7.0 Wetland Dynamics on the Long Point Bay

7.5 Potential impacts of continued wetland loss

Continued wetland loss (including loss of function) throughout the Great Lakes will reduce the carrying capacity of the region for migratory waterfowl. Ultimately, this will cause a decline in continental waterfowl populations through decreased reproductive output or annual survival. This seems inevitable, as coastal wetlands continue to be drained and developed despite preventive legislation and increased education. Wetland conservation measures at Long Point (especially from private hunt clubs) have been much more successful than in other regions of the Great Lakes, and with present levels of protection, the rate of wetland loss should be slower than for less protected wetland areas. This will likely result in a relative increase in the importance of Long Point as a staging area for waterfowl as other wetlands become less suitable and their carrying capacity for migratory waterfowl is reduced. Since an increase in waterfowl numbers at Long Point can adversely affect the food resources required by these birds, key wetland areas and habitats should be closely monitored over the long term.