Plover critical habitat is identified using eight standardized UTM 1km x 1km grid squares across the beach.

Figure C12, read long description
C-12. Grid squares containing critical habitat for Piping Plover in Quebec. Critical Habitat for Piping Plover occurs within these 1km x 1km UTM grid squares (red shaded squares), where the criteria and methodology set out in section 7.1 of the recovery strategy are met. Areas outside of the shaded polygon do not contain critical habitat.
Long description 

Figure C-12: Figure C-12 displays critical habitat for Piping Plover melodus ssp in Dune du Bassin Beach and Havre Beach, Quebec. A lower scale inset in the corner explains that the beach occurs to the south of Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine Municipality, Quebec. Piping Plover critical habitat is identified using five standardized UTM 1km x 1km grid squares across the beach.

Figure C13, read long description
C-13. Grid squares containing critical habitat for Piping Plover in Quebec. Critical Habitat for Piping Plover occurs within these 1km x 1km UTM grid squares (red shaded squares), where the criteria and methodology set out in section 7.1 of the recovery strategy are met. Areas outside of the shaded polygon do not contain critical habitat.
Long description 

Figure C-13: Figure C-13 displays critical habitat for Piping Plover melodus ssp in Ouest Beach, Quebec. A lower scale inset in the corner explains that the beach occurs directly to the south of Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine Municipality, Quebec. Piping Plover critical habitat is identified using 23 standardized UTM 1km x 1km grid squares across the beach.

Figure C14, read long description
C-14. Grid squares containing critical habitat for Piping Plover in Quebec. Critical Habitat for Piping Plover occurs within these 1km x 1km UTM grid squares (red shaded squares), where the criteria and methodology set out in section 7.1 of the recovery strategy are met. Areas outside of the shaded polygon do not contain critical habitat.
Long description 

Figure C-14: Figure C-14 displays critical habitat for Piping Plover melodus ssp in Hôpital Beach, Fatima sector, Quebec. A lower scale inset in the corner explains that the beach occurs to the north of Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine Municipality, Quebec. Piping Plover critical habitat is identified using 12 standardized UTM 1km x 1km grid squares across the beach.

Figure C15, read long description
C-15. Grid squares containing critical habitat for Piping Plover in Quebec. Critical Habitat for Piping Plover occurs within these 1km x 1km UTM grid squares (red shaded squares), where the criteria and methodology set out in section 7.1 of the recovery strategy are met. Areas outside of the shaded polygon do not contain critical habitat.
Long description 

Figure C-15: Figure C-15 displays critical habitat for Piping Plover melodus ssp in Hôpital Beach, Barge échouée sector, Quebec. A lower scale inset in the corner explains that the beach occurs to the north of Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine Municipality, Quebec. Piping Plover critical habitat is identified using four standardized UTM 1km x 1km grid squares across the middle portion of the beach.

Figure C16, read long description
C-16. Grid squares containing critical habitat for Piping Plover in Quebec. Critical Habitat for Piping Plover occurs within these 1km x 1km UTM grid squares (red shaded squares), where the criteria and methodology set out in section 7.1 of the recovery strategy are met. Areas outside of the shaded polygon do not contain critical habitat.
Long description 

Figure C-16: Figure C-16 displays critical habitat for Piping Plover melodus ssp in Hôpital Beach, Île au Loup sector, Quebec. A lower scale inset in the corner explains that the beach occurs to the north of Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine Municipality, Quebec. Piping Plover critical habitat is identified using nine standardized UTM 1km x 1km grid squares across the middle portion of the beach.

Figure C17, read long description
C-17. Grid squares containing critical habitat for Piping Plover in Quebec. Critical Habitat for Piping Plover occurs within these 1km x 1km UTM grid squares (red shaded squares), where the criteria and methodology set out in section 7.1 of the recovery strategy are met. Areas outside of the shaded polygon do not contain critical habitat.
Long description 

Figure C-17: Figure C-17 displays critical habitat for Piping Plover melodus ssp in Pointe aux Loups Beach, Quebec. A lower scale inset in the corner explains that the beach occurs to the west of Gross-Île Municipality, Quebec. Piping Plover critical habitat is identified using 15 standardized UTM 1km x 1km grid squares across the beach.

Figure C18, read long description
C-18. Grid squares containing critical habitat for Piping Plover in Quebec. Critical Habitat for Piping Plover occurs within these 1km x 1km UTM grid squares (red shaded squares), where the criteria and methodology set out in section 7.1 of the recovery strategy are met. Areas outside of the shaded polygon do not contain critical habitat.
Long description 

Figure C-18: Figure C-18 displays critical habitat for Piping Plover melodus ssp in Pointe de l’Est Beach and Grande Échouerie Beach, Quebec. A lower scale inset in the corner explains that the beaches surround the Gross-Île Municipality, Quebec. Piping Plover critical habitat is identified using 18 standardized UTM 1km x 1km grid squares across the beaches. Boundaries for Federal Protected Areas are also identified on the map; five of the critical habitat grid squares overlap with the Federal Protected areas.

Figure C19, read long description
C-19. Grid squares containing critical habitat for Piping Plover in Quebec. Critical Habitat for Piping Plover occurs within these 1km x 1km UTM grid squares (red shaded squares), where the criteria and methodology set out in section 7.1 of the recovery strategy are met. Areas outside of the shaded polygon do not contain critical habitat.
Long description 

Figure C-19: Figure C-19 displays critical habitat for Piping Plover melodus ssp in Grande Échouerie Beach, Old-Harry sector, Quebec. A lower scale inset in the corner explains that the beach is directly to the south of Gross-Île Municipality, Quebec. Piping Plover critical habitat is identified using six standardized UTM 1km x 1km grid squares across the beaches. Boundaries for Federal Protected Areas are also identified on the map; two of the critical habitat grid squares overlap with the Federal Protected areas.

Figure C20, read long description
C-20. Grid squares containing critical habitat for Piping Plover in New Brunswick. Critical Habitat for Piping Plover occurs within these 1km x 1km UTM grid squares (red shaded squares), where the criteria and methodology set out in section 7.1 of the recovery strategy are met. Areas outside of the shaded polygon do not contain critical habitat.
Long description 

Figure C-20: Figure C-20 displays critical habitat for Piping Plover melodus ssp in Cape Jourmain, National Wildlife Area (NWA), New Brunswick. A lower scale inset in the corner explains that the region is to the northeast of Sackville, New Brunswick and Amherst, New Brunswick. The NWA boundaries are identified on the map. The Piping Plover critical habitat is identified using four standardized UTM 1km x 1km grid squares along the northwest edge of the NWA.

Figure C21, read long description
C-21. Grid squares containing critical habitat for Piping Plover in New Brunswick. Critical Habitat for Piping Plover occurs within these 1km x 1km UTM grid squares (red shaded squares), where the criteria and methodology set out in section 7.1 of the recovery strategy are met. Areas outside of the shaded polygon do not contain critical habitat.
Long description 

Figure C-21: Figure C-21 displays critical habitat for Piping Plover melodus ssp in Shemogue, New Brunswick. A lower scale inset in the corner explains that the region is to the northeast of Sackville and Amherst. The Piping Plover critical habitat is identified using three standardized UTM 1km x 1km grid squares along the Little Cape region, and nince standardized UTM 1km x 1km grid squares along the Shemogue Head and Little Shemogue Harbour region.

Figure C22, read long description
C-22. Grid squares containing critical habitat for Piping Plover in New Brunswick. Critical Habitat for Piping Plover occurs within these 1km x 1km UTM grid squares (red shaded squares), where the criteria and methodology set out in section 7.1 of the recovery strategy are met. Areas outside of the shaded polygon do not contain critical habitat.
Long description 

Figure C-22: Figure C-22 displays critical habitat for Piping Plover melodus ssp in Cap-Brulé, New Brunswick to Cap-Pelé, New Brunswick. A lower scale inset in the corner explains that the region is north of Sackville, New Brunswick and Amherst, New Brunswick, and to the east of Shediac, New Brunswick. The Piping Plover critical habitat is identified using five standardized UTM 1km x 1km grid squares along Cap Bimet and Barachois region, and seven standardized UTM 1km x 1km grid squares along the Dupuis Corner and l’Aboiteau Provincial Park region.

Figure C23, read long description
C-23. Grid squares containing critical habitat for Piping Plover in New Brunswick. Critical Habitat for Piping Plover occurs within these 1km x 1km UTM grid squares (red shaded squares), where the criteria and methodology set out in section 7.1 of the recovery strategy are met. Areas outside of the shaded polygon do not contain critical habitat.
Long description 

Figure C-23: Figure C-23 displays critical habitat for Piping Plover melodus ssp in La Dune de Bouctouche, New Brunswick. A lower scale inset in the corner explains that the region is to the east of Bouctouche, New Brunswick. The Piping Plover critical habitat is identified using 28 standardized UTM 1km x 1km grid squares along the eastern edge of the coast, and extending out along the spit.

Figure C24, read long description
C-24. Grid squares containing critical habitat for Piping Plover in New Brunswick. Critical Habitat for Piping Plover occurs within these 1km x 1km UTM grid squares (red shaded squares), where the criteria and methodology set out in section 7.1 of the recovery strategy are met. Areas outside of the shaded polygon do not contain critical habitat.
Long description 

Figure C-24: Figure C-24 displays critical habitat for Piping Plover melodus ssp in South Richibucto, New Brunswick. A lower scale inset in the corner explains that the region is north of Bouctouche, New Brunswick. The boundaries for Kouchibouguac National Park, a federally protected area, are identified on the map. The Piping Plover critical habitat is identified using 20 standardized UTM 1km x 1km grid squares along the eastern edge of the coast, including two islands. Five standardized UTM 1km x 1km grid squares overlap with Kouchibouguac National Park.

Figure C25, read long description
C-25. Grid squares containing critical habitat for Piping Plover in New Brunswick. Critical Habitat for Piping Plover occurs within these 1km x 1km UTM grid squares (red shaded squares), where the criteria and methodology set out in section 7.1 of the recovery strategy are met. Areas outside of the shaded polygon do not contain critical habitat.
Long description 

Figure C-25: Figure C-25 displays critical habitat for Piping Plover melodus ssp in North Richibucto Dune, Kouchibouguac National Park, New Brunswick. A lower scale inset in the corner explains that the region is north of Bouctouche, New Brunswick. The boundaries for Kouchibouguac National Park, a federally protected area, are identified on the map. The Piping Plover critical habitat is identified using 15 standardized UTM 1km x 1km grid squares and two partial squares along the spits at the eastern edge of the coast, overlapping with the National Park boundaries. In the southeast corner, three additional standardized UTM 1km x 1km grid squares and two partial squares identify critical habitat that does not overlap with Kouchibouguac National Park.

Figure C26, read long description
C-26. Grid squares containing critical habitat for Piping Plover in New Brunswick. Critical Habitat for Piping Plover occurs within these 1km x 1km UTM grid squares (red shaded squares), where the criteria and methodology set out in section 7.1 of the recovery strategy are met. Areas outside of the shaded polygon do not contain critical habitat.
Long description 

Figure C-26: Figure C-26 displays critical habitat for Piping Plover melodus ssp in South Kouchibouguac Dune, Kouchibouguac National Park, New Brunswick. A lower scale inset in the corner explains that the region is north of Bouctouche, New Brunswick. The boundaries for Kouchibouguac National Park, a federally protected area, are identified on the map. The Piping Plover critical habitat is identified using 16 standardized UTM 1km x 1km grid squares and one partial square along the spits at the eastern edge of the coast, overlapping with the National Park boundaries.

Figure C27, read long description
C-27. Grid squares containing critical habitat for Piping Plover in New Brunswick. Critical Habitat for Piping Plover occurs within these 1km x 1km UTM grid squares (red shaded squares), where the criteria and methodology set out in section 7.1 of the recovery strategy are met. Areas outside of the shaded polygon do not contain critical habitat.
Long description 

Figure C-27: Figure C-27 displays critical habitat for Piping Plover melodus ssp in North Kouchibouguac Dune, New Brunswick, to Pointe-Sapin Dune, New Brunswick. A lower scale inset in the corner explains that the region is north of Bouctouche. The boundaries for Kouchibouguac National Park, a federally protected area, are identified on the map. The Piping Plover critical habitat is identified using 16 standardized UTM 1km x 1km grid squares and two partial squares along the eastern edge of the coast, overlapping with the National Park boundaries.

Figure C28, read long description
C-28. Grid squares containing critical habitat for Piping Plover in New Brunswick. Critical Habitat for Piping Plover occurs within these 1km x 1km UTM grid squares (red shaded squares), where the criteria and methodology set out in section 7.1 of the recovery strategy are met. Areas outside of the shaded polygon do not contain critical habitat.
Long description 

Figure C-28: Figure C-28 displays critical habitat for Piping Plover melodus ssp in Escuminac, New Brunswick to Pointe-Sapin, New Brunswick. A lower scale inset in the corner explains that the region is north of Bouctouche, New Brunswick and west of Miramichi, New Brunswick. The Piping Plover critical habitat is identified using 17 standardized UTM 1km x 1km grid squares along the eastern edge of the coast. The boundaries for Kouchibouguac National Park, a federally protected area, are identified in the southwest corner of the map. There is no overlap with the critical habitat.

Figure C29, read long description
C-29. Grid squares containing critical habitat for Piping Plover in New Brunswick. Critical Habitat for Piping Plover occurs within these 1km x 1km UTM grid squares (red shaded squares), where the criteria and methodology set out in section 7.1 of the recovery strategy are met. Areas outside of the shaded polygon do not contain critical habitat.
Long description 

Figure C-29: Figure C-29 displays critical habitat for Piping Plover melodus ssp in Preston, New Brunswick. A lower scale inset in the corner explains that the region is west of Miramichi, New Brunswick. The Piping Plover critical habitat is identified using four standardized UTM 1km x 1km grid squares along Preston Beach.

Figure C30, read long description
C-30. Grid squares containing critical habitat for Piping Plover in New Brunswick. Critical Habitat for Piping Plover occurs within these 1km x 1km UTM grid squares (red shaded squares), where the criteria and methodology set out in section 7.1 of the recovery strategy are met. Areas outside of the shaded polygon do not contain critical habitat.
Long description 

Figure C-30: Figure C-30 displays critical habitat for Piping Plover melodus ssp in Swinging Point, New Brunswick, to Portage Island National Wildlife Area, New Brunswick. A lower scale inset in the corner explains that the region is to the west of Neguac, New Brunswick. The Piping Plover critical habitat is identified using 28 standardized UTM 1km x 1km grid squares and four partial standardized UTM 1km x 1km grid squares along a series of islands off the eastern edge of the coast. Eight of these squares overlap with Portage Island National Wildlife Area, the boundaries of which are also identified on the map.

Figure C31, read long description
C-31. Grid squares containing critical habitat for Piping Plover in New Brunswick. Critical Habitat for Piping Plover occurs within these 1km x 1km UTM grid squares (red shaded squares), where the criteria and methodology set out in section 7.1 of the recovery strategy are met. Areas outside of the shaded polygon do not contain critical habitat.
Long description 

Figure C-31: Figure C-31 displays critical habitat for Piping Plover melodus ssp in Revière-du-Portage, New Bunswick, to Dune de Tabusintac, New Brunswick. A lower scale inset in the corner explains that the region is north of Neguac, New Brunswick and south of Tracadie-Sheila, New Brunswick. The Piping Plover critical habitat is identified using 27 standardized UTM 1km x 1km grid squares and two partial standardized UTM 1km x 1km grid squares along a series of islands off the eastern edge of the coast.

Figure C32, read long description
C-32. Grid squares containing critical habitat for Piping Plover in New Brunswick. Critical Habitat for Piping Plover occurs within these 1km x 1km UTM grid squares (red shaded squares), where the criteria and methodology set out in section 7.1 of the recovery strategy are met. Areas outside of the shaded polygon do not contain critical habitat.
Long description 

Figure C-32: Figure C-32 displays critical habitat for Piping Plover melodus ssp in Pointe-à-Bouleau, New Brunswick to Revière-du-Portage, New Bunswick. A lower scale inset in the corner explains that the region is south of Tracadie-Sheila, New Brunswick. The Piping Plover critical habitat is identified using 19 standardized UTM 1km x 1km grid squares and one partial standardized UTM 1km x 1km grid square along the eastern edge of the coast.

Figure C33, read long description
C-33. Grid squares containing critical habitat for Piping Plover in New Brunswick. Critical Habitat for Piping Plover occurs within these 1km x 1km UTM grid squares (red shaded squares), where the criteria and methodology set out in section 7.1 of the recovery strategy are met. Areas outside of the shaded polygon do not contain critical habitat.
Long description 

Figure C-33: Figure C-33 displays critical habitat for Piping Plover melodus ssp in Pointe Verte, New Brunswick to Dune de Tracadie, New Brunswick. A lower scale inset in the corner explains that the region is northeast of Tracadie-Sheila, New Brunswick. The Piping Plover critical habitat is identified using 18 standardized UTM 1km x 1km grid squares and two partial standardized UTM 1km x 1km grid squares along the eastern edge of the coast, including a series of islands.

Figure C34, read long description
C-34. Grid squares containing critical habitat for Piping Plover in New Brunswick. Critical Habitat for Piping Plover occurs within these 1km x 1km UTM grid squares (red shaded squares), where the criteria and methodology set out in section 7.1 of the recovery strategy are met. Areas outside of the shaded polygon do not contain critical habitat.
Long description 

Figure C-34: Figure C-34 displays critical habitat for Piping Plover melodus ssp in Pointe Verte, New Brunswick to Le Goulet, New Brunswick. A lower scale inset in the corner explains that the region is south of Shippagan, New Brunswick. The Piping Plover critical habitat is identified using 22 standardized UTM 1km x 1km grid squares and two partial standardized UTM 1km x 1km grid squares along the eastern edge of the coast, including a series of islands. The boundaries for Inkerman Migratory Bird Sanctuary, a federally protected area, are identified northwest of the critical habitat; there is no overlap.

Figure C35, read long description
C-35. Grid squares containing critical habitat for Piping Plover in New Brunswick. Critical Habitat for Piping Plover occurs within these 1km x 1km UTM grid squares (red shaded squares), where the criteria and methodology set out in section 7.1 of the recovery strategy are met. Areas outside of the shaded polygon do not contain critical habitat.
Long description 

Figure C-35: Figure C-35 displays critical habitat for Piping Plover melodus ssp in Chiasson, New Brunswick to Cap-Bateau, New Brunswick. A lower scale inset in the corner explains that the region is northeast of Shippagan, New Brunswick. The Piping Plover critical habitat is identified using 14 standardized UTM 1km x 1km grid squares along the eastern edge of the coast: Seven squares surrounding Shippegan Beach, two squares around Grand Lake, three squares north of Sainte-Marie-dur-Mer and two squares north of Cap-Bateau.

Figure C36, read long description
C-36. Grid squares containing critical habitat for Piping Plover in New Brunswick. Critical Habitat for Piping Plover occurs within these 1km x 1km UTM grid squares (red shaded squares), where the criteria and methodology set out in section 7.1 of the recovery strategy are met. Areas outside of the shaded polygon do not contain critical habitat.
Long description 

Figure C-36: Figure C-36 displays critical habitat for Piping Plover melodus ssp in Southern Miscou Island, New Brunswick. A lower scale inset in the corner explains that the region is northeast of Shippagan, New Brunswick. The Piping Plover critical habitat is identified using fifteen standardized UTM 1km x 1km grid squares and two partial standardized UTM 1km x 1km grid squares along the coast of the island: Four squares at Miscou Harbour, eleven squares and one partial square from Wilson Point to Pointe à Baleine, and a partial square at Miscou Centre.
 

Figure C37, read long description
C-37. Grid squares containing critical habitat for Piping Plover in New Brunswick. Critical Habitat for Piping Plover occurs within these 1km x 1km UTM grid squares (red shaded squares), where the criteria and methodology set out in section 7.1 of the recovery strategy are met. Areas outside of the shaded polygon do not contain critical habitat.
Long description 

Figure C-37: Figure C-37 displays critical habitat for Piping Plover melodus ssp in Northern Miscou Island, New Brunswick. A lower scale inset in the corner explains that the region is northeast of Shippagan, New Brunswick. The Piping Plover critical habitat is identified using 28 standardized UTM 1km x 1km grid squares and two partial standardized UTM 1km x 1km grid squares along the coast of the island.

Figure C38, read long description
C-38. Grid squares containing critical habitat for Piping Plover in New Brunswick. Critical Habitat for Piping Plover occurs within these 1km x 1km UTM grid squares (red shaded squares), where the criteria and methodology set out in section 7.1 of the recovery strategy are met. Areas outside of the shaded polygon do not contain critical habitat.
Long description 

Figure C-38: Figure C-38 displays critical habitat for Piping Plover melodus ssp in Île de Pokesudie, New Brunswick. A lower scale inset in the corner explains that the region is northwest of Shippagan, New Brunswick. The Piping Plover critical habitat is identified using one standardized UTM 1km x 1km grid square at Pointe des Blanchard.

Figure C39, read long description
C-39. Grid squares containing critical habitat for Piping Plover in Prince Edward Island. Critical Habitat for Piping Plover occurs within these 1km x 1km UTM grid squares (red shaded squares), where the criteria and methodology set out in section 7.1 of the recovery strategy are met. Areas outside of the shaded polygon do not contain critical habitat.
Long description 

Figure C-39: Figure C-39 displays critical habitat for Piping Plover melodus ssp in Wood Islands, Prince Edward Island. A lower scale inset in the corner explains that the region is south of Montague, Prince Edward Island. The Piping Plover critical habitat is identified using two standardized UTM 1km x 1km grid squares along the west side of Wood Islands Harbour.

Figure C40, read long description
C-40. Grid squares containing critical habitat for Piping Plover in Prince Edward Island. Critical Habitat for Piping Plover occurs within these 1km x 1km UTM grid squares (red shaded squares), where the criteria and methodology set out in section 7.1 of the recovery strategy are met. Areas outside of the shaded polygon do not contain critical habitat.
Long description 

Figure C-40: Figure C-40 displays critical habitat for Piping Plover melodus ssp in Murray Head, Prince Edward Island, to Panmure Island, Prince Edward Island. A lower scale inset in the corner explains that the region is southeast of Montague, Prince Edward Island. The Piping Plover critical habitat is identified using eight standardized UTM 1km x 1km grid squares along Irvings cape, and three standardized UTM 1km x 1km grid squares along Panmure Island Road.

Figure C41, read long description
C-41. Grid squares containing critical habitat for Piping Plover in Prince Edward Island. Critical Habitat for Piping Plover occurs within these 1km x 1km UTM grid squares (red shaded squares), where the criteria and methodology set out in section 7.1 of the recovery strategy are met. Areas outside of the shaded polygon do not contain critical habitat.
Long description 

Figure C-41: Figure C-41 displays critical habitat for Piping Plover melodus ssp in Boughton Bay, Prince Edward Island. A lower scale inset in the corner explains that the region is east of Montague and southwest from Souris, Prince Edward Island. The Piping Plover critical habitat is identified using four standardized UTM 1km x 1km grid squares surrounding Launching Bay, and two standardized UTM 1km x 1km grid squares along Old Ferry Spit.

Figure C42, read long description
C-42. Grid squares containing critical habitat for Piping Plover in Prince Edward Island. Critical Habitat for Piping Plover occurs within these 1km x 1km UTM grid squares (red shaded squares), where the criteria and methodology set out in section 7.1 of the recovery strategy are met. Areas outside of the shaded polygon do not contain critical habitat.
Long description 

Figure C-42: Figure C-42 displays critical habitat for Piping Plover melodus ssp in Spry Cove, Prince Edward Island, to Fortune Harbour, Prince Edward Island. A lower scale inset in the corner explains that the region is southwest from Souris, Prince Edward Island. The Piping Plover critical habitat is identified using four standardized UTM 1km x 1km grid squares along the coast from Rollo Point to Eglington Cove, two standardized UTM 1km x 1km grid squares along the spit at Howe Bay, and two standardized UTM 1km x 1km grid squares surrounding Spry Cove.

Figure C43, read long description
C-43. Grid squares containing critical habitat for Piping Plover in Prince Edward Island. Critical Habitat for Piping Plover occurs within these 1km x 1km UTM grid squares (red shaded squares), where the criteria and methodology set out in section 7.1 of the recovery strategy are met. Areas outside of the shaded polygon do not contain critical habitat.
Long description 

Figure C-43: Figure C-43 displays critical habitat for Piping Plover melodus ssp in Souris, Prince Edward Island. A lower scale inset in the corner explains that this map focuses on the western portion of the city. The Piping Plover critical habitat is identified using two standardized UTM 1km x 1km grid squares along Souris Beach.

Figure C44, read long description
C-44. Grid squares containing critical habitat for Piping Plover in Prince Edward Island. Critical Habitat for Piping Plover occurs within these 1km x 1km UTM grid squares (red shaded squares), where the criteria and methodology set out in section 7.1 of the recovery strategy are met. Areas outside of the shaded polygon do not contain critical habitat.
Long description 

Figure C-44: Figure C-44 displays critical habitat for Piping Plover melodus ssp in Black Pond, Prince Edward Island. A lower scale inset in the corner explains that this region is east of Souris, Prince Edward Island. The Piping Plover critical habitat is identified using five standardized UTM 1km x 1km grid squares along the coast. The boundaries for Black Pond Migratory Bird Sanctuary are identified northwest of the critical habitat and overlap with four critical habitat grid squares.

Figure C45, read long description
C-45. Grid squares containing critical habitat for Piping Plover in Prince Edward Island. Critical Habitat for Piping Plover occurs within these 1km x 1km UTM grid squares (red shaded squares), where the criteria and methodology set out in section 7.1 of the recovery strategy are met. Areas outside of the shaded polygon do not contain critical habitat.
Long description 

Figure C-45: Figure C-45 displays critical habitat for Piping Plover melodus ssp in Basin Head, Prince Edward Island, to East Point, Prince Edward Island. A lower scale inset in the corner explains that this region is east of Souris, Prince Edward Island. The Piping Plover critical habitat is identified using 27 standardized UTM 1km x 1km grid squares along the coast.  

Figure C46, read long description
C-46. Grid squares containing critical habitat for Piping Plover in Prince Edward Island. Critical Habitat for Piping Plover occurs within these 1km x 1km UTM grid squares (red shaded squares), where the criteria and methodology set out in section 7.1 of the recovery strategy are met. Areas outside of the shaded polygon do not contain critical habitat.
Long description 

Figure C-46: Figure C-46 displays critical habitat for Piping Plover melodus ssp in Priest Pond, Prince Edward Island, to Hermanville, Prince Edward Island. A lower scale inset in the corner explains that this region is north of Souris, Prince Edward Island. The Piping Plover critical habitat is identified using five standardized UTM 1km x 1km grid squares along the coast.  

Figure C47, read long description
C-47. Grid squares containing critical habitat for Piping Plover in Prince Edward Island. Critical Habitat for Piping Plover occurs within these 1km x 1km UTM grid squares (red shaded squares), where the criteria and methodology set out in section 7.1 of the recovery strategy are met. Areas outside of the shaded polygon do not contain critical habitat.
Long description 

Figure C-47: Figure C-47 displays critical habitat for Piping Plover melodus ssp in Naufrage, Prince Edward Island. A lower scale inset in the corner explains that this region is northwest of Souris, Prince Edward Island. The Piping Plover critical habitat is identified using two standardized UTM 1km x 1km grid squares along the coast.  

Figure C48, read long description
C-48. Grid squares containing critical habitat for Piping Plover in Prince Edward Island. Critical Habitat for Piping Plover occurs within these 1km x 1km UTM grid squares (red shaded squares), where the criteria and methodology set out in section 7.1 of the recovery strategy are met. Areas outside of the shaded polygon do not contain critical habitat.
Long description 

Figure C-48: Figure C-48 displays critical habitat for Piping Plover melodus ssp in Cable Head East, Prince Edward Island. A lower scale inset in the corner explains that this region is northwest of Souris, Prince Edward Island. The Piping Plover critical habitat is identified using two standardized UTM 1km x 1km grid squares along the coast.  

Figure C49, read long description
C-49. Grid squares containing critical habitat for Piping Plover in Prince Edward Island. Critical Habitat for Piping Plover occurs within these 1km x 1km UTM grid squares (red shaded squares), where the criteria and methodology set out in section 7.1 of the recovery strategy are met. Areas outside of the shaded polygon do not contain critical habitat.
Long description 

Figure C-49: Figure C-49 displays critical habitat for Piping Plover melodus ssp in St. Peters Bay, Prince Edward Island. A lower scale inset in the corner explains that this region is north of Montague, Prince Edward Island. The Piping Plover critical habitat is identified using 13 standardized UTM 1km x 1km grid squares along the coast of the land at the eastern side of the bay, in addition to a portion of the coast on the west side. The boundaries for Prince Edward Island National Park are also identified on the map and overlap with ten critical habitat grid squares.

Figure C50, read long description
C-50. Grid squares containing critical habitat for Piping Plover in Prince Edward Island. Critical Habitat for Piping Plover occurs within these 1km x 1km UTM grid squares (red shaded squares), where the criteria and methodology set out in section 7.1 of the recovery strategy are met. Areas outside of the shaded polygon do not contain critical habitat.
Long description 

Figure C-50: Figure C-50 displays critical habitat for Piping Plover melodus ssp in Savage Harbour, Prince Edward Island. A lower scale inset in the corner explains that this region is northwest of Montague, Prince Edward Island. The Piping Plover critical habitat is identified using 11 standardized UTM 1km x 1km grid squares and one partial grid square along the coast.  

Figure C51, read long description
C-51. Grid squares containing critical habitat for Piping Plover in Prince Edward Island. Critical Habitat for Piping Plover occurs within these 1km x 1km UTM grid squares (red shaded squares), where the criteria and methodology set out in section 7.1 of the recovery strategy are met. Areas outside of the shaded polygon do not contain critical habitat.
Long description 

Figure C-51: Figure C-51 displays critical habitat for Piping Plover melodus ssp in Tracadie Bay, Prince Edward Island. A lower scale inset in the corner explains that this region is northwest of Montague, Prince Edward Island and northeast of Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. The Piping Plover critical habitat is identified using 16 standardized UTM 1km x 1km grid squares along the coast. The boundaries for Prince Edward Island National Park are also identified on the map and overlap with ten critical habitat grid squares.

Figure C52, read long description
C-52. Grid squares containing critical habitat for Piping Plover in Prince Edward Island. Critical Habitat for Piping Plover occurs within these 1km x 1km UTM grid squares (red shaded squares), where the criteria and methodology set out in section 7.1 of the recovery strategy are met. Areas outside of the shaded polygon do not contain critical habitat.
Long description 

Figure C-52: Figure C-52 displays critical habitat for Piping Plover melodus ssp in Brackley Bay, Prince Edward Island to Dalvay, Prince Edward Island. A lower scale inset in the corner explains that this region is north of Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. The Piping Plover critical habitat is identified using 14 standardized UTM 1km x 1km grid squares and two partial grid squares along the coast. The boundaries for Prince Edward Island National Park are also identified on the map and overlap with all 14 critical habitat grid squares.

Figure C53, read long description
C-53. Grid squares containing critical habitat for Piping Plover in Prince Edward Island. Critical Habitat for Piping Plover occurs within these 1km x 1km UTM grid squares (red shaded squares), where the criteria and methodology set out in section 7.1 of the recovery strategy are met. Areas outside of the shaded polygon do not contain critical habitat.
Long description 

Figure C-53: Figure C-53 displays critical habitat for Piping Plover melodus ssp in Rustico Bay, Prince Edward Island. A lower scale inset in the corner explains that this region is northweat of Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. The Piping Plover critical habitat is identified using 12 standardized UTM 1km x 1km grid squares and one partial grid square along the coast. The boundaries for Prince Edward Island National Park are also identified on the map and overlap with eight critical habitat grid squares and one partial grid square.

Figure C54, read long description
C-54. Grid squares containing critical habitat for Piping Plover in Prince Edward Island. Critical Habitat for Piping Plover occurs within these 1km x 1km UTM grid squares (red shaded squares), where the criteria and methodology set out in section 7.1 of the recovery strategy are met. Areas outside of the shaded polygon do not contain critical habitat.
Long description 

Figure C-54: Figure C-54 displays critical habitat for Piping Plover melodus ssp in New London Bay, Prince Edward Island. A lower scale inset in the corner explains that this region is northwest of Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island and northeast of Summerside, Prince Edward Island. The Piping Plover critical habitat is identified using nine standardized UTM 1km x 1km grid squares along the coast. The boundaries for Prince Edward Island National Park are also identified on the map and overlap with all nine critical habitat grid squares.

Figure C55, read long description
C-55. Grid squares containing critical habitat for Piping Plover in Prince Edward Island. Critical Habitat for Piping Plover occurs within these 1km x 1km UTM grid squares (red shaded squares), where the criteria and methodology set out in section 7.1 of the recovery strategy are met. Areas outside of the shaded polygon do not contain critical habitat.
Long description 

Figure C-55: Figure C-55 displays critical habitat for Piping Plover melodus ssp in New London Bay, Prince Edward Island. A lower scale inset in the corner explains that this region is northeast of Summerside, Prince Edward Island. The Piping Plover critical habitat is identified using five standardized UTM 1km x 1km grid squares along the coast.

Figure C56, read long description
C-56. Grid squares containing critical habitat for Piping Plover in Prince Edward Island. Critical Habitat for Piping Plover occurs within these 1km x 1km UTM grid squares (red shaded squares), where the criteria and methodology set out in section 7.1 of the recovery strategy are met. Areas outside of the shaded polygon do not contain critical habitat.
Long description 

Figure C-56: Figure C-56 displays critical habitat for Piping Plover melodus ssp in Darnley Basin, Prince Edward Island. A lower scale inset in the corner explains that this region is north of Summerside, Prince Edward Island. The Piping Plover critical habitat is identified using four standardized UTM 1km x 1km grid squares along the coast, and three standardized UTM 1km x 1km grid squares and two partial grid squares along Fish Island to the northwest.

Figure C57, read long description
C-57. Grid squares containing critical habitat for Piping Plover in Prince Edward Island. Critical Habitat for Piping Plover occurs within these 1km x 1km UTM grid squares (red shaded squares), where the criteria and methodology set out in section 7.1 of the recovery strategy are met. Areas outside of the shaded polygon do not contain critical habitat.
Long description 

Figure C-57: Figure C-57 displays critical habitat for Piping Plover melodus ssp in Hog Island, Prince Edward Island. A lower scale inset in the corner explains that this region is north of Summerside, Prince Edward Island. The Piping Plover critical habitat is identified using 26 standardized UTM 1km x 1km grid squares and two partial grid squares along the length of the island.

Figure C58, read long description
C-58. Grid squares containing critical habitat for Piping Plover in Prince Edward Island. Critical Habitat for Piping Plover occurs within these 1km x 1km UTM grid squares (red shaded squares), where the criteria and methodology set out in section 7.1 of the recovery strategy are met. Areas outside of the shaded polygon do not contain critical habitat.
Long description 

Figure C-58: Figure C-58 displays critical habitat for Piping Plover melodus ssp in Conway Sandhills, Prince Edward Island. A lower scale inset in the corner explains that this region is north of Summerside, Prince Edward Island and south of Tignish, Prince Edward Island. The Piping Plover critical habitat is identified using 21 standardized UTM 1km x 1km grid squares and four partial grid squares along the length of the island.

Figure C59, read long description
C-59. Grid squares containing critical habitat for Piping Plover in Prince Edward Island. Critical Habitat for Piping Plover occurs within these 1km x 1km UTM grid squares (red shaded squares), where the criteria and methodology set out in section 7.1 of the recovery strategy are met. Areas outside of the shaded polygon do not contain critical habitat.
Long description 

Figure C-59: Figure C-59 displays critical habitat for Piping Plover melodus ssp in Alberton Harbour, Prince Edward Island, to Jacques Cartier Provincial Park, Prince Edward Island. A lower scale inset in the corner explains that this region is south of Tignish, Prince Edward Island. The Piping Plover critical habitat is identified using nine standardized UTM 1km x 1km grid squares and one partial grid square along the coast.

Figure C60, read long description
C-60. Grid squares containing critical habitat for Piping Plover in Prince Edward Island. Critical Habitat for Piping Plover occurs within these 1km x 1km UTM grid squares (red shaded squares), where the criteria and methodology set out in section 7.1 of the recovery strategy are met. Areas outside of the shaded polygon do not contain critical habitat.
Long description 

Figure C-60: Figure C-60 displays critical habitat for Piping Plover melodus ssp in Nail Pond, Prince Edward Island. A lower scale inset in the corner explains that this region is north of Tignish, Prince Edward Island. The Piping Plover critical habitat is identified using four standardized UTM 1km x 1km grid squares along the coast.

Figure C61, read long description
C-61. Grid squares containing critical habitat for Piping Plover in Nova Scotia. Critical Habitat for Piping Plover occurs within these 1km x 1km UTM grid squares (red shaded squares), where the criteria and methodology set out in section 7.1 of the recovery strategy are met. Areas outside of the shaded polygon do not contain critical habitat.
Long description 

Figure C-61: Figure C-61 displays critical habitat for Piping Plover melodus ssp in Cape Sable Island and Baccaro, Nova Scotia. A lower scale inset in the corner explains that this region surrounds Clark’s Harbour, Nova Scotia. The Piping Plover critical habitat is identified using 34 standardized UTM 1km x 1km grid squares along the coast and surrounding the island.

Figure C62, read long description
C-62. Grid squares containing critical habitat for Piping Plover in Nova Scotia. Critical Habitat for Piping Plover occurs within these 1km x 1km UTM grid squares (red shaded squares), where the criteria and methodology set out in section 7.1 of the recovery strategy are met. Areas outside of the shaded polygon do not contain critical habitat.
Long description 

Figure C-62: Figure C-62 displays critical habitat for Piping Plover melodus ssp in Round Bay and Ingomar, Nova Scotia. A lower scale inset in the corner explains that this region is northeast of Clark’s Harbour, Nova Scotia and south of Shelburne, Nova Scotia. The Piping Plover critical habitat is identified using eight standardized UTM 1km x 1km grid squares along the coast.

Figure C63, read long description
C-63. Grid squares containing critical habitat for Piping Plover in Nova Scotia. Critical Habitat for Piping Plover occurs within these 1km x 1km UTM grid squares (red shaded squares), where the criteria and methodology set out in section 7.1 of the recovery strategy are met. Areas outside of the shaded polygon do not contain critical habitat.
Long description 

Figure C-63: Figure C-63 displays critical habitat for Piping Plover melodus ssp in Lockeport, Nova Scotia, to Port Hebert, Nova Scotia. A lower scale inset in the corner explains that this region is east of Shelburne, Nova Scotia and south of Liverpool, Nova Scotia. The Piping Plover critical habitat is identified using twelve standardized UTM 1km x 1km grid squares along the coast.

Figure C64, read long description
C-64. Grid squares containing critical habitat for Piping Plover in Nova Scotia. Critical Habitat for Piping Plover occurs within these 1km x 1km UTM grid squares (red shaded squares), where the criteria and methodology set out in section 7.1 of the recovery strategy are met. Areas outside of the shaded polygon do not contain critical habitat.
Long description 

Figure C-64: Figure C-64 displays critical habitat for Piping Plover melodus ssp in Port Mouton, Nova Scotia. A lower scale inset in the corner explains that this region is east of Shelburne, Nova Scotia and south of Liverpool, Nova Scotia. The Piping Plover critical habitat is identified using 23 standardized UTM 1km x 1km grid squares along the coast. The boundaries for Port Joli Migratory Bird Sanctuary and Kejimkujik National Park Seaside are also identified on the map and overlap with ten critical habitat grid squares.

Figure C65, read long description
C-65. Grid squares containing critical habitat for Piping Plover in Nova Scotia. Critical Habitat for Piping Plover occurs within these 1km x 1km UTM grid squares (red shaded squares), where the criteria and methodology set out in section 7.1 of the recovery strategy are met. Areas outside of the shaded polygon do not contain critical habitat.
Long description 

Figure C-65: Figure C-65 displays critical habitat for Piping Plover melodus ssp in Sandy Bay, Nova Scotia, to White Point, Nova Scotia. A lower scale inset in the corner explains that this region is northeast of Liverpool, Nova Scotia. The Piping Plover critical habitat is identified using ten standardized UTM 1km x 1km grid squares along the coast.  

Figure C66, read long description
C-66. Grid squares containing critical habitat for Piping Plover in Nova Scotia. Critical Habitat for Piping Plover occurs within these 1km x 1km UTM grid squares (red shaded squares), where the criteria and methodology set out in section 7.1 of the recovery strategy are met. Areas outside of the shaded polygon do not contain critical habitat.
Long description 

Figure C-66: Figure C-66 displays critical habitat for Piping Plover melodus ssp in Green Bay, Nova Scotia, to Kingsburg, Nova Scotia. A lower scale inset in the corner explains that this region is south of Bridgewater, Nova Scotia, and Lunenburg, Nova Scotia. The Piping Plover critical habitat is identified using nine standardized UTM 1km x 1km grid squares along the coast and on an island to the east of the coast.  

Figure C67, read long description
C-67. Grid squares containing critical habitat for Piping Plover in Nova Scotia. Critical Habitat for Piping Plover occurs within these 1km x 1km UTM grid squares (red shaded squares), where the criteria and methodology set out in section 7.1 of the recovery strategy are met. Areas outside of the shaded polygon do not contain critical habitat.
Long description 

Figure C-67: Figure C-67 displays critical habitat for Piping Plover melodus ssp in Cow Bay, Nova Scotia, to Conrads Beach, Nova Scotia. A lower scale inset in the corner explains that this region is southeast of Halifax and Darmouth, Nova Scotia. The Piping Plover critical habitat is identified using nine standardized UTM 1km x 1km grid squares along the coast.  

Figure C68, read long description
C-68. Grid squares containing critical habitat for Piping Plover in Nova Scotia. Critical Habitat for Piping Plover occurs within these 1km x 1km UTM grid squares (red shaded squares), where the criteria and methodology set out in section 7.1 of the recovery strategy are met. Areas outside of the shaded polygon do not contain critical habitat.
Long description 

Figure C-68: Figure C-68 displays critical habitat for Piping Plover melodus ssp in Martinique Beach, Nova Scotia. A lower scale inset in the corner explains that this region is east of Halifax and Darmouth, Nova Scotia. The Piping Plover critical habitat is identified using four standardized UTM 1km x 1km grid squares across a series of islands.  

Figure C69, read long description
C-69. Grid squares containing critical habitat for Piping Plover in Nova Scotia. Critical Habitat for Piping Plover occurs within these 1km x 1km UTM grid squares (red shaded squares), where the criteria and methodology set out in section 7.1 of the recovery strategy are met. Areas outside of the shaded polygon do not contain critical habitat.
Long description 

Figure C-69: Figure C-69 displays critical habitat for Piping Plover melodus ssp in Clam Harbour Beach, Nova Scotia. A lower scale inset in the corner explains that this region is east of Halifax and Darmouth, Nova Scotia. The Piping Plover critical habitat is identified using three standardized UTM 1km x 1km grid squares along the beach.

Figure C70, read long description
C-70. Grid squares containing critical habitat for Piping Plover in Nova Scotia. Critical Habitat for Piping Plover occurs within these 1km x 1km UTM grid squares (red shaded squares), where the criteria and methodology set out in section 7.1 of the recovery strategy are met. Areas outside of the shaded polygon do not contain critical habitat.
Long description 

Figure C-70: Figure C-70 displays critical habitat for Piping Plover melodus ssp in Dominion and Glace Bay, Nova Scotia. A lower scale inset in the corner explains that this region is east of Sydney, Nova Scotia, and north of Louisberg, Nova Scotia. The boundaries for Big Glace Bay Lake Migratory Bird Sanctuary are identified on the map. The Piping Plover critical habitat is identified using two standardized UTM 1km x 1km grid squares on a spit north of Gardiner Mines, and three standardized UTM 1km x 1km grid squares overlapping with the migratory bird sanctuary.

Figure C71, read long description
C-71. Grid squares containing critical habitat for Piping Plover in Nova Scotia. Critical Habitat for Piping Plover occurs within these 1km x 1km UTM grid squares (red shaded squares), where the criteria and methodology set out in section 7.1 of the recovery strategy are met. Areas outside of the shaded polygon do not contain critical habitat.
Long description 

Figure C-71: Figure C-71 displays critical habitat for Piping Plover melodus ssp in Dingwall, Nova Scotia. A lower scale inset in the corner explains that this region is northeast of Chéticamp, Nova Scotia. The Piping Plover critical habitat is identified using 11 standardized UTM 1km x 1km grid squares along the coast. The boundaries for Cape Breton Highlands National Park are identified on the map, and do not overlap with any critical habitat grid squares.

Figure C72, read long description
C-72. Grid squares containing critical habitat for Piping Plover in Nova Scotia. Critical Habitat for Piping Plover occurs within these 1km x 1km UTM grid squares (red shaded squares), where the criteria and methodology set out in section 7.1 of the recovery strategy are met. Areas outside of the shaded polygon do not contain critical habitat.
Long description 

Figure C-72: Figure C-72 displays critical habitat for Piping Plover melodus ssp in Inverness, Nova Scotia. A lower scale inset in the corner explains that this city is south of Chéticamp, Nova Scotia. The Piping Plover critical habitat is identified using five standardized UTM 1km x 1km grid squares along the coast.

Figure C73, read long description
C-73. Grid squares containing critical habitat for Piping Plover in Nova Scotia. Critical Habitat for Piping Plover occurs within these 1km x 1km UTM grid squares (red shaded squares), where the criteria and methodology set out in section 7.1 of the recovery strategy are met. Areas outside of the shaded polygon do not contain critical habitat.
Long description 

Figure C-73: Figure C-73 displays critical habitat for Piping Plover melodus ssp in Port Hood, Nova Scotia to Mabou, Nova Scotia. A lower scale inset in the corner explains that this region is south of Inverness, Nova Scotia. The Piping Plover critical habitat is identified using two standardized UTM 1km x 1km grid squares at Port Hood Station, and one standardized UTM 1km x 1km grid square at West Mabou Beach Provincial Park.

Figure C74, read long description
C-74. Grid squares containing critical habitat for Piping Plover in Nova Scotia. Critical Habitat for Piping Plover occurs within these 1km x 1km UTM grid squares (red shaded squares), where the criteria and methodology set out in section 7.1 of the recovery strategy are met. Areas outside of the shaded polygon do not contain critical habitat.
Long description 

Figure C-74: Figure C-74 displays critical habitat for Piping Plover melodus ssp in Mahoney’s Beach, Nova Scotia to Pomquet, Nova Scotia. A lower scale inset in the corner explains that this region is east of Antigonish, Nova Scotia, and west of Port Hawkesbury, Nova Scotia. The Piping Plover critical habitat is identified using 19 standardized UTM 1km x 1km grid squares along the coast.

Figure C75, read long description
C-75. Grid squares containing critical habitat for Piping Plover in Nova Scotia. Critical Habitat for Piping Plover occurs within these 1km x 1km UTM grid squares (red shaded squares), where the criteria and methodology set out in section 7.1 of the recovery strategy are met. Areas outside of the shaded polygon do not contain critical habitat.
Long description 

Figure C-75: Figure C-75 displays critical habitat for Piping Plover melodus ssp in Mahoney’s Beach, Nova Scotia to Pomquet, Nova Scotia. A lower scale inset in the corner explains that this region is east of New Glasgow, Nova Scotia, and west of Antigonish, Nova Scotia. The Piping Plover critical habitat is identified using nine standardized UTM 1km x 1km grid squares along the coast.

Figure C76, read long description
C-76. Grid squares containing critical habitat for Piping Plover in Nova Scotia. Critical Habitat for Piping Plover occurs within these 1km x 1km UTM grid squares (red shaded squares), where the criteria and methodology set out in section 7.1 of the recovery strategy are met. Areas outside of the shaded polygon do not contain critical habitat.
Long description 

Figure C-76: Figure C-76 displays critical habitat for Piping Plover melodus ssp in Braeshore, Nova Scotia to Melmerby Bay, Nova Scotia. A lower scale inset in the corner explains that this region is northeast of New Glasgow, Nova Scotia. The Piping Plover critical habitat is identified using 12 standardized UTM 1km x 1km grid squares along the coast.

Figure C77, read long description
C-77. Grid squares containing critical habitat for Piping Plover in Nova Scotia. Critical Habitat for Piping Plover occurs within these 1km x 1km UTM grid squares (red shaded squares), where the criteria and methodology set out in section 7.1 of the recovery strategy are met. Areas outside of the shaded polygon do not contain critical habitat.
Long description 

Figure C-77: Figure C-77 displays critical habitat for Piping Plover melodus ssp in Oak Island, Nova Scotia. A lower scale inset in the corner explains that this region is west of New Glasgow, Nova Scotia. The Piping Plover critical habitat is identified using two standardized UTM 1km x 1km grid squares across the island.

Figure C78, read long description
C-78. Grid squares containing critical habitat for Piping Plover in Newfoundland and Labrador. Critical Habitat for Piping Plover occurs within these 1km x 1km UTM grid squares (red shaded squares), where the criteria and methodology set out in section 7.1 of the recovery strategy are met. Areas outside of the shaded polygon do not contain critical habitat.
Long description 

Figure C-78: Figure C-78 displays critical habitat for Piping Plover melodus ssp in Big Barasway (Seal Cove), Newfoundland and Labrador. A lower scale inset in the corner explains that this region is west of Harbour Breton, Newfoundland and Labrador. The Piping Plover critical habitat is identified using three standardized UTM 1km x 1km grid squares along the coast.

Figure C79, read long description
C-79. Grid squares containing critical habitat for Piping Plover in Newfoundland and Labrador. Critical Habitat for Piping Plover occurs within these 1km x 1km UTM grid squares (red shaded squares), where the criteria and methodology set out in section 7.1 of the recovery strategy are met. Areas outside of the shaded polygon do not contain critical habitat.
Long description 

Figure C-79: Figure C-79 displays critical habitat for Piping Plover melodus ssp in Grand Bay West, Newfoundland and Labrador, to Cape Ray, Newfoundland and Labrador. A lower scale inset in the corner explains that this region is west of Channel-Port aux Basques, Newfoundland and Labrador. The Piping Plover critical habitat is identified using 16 standardized UTM 1km x 1km grid squares along the coast.

Figure C80, read long description
C-80. Grid squares containing critical habitat for Piping Plover in Newfoundland and Labrador. Critical Habitat for Piping Plover occurs within these 1km x 1km UTM grid squares (red shaded squares), where the criteria and methodology set out in section 7.1 of the recovery strategy are met. Areas outside of the shaded polygon do not contain critical habitat.
Long description 

Figure C-80: Figure C-80 displays critical habitat for Piping Plover melodus ssp in Shoal Point, Newfoundland and Labrador, to Searston Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador. A lower scale inset in the corner explains that this region is northwest of Channel-Port aux Basques, Newfoundland and Labrador. The Piping Plover critical habitat is identified using six standardized UTM 1km x 1km grid squares along the coast.

Figure C81, read long description
C-81. Grid squares containing critical habitat for Piping Plover in Newfoundland and Labrador. Critical Habitat for Piping Plover occurs within these 1km x 1km UTM grid squares (red shaded squares), where the criteria and methodology set out in section 7.1 of the recovery strategy are met. Areas outside of the shaded polygon do not contain critical habitat.
Long description 

Figure C-81: Figure C-81 displays critical habitat for Piping Plover melodus ssp in Flat Island, Newfoundland and Labrador. A lower scale inset in the corner explains that this region is northwest of St. Georges, Newfoundland and Labrador. The Piping Plover critical habitat is identified using 15 standardized UTM 1km x 1km grid squares along the island.

Figure C82, read long description
C-82. Grid squares containing critical habitat for Piping Plover in Newfoundland and Labrador. Critical Habitat for Piping Plover occurs within these 1km x 1km UTM grid squares (red shaded squares), where the criteria and methodology set out in section 7.1 of the recovery strategy are met. Areas outside of the shaded polygon do not contain critical habitat.
Long description 

Figure C-82: Figure C-82 displays critical habitat for Piping Plover melodus ssp in Stephenville Crossing/St. Georges Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador. A lower scale inset in the corner explains that this region is northeast of St. Georges, Newfoundland and Labrador, and southwest of Stephenville, Newfoundland and Labrador. The Piping Plover critical habitat is identified using eight standardized UTM 1km x 1km grid squares along the coast, and one standardized UTM 1km x 1km grid square of the coast to the west.

Figure C83, read long description
C-83. Grid squares containing critical habitat for Piping Plover in Newfoundland and Labrador. Critical Habitat for Piping Plover occurs within these 1km x 1km UTM grid squares (red shaded squares), where the criteria and methodology set out in section 7.1 of the recovery strategy are met. Areas outside of the shaded polygon do not contain critical habitat.
Long description 

Figure C-83: Figure C-83 displays critical habitat for Piping Plover melodus ssp in Broom Point/Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland and Labrador. A lower scale inset in the corner explains that this region is north of Rocky Harbour, Newfoundland and Labrador. The boundaries of Gros Morne National Park, a Federal Protected Area, are identified on the map. The Piping Plover critical habitat is identified using three standardized UTM 1km x 1km grid squares along the coast, overlapping with the boundaries of the federal protected area.

Figure C84, read long description
C-84. Grid squares containing critical habitat for Piping Plover in Newfoundland and Labrador. Critical Habitat for Piping Plover occurs within these 1km x 1km UTM grid squares (red shaded squares), where the criteria and methodology set out in section 7.1 of the recovery strategy are met. Areas outside of the shaded polygon do not contain critical habitat.
Long description 

Figure C-84: Figure C-84 displays critical habitat for Piping Plover melodus ssp in Shallow Bay/Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland and Labrador. A lower scale inset in the corner explains that this region is north of Rocky Harbour, Newfoundland and Labrador. The boundaries of Gros Morne National Park, a Federal Protected Area, are identified on the map. The Piping Plover critical habitat is identified using five standardized UTM 1km x 1km grid squares along the bay, overlapping with the boundaries of the federal protected area.

Figure C85, read long description
C-85. Grid squares containing critical habitat for Piping Plover in Newfoundland and Labrador. Critical Habitat for Piping Plover occurs within these 1km x 1km UTM grid squares (red shaded squares), where the criteria and methodology set out in section 7.1 of the recovery strategy are met. Areas outside of the shaded polygon do not contain critical habitat.
Long description 

Figure C-85: Figure C-85 displays critical habitat for Piping Plover melodus ssp in Deadman’s Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador. A lower scale inset in the corner explains that this region is southeast of Musgrave Harbour, Newfoundland and Labrador. The Piping Plover critical habitat is identified using six standardized UTM 1km x 1km grid squares along the coast.  

Figure C86, read long description
C-86. Grid squares containing critical habitat for Piping Plover in Newfoundland and Labrador. Critical Habitat for Piping Plover occurs within these 1km x 1km UTM grid squares (red shaded squares), where the criteria and methodology set out in section 7.1 of the recovery strategy are met. Areas outside of the shaded polygon do not contain critical habitat.
Long description 

Figure C-86: Figure C-86 displays critical habitat for Piping Plover melodus ssp in Barasway Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador. A lower scale inset in the corner explains that this region is west of Burgeo, Newfoundland and Labrador. The Piping Plover critical habitat is identified using 10 standardized UTM 1km x 1km grid squares along the coast.  

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