New publication supports waterbird monitoring along the East Atlantic Flyway

A new publication developed under the Climate Resilient East Atlantic Flyway (CREAF) project provides practical guidance for monitoring waterbird populations at critical wetland sites across the East Atlantic Flyway, with a particular focus on Western Africa. Published by the Common Wadden Sea Secretariat (CWSS), the guide titled “Abundance monitoring of waterbirds at critical sites in the East Atlantic Flyway with a focus on Western Africa” was authored by Marc van Roomen of Sovon Dutch Centre for Field Ornithology. The publication forms part of the developing CREAF Monitoring Toolbox and is intended to support site managers, researchers and conservation practitioners working to strengthen long-term monitoring programmes along the flyway.

WHY MONITORING IS IMPORTANT

Monitoring waterbird abundance along the flyway is essential for understanding the health of coastal wetlands, assessing the conservation status of migratory bird populations and evaluating the effectiveness of management measures. The guide highlights the importance of coordinated monitoring across sites and key countries to better understand changes affecting migratory waterbirds throughout the flyway.

The publication includes guidance for monitoring both non-breeding and breeding waterbird populations and includes practical examples from key CREAF sites, including the Banc d’Arguin in Mauritania, the Saloum Delta in Senegal and the Bijagós Archipelago in Guinea-Bissau.

It also explores emerging monitoring techniques, including drone surveys and AI-supported image analysis, which is considered to improve the accuracy and efficiency of monitoring in large and remote coastal wetlands.

NEXT STEPS

Developed within the framework of the IKI-funded CREAF project, the report contributes to ongoing efforts to strengthen research, cooperation and adaptive management along the East Atlantic Flyway for the benefit of migratory birds and coastal communities.

Next steps include further harmonisation of monitoring approaches, strengthening data management and protocols for different species, and identifying synergies with related initiatives across additional flyway countries.