Search by Family

Use the table below to search for State Wildlife Action Plan information on conservation actions and stressors for families of at-risk species (also called ‘Species of Greatest Conservation Need’ or ‘SGCN’). Additional cross-species and programmatic actions can be found in Element 4 of the Action Plan.

Family Common Name Conservation Actions Stressors
Accipitridae kites, hawks, eagles, harriers, and Old World vultures
  1. Conduct migration and use surveys associated with wind development projects.;
  2. Develop a BMP guide for farmers to minimize negative effects of cutting hay/silage during the grassland bird nesting season. NRCS recommendations should be viewed as a start with increased emphasis on timing, field size, and bird behavioral cues.;
  3. Develop a program to inform small landowners of the best methods for keeping fields open for grassland wildlife;
  4. Educate trappers on the proper response to incidental trapping of Golden Eagles, such as handling or appropriate contact information.;
  5. Limit exposure to lead and other toxins such as rodenticide through supporting use of alternatives (e.g. non-lead ammunition).;
  6. Monitor the prevalence of environmental contaminants through sampling Bald Eagles as a surrogate for Golden Eagles.;
  7. Prevent seasonal disturbances within 1/4 mile of occupied nests;
  8. Work with Conservation Partners to ensure that Golden Eagle sightings and suspected nest locations are reported to MDMDIFW.;
  9. Work with landowners and the forest products industry to ensure that within 1/8 mile of nests, forestry activities occur during the non-nesting season, and that the structural character of the area is maintained.
  • Agricultural and Forestry Effluents;
  • Hunting and Collecting Terrestrial Animals;
  • Lack of knowledge;
  • Livestock Farming and Ranching;
  • Recreational Activities;
  • Renewable Energy;
  • Work and Other Activities
Acipenseridae sturgeons
  1. Characterize intersystem movements of shortnose and Atlantic sturgeon (e.g., which systems used, paths taken, timing and duration of movements).;
  2. Conduct education to increase awareness of the importance of these species to maintaining productive ecosystem functioning.;
  3. Continue to work with the fishing industry to develop gear modifications that reduce of bycatch of diadromous fishes;
  4. Determine feeding habitat and trophic position of shortnose and Atlantic sturgeon in each system;
  5. Determine sex and stage of maturity of shortnose and Atlantic sturgeon;
  6. Determine the location and timing of critical habitat use (for endangered species) and important habitat use for diadromous fishes at different life history stages;
  7. Encourage improved municipal planning for siting for new or retrofitting development, taking into account future environmental change, to improve connectivity for diadromous fish passage;
  8. Encourage the use of more targeted fishing gear in order to reduce bycatch and habitat disturbance;
  9. Estimate current population size of shortnose and Atlantic sturgeon in major river systems in Maine.;
  10. Gather information to support management, including stock assessments, population genetics, population monitoring, etc.;
  11. Ground-truth mapped habitat and compare to historical maps to monitor change over time, may require updating mapping plans to map more frequently;
  12. Improve understanding of species distribution especially in regards to ecosystem interactions, predator-prey relationships, and prey buffering concepts;
  13. Improve understanding of the relative roles of natural predation, fishing mortality, and climate change in stock dynamics;
  14. Investigate methods to reduce incidental bycatch in commerical and recreational fisheries;
  15. Investigate possibility of shortnose and Atlantic sturgeon scute elemental analysis as indicator of river of origin;
  16. Monitor population stock status through surveys and sampling programs
  • Commercial and Industrial Areas ;
  • Domestic and Urban Waste Water;
  • Fishing and Harvesting of Aquatic Resources;
  • Habitat Shifting or Alteration;
  • Housing and Urban Areas;
  • Industrial and Military Effluents;
  • Lack of knowledge;
  • Other Threat;
  • Problematic Native Species-Diseases
Aeshnidae darners
  1. Prepare a statewide atlas and conservation assessment.
  • Lack of knowledge
Alaudidae larks
  1. Develop a BMP guide for farmers to minimize negative effects of cutting hay/silage during the grassland bird nesting season. NRCS recommendations should be viewed as a start with increased emphasis on timing, field size, and bird behavioral cues.;
  2. Develop a program to inform small landowners of the best methods for keeping fields open for grassland wildlife
  • Livestock Farming and Ranching
Alcidae auks, dovekie, guillemots, murres, puffins, and razobills
  1. Continue seabird restoration activities at historic nesting sites using social attraction, vegetation management, and predator control;
  2. Determine the association with commercial fisheries and climate-induced changes to food avaialability;
  3. Determine which factors influence breeding success and productivity
  • Fishing and Harvesting of Aquatic Resources;
  • Invasive Non-native-Alien Species-Diseases;
  • Problematic Native Species-Diseases
Alcyoniidae soft corals
  1. Develop molecular tools to identify where specimens are collected.;
  2. Encourage the use of more targeted fishing gear in order to reduce bycatch and habitat disturbance;
  3. Reduce the collection and possession of live specimens;
  4. Through education and collaboration, reduce the use of antifouling agents and biocides that negatively affect SGCN, and investigate alternative biofouling agents.
  • Fishing and Harvesting of Aquatic Resources;
  • Marine and Freshwater Aquaculture
Ambystomatidae mole salamanders
  1. Cooperate with University of Maine and the Maine Department of Environmental Protection to research and implement a voluntary Special Area Management Program (SAMP) by towns that want greater flexibility in the implementation of Significant Vernal Pool ru;
  2. Develop an improved understanding of habitat and movement ecology to help develop Best Management Practices and other targeted species conservation actions;
  3. Pure diploid (and non-hybrid) populations of Ambystoma laterale are believed to be rare in Maine and throughout their range. Systematic tissue sampling is needed to document the extent and distribution of all genotypes within the species complex, with a f;
  4. Research and coordinate the development of a publically available Potential Vernal Pool map product that covers the entire State, or at least all organized townships
  • Housing and Urban Areas;
  • Lack of knowledge
Anatidae waterfowl
  1. Continue monitoring through the mid-winter waterfowl survey;
  2. Continue to survey and map wintering sites for Oil Spill contingency planning. Work with industry to locate shipping lanes away from important wintering areas.;
  3. Continue to work with the Maine Department of Marine Resources to coordinate macroalgae harvest in important wintering sites and determine the level of impact on wintering birds;
  4. Gain a better understanding of the extent and impacts of algae harvesting on wintering Harlequin Ducks. Conduct longterm monitoring of ecosystem-wide impacts of cutting algae to determine potential impacts to Harlequin habitats and invertebrate prey base;
  5. Include species occurrence maps in oil spill response plans;
  6. Install signage at boat ramps;
  7. Provide hunter education and identification tips to avoid accidental take of Harlequins;
  8. Provide outreach to recreationalists, including bird watcher,s regarding disturbance to harlequins
  • Fishing and Harvesting of Aquatic Resources;
  • Hunting and Collecting Terrestrial Animals;
  • Industrial and Military Effluents;
  • Recreational Activities
Anguillidae freshwater eels
  1. Conduct education to increase awareness of the importance of these species to maintaining productive ecosystem functioning.;
  2. Continue to work with the fishing industry to develop gear modifications that reduce of bycatch of diadromous fishes;
  3. Determine the location and timing of critical habitat use (for endangered species) and important habitat use for diadromous fishes at different life history stages;
  4. Encourage improved municipal planning for siting for new or retrofitting development, taking into account future environmental change, to improve connectivity for diadromous fish passage;
  5. Encourage the use of more targeted fishing gear in order to reduce bycatch and habitat disturbance;
  6. Gather information to support management, including stock assessments, population genetics, population monitoring, etc.;
  7. Ground-truth mapped habitat and compare to historical maps to monitor change over time, may require updating mapping plans to map more frequently;
  8. Improve downstream passage efficiency;
  9. Improve understanding of species distribution especially in regards to ecosystem interactions, predator-prey relationships, and prey buffering concepts;
  10. Improve understanding of the relative roles of natural predation, fishing mortality, and climate change in stock dynamics;
  11. Investigate methods to reduce incidental bycatch in commerical and recreational fisheries;
  12. Monitor population stock status through surveys and sampling programs
  • Commercial and Industrial Areas ;
  • Dams and Water Management-Use;
  • Domestic and Urban Waste Water;
  • Fishing and Harvesting of Aquatic Resources;
  • Habitat Shifting or Alteration;
  • Housing and Urban Areas;
  • Industrial and Military Effluents;
  • Lack of knowledge;
  • Other Threat;
  • Problematic Native Species-Diseases
Apidae honey bees, bumble bees, and allies
  1. Conduct statewide surveys to document species diversity, distribution and relative abundance.;
  2. Develop and implement outreach materials to raise public awareness of native pollinator ecology, threats and conservation needs, and to encourage use of Integrated Pest Management practices.;
  3. Produce a statewide atlas and conservation assessment
  • Agricultural and Forestry Effluents;
  • Lack of knowledge
Aporrhaidae pelican's foot snails
  1. Develop molecular tools to identify where specimens are collected.;
  2. Education to increase awareness of how the shell trade can reduce the economic value of natural systems.;
  3. Encourage the use of more targeted fishing gear in order to reduce bycatch and habitat disturbance;
  4. Ground-truth mapped habitat and compare to historical maps to monitor change over time, may require updating mapping plans to map more frequently;
  5. Reduce the collection and possession of live specimens;
  6. Reduce the use of tributilyn compounds as a biocide and antifouling prophalactic
  • Agricultural and Forestry Effluents;
  • Fishing and Harvesting of Aquatic Resources
Ardeidae bitterns, egrets, herons, and night-herons
  1. Determine whether prefledging success and productivity rates are contributing to declining numbers;
  2. Develop a population estimate and methods for detecting trends in the statewide population.;
  3. Develop outreach program to educate landowners and recreational users about black-crowned night herons' breeding habitat requirements and sensitivity to disturbance.;
  4. Implement targeted surveys to better understand the distribution and status of this species and to help direct conservation actions to newly documented populations;
  5. In cooperation with landowners and partners, develop and post signs at colonies encouraging users to keep a wide berth during nesting.;
  6. Investigate effect of aerial predators (gulls, crows, eagles) on nesting success.;
  7. Work with landowners to develop and post signs or other strategies for discouraging recreational users from disturbing nesting birds.;
  8. Work with landowners to maximize hemi-marsh conditions and maintain stable water levels.
  • Dams and Water Management-Use;
  • Lack of knowledge;
  • Recreational Activities
Asteriidae sea stars
  1. Conduct research to support management, including but not limited to stock assessments, population genetics, population monitoring, etc.;
  2. Encourage the use of more targeted fishing gear in order to reduce bycatch and habitat disturbance;
  3. Expand existing education and research among researchers and managers to improve understanding and management ability;
  4. Ground-truth mapped habitat and compare to historical maps to monitor change over time, may require updating mapping plans to map more frequently;
  5. Identify species that are resilient to ocean acidification (OA) and rises in sea surface temperature (SST).;
  6. Investigate the effect of various harvesting practices on the integrity of habitats and trophic and ecological systems;
  7. Research to understand how effects such as habitat modifications, population changes, and pollution can influence SGCN;
  8. Through education and collaboration, reduce the use of antifouling agents and biocides that negatively affect SGCN, and investigate alternative biofouling agents.
  • Domestic and Urban Waste Water;
  • Fishing and Harvesting of Aquatic Resources;
  • Habitat Shifting or Alteration;
  • Marine and Freshwater Aquaculture
Balaenidae right whales
  1. Conduct baseline surveys to determine the seasonal density and distribution of fixed fishing gear;
  2. Conduct outreach and trainings to improve the detection of and response time to entangled whales in Maine waters;
  3. Conduct surveys (aerial, boat based and/or passive acoustic) to determine the distribution of large whales in the coastal waters of Maine;
  4. Continue to work with the fishing industry to develop gear modifications that reduce the risk of entanglement and conduct outreach on gear best practices to use;
  5. Determine the high overlap areas between whales, high risk behaviors or persistent habitat use and fixed fishing gear;
  6. Gather baseline data on the configurations of fixed fishing gear used as a function of seasonality and distance from shore.;
  7. Reduce the amount of ghost gear that could increase the risk of entanglement for large whales
  • Fishing and Harvesting of Aquatic Resources
Balaenoptera balaen whales
  1. Conduct baseline surveys to determine the seasonal density and distribution of fixed fishing gear;
  2. Conduct outreach and trainings to improve the detection of and response time to entangled whales in Maine waters;
  3. Conduct surveys (aerial, boat based and/or passive acoustic) to determine the distribution of large whales in the coastal waters of Maine;
  4. Continue to work with the fishing industry to develop gear modifications that reduce the risk of entanglement and conduct outreach on gear best practices to use;
  5. Determine the high overlap areas between whales, high risk behaviors or persistent habitat use and fixed fishing gear;
  6. Gather baseline data on the configurations of fixed fishing gear used as a function of seasonality and distance from shore.;
  7. Reduce the amount of ghost gear that could increase the risk of entanglement for large whales
  • Fishing and Harvesting of Aquatic Resources
Balaenopteridae rorquals
  1. Conduct baseline surveys to determine the seasonal density and distribution of fixed fishing gear;
  2. Conduct outreach and trainings to improve the detection of and response time to entangled whales in Maine waters;
  3. Conduct surveys (aerial, boat based and/or passive acoustic) to determine the distribution of large whales in the coastal waters of Maine;
  4. Continue to work with the fishing industry to develop gear modifications that reduce the risk of entanglement and conduct outreach on gear best practices to use;
  5. Determine the high overlap areas between whales, high risk behaviors or persistent habitat use and fixed fishing gear;
  6. Gather baseline data on the configurations of fixed fishing gear used as a function of seasonality and distance from shore.;
  7. Reduce the amount of ghost gear that could increase the risk of entanglement for large whales
  • Fishing and Harvesting of Aquatic Resources
Buccinidae true whelks
  1. Develop molecular tools to identify where specimens are collected.;
  2. Encourage the use of more targeted fishing gear in order to reduce bycatch and habitat disturbance;
  3. Ground-truth mapped habitat and compare to historical maps to monitor change over time, may require updating mapping plans to map more frequently;
  4. Reduce the collection and possession of live specimens;
  5. Reduce the use of tributilyn compounds as a biocide and antifouling prophalactic
  • Agricultural and Forestry Effluents;
  • Fishing and Harvesting of Aquatic Resources
Cancellothyrididae  
  1. Develop molecular tools to identify where specimens are collected.;
  2. Encourage the use of more targeted fishing gear in order to reduce bycatch and habitat disturbance;
  3. Reduce the collection and possession of live specimens;

  4. Through education and collaboration, reduce the use of antifouling agents and biocides that negatively affect SGCN, and investigate alternative biofouling agents.
  • Fishing and Harvesting of Aquatic Resources;
  • Marine and Freshwater Aquaculture
Carabidae ground beetles
  • Develop an improved understanding of habitat and movement ecology to help develop Best Management Practices and other targeted species conservation actions
  • Lack of knowledge
Catostomidae suckers
  1. Determine population abundance, habitat use, size and age structure and interaction with other fish species in representative waters;


  2. Determine susceptibility and risks associated with certain disease scenarios;

  3. Develop a robust, reliable method to assess population trends, habitat associations, and geographic distribution.
  • Diseases of Unknown Cause;

  • Habitat Shifting or Alteration;

  • Invasive Non-native-Alien Species-Diseases;

  • Lack of knowledge;

  • Problematic Species-Diseases of Unknown Origin;

  • Viral-Prion-induced Diseases
Charadriidae lapwings and plovers
  1. Comply with and update existing Essential Habitat regulation,s requiring all projects funded, permitted, or carried out by a municipality or state agency to be reviewed by MDIFW.;

  2. Conduct intensive predator management including lethal and nonlethal removal of native and nonnative predators from nesting and brood rearing areas.;

  3. Conduct longterm monitoring of ecosystem-wide impacts of cutting algae to determine potential impacts to shorebird habitats and invertebrate prey.;

  4. Continue current management activities including: stake and twine symbolic fencing around nesting areas, exclosures around nests, posting signage to identify nesting areas, and locating and monitoring nesting pairs.;

  5. Continue efforts to annually monitor abundance, distribution, and productivity.;

  6. Continue efforts to educate beach recreationalists, landowners and municipal officials regarding ecology and life history requirements.;

  7. Continue efforts to recruit and provide training sessions for volunteer beach monitors.;

  8. Determine length of stay at stopover areas, site fidelity, local movements and premigration condition to determine if coastal habitats are meeting shorebird requirements for successful migration.;

  9. Determine limiting factors for SGCN shorebird species on breeding, migratory, or wintering areas.;

  10. Develop long-term, non-regulatory habitat protection via management agreements or conservation easements.;
  11. Identify and map priority feeding and roosting areas including offshore habitats, and implement protection initiatives. Enter data in MDIFW ETSC database.;
  12. Identify and prioritize nesting and foraging areas for oil spill contingency planning.;
  13. Identify prey resources in significant staging areas to determine potential limiting factors and optimal management techniques to promote these resources.;
  14. Place symbolic stake and twine fencing around important beach roosting areas with signage to identify roosting areas.;
  15. Provide outreach to pet owners, beachgoers, kayakers, beach managers, and landowners to raise public awareness on shorebirds and on the impacts of disturbance to nesting, feeding, and roosting areas from recreational activities in coastal areas.;
  16. To determine population status continue monitoring program for SGCN shorebird species at high priority migration sites coastwide. Continue to coordinate with ISS, PRISM, Atlantic Flyway ESMP programs.;
  17. Use voluntary agreements, conservation easements, conservation tax abatements and incentives to protect important habitats.;
  18. Work with the partners to conduct research to determine the impact of macroalgae harvest on marine birds.
  • Commercial and Industrial Areas ;
  • Fishing and Harvesting of Aquatic Resources;
  • Habitat Shifting or Alteration;
  • Housing and Urban Areas;
  • Industrial and Military Effluents;
  • Invasive Non-native-Alien Species-Diseases;
  • Lack of knowledge;
  • Other Ecosystem Modifications;
  • Problematic Native Species-Diseases;
  • Recreational Activities;
  • Storms and Flooding;
  • Tourism and Recreational Areas;
  • Work and Other Activities
Cheloniidae sea turtles
  1. Conduct baseline surveys to determine the seasonal density and distribution of fixed fishing gear;
  2. Conduct outreach and trainings to improve the detection of and response time to entangled turtles in Maine waters;
  3. Conduct outreach with fishermen to increase reporting for entangled turtles;
  4. Conduct surveys (aerial, boat based) to determine the distribution of sea turtles in the coastal waters of Maine;
  5. Continue to work with the fishing industry to develop gear modifications that reduce the risk of entanglement and conduct outreach on gear best practices to use;
  6. Gather baseline data on the configurations of fixed fishing gear used as a function of seasonality and distance from shore.;
  7. Reduce the amount of ghost gear that could increase the risk of entanglement for sea turtles
  • Fishing and Harvesting of Aquatic Resources
Clupeidae herrings
  1. Conduct fishway efficiency studies that focus on shad passage at existing fishways;
  2. Update current and historical habitat maps representing spawning locations for alewife and blueback herring.;
  3. Conduct education to increase awareness of the importance of these species to maintaining productive ecosystem functioning.;
  4. Conduct population estimates for Saco, Androscoggin, Kennebec/Sebasticook, and Penobscot rivers;
  5. Continue collecting biological samples to understand how age distribution, length at age, and repeat spawning ratios differ between long-term, recently restored, and rebuilding runs;
  6. Continue to work with the fishing industry to develop gear modifications that reduce of bycatch of diadromous fishes;
  7. Determine locations beyond those regularly monitored where American shad passage may be limited by human-made obstructions;
  8. Determine the location and timing of critical habitat use (for endangered species) and important habitat use for diadromous fishes at different life history stages;
  9. Encourage improved municipal planning for siting for new or retrofitting development, taking into account future environmental change, to improve connectivity for diadromous fish passage;
  10. Encourage the use of more targeted fishing gear in order to reduce bycatch and habitat disturbance;
  11. Gather information to support management, including stock assessments, population genetics, population monitoring, etc.;
  12. Ground-truth assumed current spawning habitat state-wide;
  13. Ground-truth mapped habitat and compare to historical maps to monitor change over time, may require updating mapping plans to map more frequently;
  14. Identify priority locations for connectivity restoration and work with municipalities, local groups, and state and federal partners to restore access to historical habitat or improve access at partial barriers.;
  15. Improve understanding of species distribution especially in regards to ecosystem interactions, predator-prey relationships, and prey buffering concepts;
  16. Improve understanding of the relative roles of natural predation, fishing mortality, and climate change in stock dynamics;
  17. Increase access to historical spawning habitat through effective fish passage or dam removal;
  18. Increase understanding of fish passage efficiency in different fish passage designs including pool and weir, nature-like, Denil, and Alaskan steeppass;
  19. Investigate methods to reduce incidental bycatch in commerical and recreational fisheries;
  20. Map young-of-year habitat based on existing beach seine and in-river trawl surveys in the Kennebec River/Merrymeeting Bay estuary complex and Penobscot River;
  21. Monitor multiple life stages of river herring to understand which stages may be experiencing high mortality;
  22. Monitor population stock status through surveys and sampling programs;
  23. Monitor water chemistry (DO, turbidity, pH, temperature, conductivity) at known spawning grounds during May-July
  • Commercial and Industrial Areas ;
  • Domestic and Urban Waste Water;
  • Fishing and Harvesting of Aquatic Resources;
  • Habitat Shifting or Alteration;
  • Housing and Urban Areas;
  • Industrial and Military Effluents;
  • Lack of knowledge;
  • Other Threat;
  • Problematic Native Species-Diseases
Coenagrionidae narrow-winged damselflies
  • Prepare a statewide atlas and conservation assessment.
  • Lack of knowledge
Colubridae Colubrids
  1. Cooperate with University of Maine and the Maine Department of Environmental Protection to research and implement a voluntary Special Area Management Program (SAMP) by towns that want greater flexibility in the implementation of Significant Vernal Pool ru;
  2. Develop an improved understanding of habitat and movement ecology to help develop Best Management Practices and other targeted species conservation actions;
  3. Identify potential road crossing hotspots using GIS and monitor mortality at those locations with road surveys to prioritize the most problematic road segments for mitigation measures such as cautionary signage, exclusionary fencing, and under-road passag;
  4. Implement targeted professional surveys to better understand the distribution and status of this species and to help direct conservation actions to newly documented populations;
  5. Manage black racer habitat to improve and expand upon habitat that is available where populations occur.
  • Fire and Fire Suppression;
  • Housing and Urban Areas;
  • Lack of knowledge;
  • Logging and Wood Harvesting;
  • Other Ecosystem Modifications;
  • Roads and Railroads
Cordulegastridae spiketails
  • Prepare a statewide atlas and conservation assessment.
  • Lack of knowledge
Corduliidae emeralds
  1. Develop an improved understanding of habitat and movement ecology to help develop Best Management Practices and other targeted species conservation actions;
  2. Prepare a statewide atlas and conservation assessment.
  • Housing and Urban Areas;
  • Lack of knowledge
Cricetidae hamsters, voles, lemmings, and allies
  1. Develop a policy where the Maine Forest Service or LURC would notify IFW of forest management plans where cutting was planned on high elevation sites (above 2,700 feet);
  2. Develop a technique to identify northern bog lemmings using e-DNA found in small water bodies associated with alpine sites
  • Logging and Wood Harvesting;
  • Renewable Energy
Cucumariidae sea cucumbers
  1. Assess the feasibility and advantages of local or area species management approaches;
  2. Conduct research to support management, including but not limited to stock assessments, population genetics, population monitoring, etc.;
  3. Conduct research to support management, including stock assessments, e.g. development of predation, reproduction, growth and aging data and habitat mapping;
  4. Design and encourage the use of more size-selective fishing gear;
  5. Encourage the use of more targeted fishing gear in order to reduce bycatch and habitat disturbance;
  6. Expand existing education and research among researchers and managers to improve understanding and management ability;
  7. Ground-truth mapped habitat and compare to historical maps to monitor change over time, may require updating mapping plans to map more frequently;
  8. Identify species that are resilient to ocean acidification (OA) and rises in sea surface temperature (SST).;
  9. Investigate the effect of various harvesting practices on the integrity of habitats and trophic and ecological systems;
  10. Monitor stock status through surveys and sampling programs;
  11. Research to understand how effects such as habitat modifications, population changes, and pollution can influence SGCN;
  12. Support community engagement in developing a fisheries management plan;
  13. Through education and collaboration, reduce the use of antifouling agents and biocides that negatively affect SGCN, and investigate alternative biofouling agents.
  • Domestic and Urban Waste Water;
  • Fishing and Harvesting of Aquatic Resources;
  • Habitat Shifting or Alteration;
  • Marine and Freshwater Aquaculture
Cyprinidae carps and minnows
  1. Determine population abundance, habitat use, size and age structure and interaction with other fish species in representative waters;
  2. Determine susceptibility and risks associated with certain disease scenarios;
  3. Develop a robust, reliable method to assess population trends, habitat associations, and geographic distribution.
  • Diseases of Unknown Cause;
  • Habitat Shifting or Alteration;
  • Invasive Non-native-Alien Species-Diseases;
  • Lack of knowledge;
  • Problematic Species-Diseases of Unknown Origin;
  • Viral-Prion-induced Diseases
Emberizidae bunting, juncos, longspurs, sparrows and towhees
  1. Assess effects of past and present management practices at the Kennebunk Plains by comparing with longterm population data by management unit over time;
  2. Assess whether Mercury is a problem at marshes across Maine and whether certain marshes pose a higher risk;
  3. Conduct landscape analysis to determine potential for other sites for this species, what management would be necessary, and current ownership;
  4. Conduct research on population status, productivity levels, and limiting factors at indiv sites, and use this information to update a Population Viability Analysis;
  5. Contact landowners at formerly occupied (Wells, Sanford) and potential sites (near Poland) to examine opportunities for habitat enhancement and management of species.;
  6. Continue to monitor populations at Kennebunk Plains and the former Naval Air Station in Brunswick;
  7. Determine the relative impacts of point source (landfills) vs non-point source (atmospheric) contamination by Mercury on post-fledgling survival;
  8. Determine the relative impacts of point source (river-born) vs non-point source (atmospheric) contamination by Mercury.;
  9. Determine whether gene flow from Nelson's sparrow will lead to loss of Saltmarsh Sparrow genotype from Maine, and whether certain marshes may be more resistent to hybridization?;
  10. Determine whether the restoration of tidal action would improve resiliency to sea level rise and whether restricted areas would serve as high marsh refugia, at least temporaily;
  11. Develop BMPs for use with municipalities to maximize buffers around saltmarshes and minimize effects of ongoing commercial and residential development;
  12. Develop a BMP guide for farmers to minimize negative effects of cutting hay/silage during the grassland bird nesting season. NRCS recommendations should be viewed as a start with increased emphasis on timing, field size, and bird behavioral cues.;
  13. Develop a long-term monitoring program which allows for evaluation of effects of human perturbations, natural changes to habitat and management actions to reverse/mitigate such actions.;
  14. Develop a program to inform small landowners of the best methods for keeping fields open for grassland wildlife;
  15. Expand monitoring effort to other potential or previously occupied sites (Sanford Airport, Wells Barrens, Poland Spring fields);
  16. Investigate what role, if any, non-native invasive species have in habitat loss or reduction in habitat quality. Determine mitigation measures appropriate for Maine saltmarshes.;
  17. Maintain known nesting areas in native grasses, little bluestem, or low-growing shrubs like lowbush blueberry and prevent conversion to other land uses;
  18. Restore old gravel pits and agricultural fields to grasslands and low shrubs;
  19. Support current Phragmites control efforts in sourthern Maine and expand to other regions as needed. Monitor effectiveness by conducting point counts to determine bird response.;
  20. Work with landowners to prevent livestock grazing on known nesting fields during the critical nesting period (May 1-August 5)
  • Air-Bourne Pollutants;
  • Commercial and Industrial Areas ;
  • Dams and Water Management-Use;
  • Domestic and Urban Waste Water;
  • Fire and Fire Suppression;
  • Habitat Shifting or Alteration;
  • Housing and Urban Areas;
  • Industrial and Military Effluents;
  • Invasive Non-native-Alien Species-Diseases;
  • Lack of knowledge;
  • Livestock Farming and Ranching;
  • Problematic Native Species-Diseases;
  • Recreational Activities;
  • Storms and Flooding;
  • Tourism and Recreational Areas
Emydidae pond turtles
  1. Continue the cautionary road crossing signage program, and expand the number of locations with signs as additional road crossing hotspots are identified.;
  2. Continue to build public awareness of risks posed by roadways with seasonally appropriate press release that also warns motorists to be on the lookout for turtles during spring/early summer.;
  3. Continue to build public awareness of risks to wood turtles posed by roadways with seasonally appropriate press release that also warns motorists to be on the lookout for turtles during spring/early summer.;
  4. Cooperate with University of Maine and the Maine Department of Environmental Protection to research and implement a voluntary Special Area Management Program (SAMP) by towns that want greater flexibility in the implementation of Significant Vernal Pool ru;
  5. Deter casual collection by educating the public on the importance of leaving turtles where they find them;
  6. Expand cautionary road crossing signage program to include wood turtle as important road crossing hotspots are identified for this species.;
  7. Identify potential road crossing hotspots using GIS and monitor mortality at those locations with road surveys to prioritize the most problematic road segments for mitigation measures such as cautionary signage, exclusionary fencing, and under-road passag;
  8. Install road crossing structures consisting of under-road passageways and guidance fencing where high-mortality road segments bisect habitat that hosts high priority populations;
  9. Manage and where necessary create nesting habitat to improve viability of high-priority Blanding's turtle populations;
  10. Research and coordinate the development of a publically available Potential Vernal Pool map product that covers the entire State, or at least all organized townships
  • Commercial and Industrial Areas ;
  • Fishing and Harvesting of Aquatic Resources;
  • Housing and Urban Areas;
  • Logging and Wood Harvesting;
  • Roads and Railroads
Erebidae owlet moths, tiger moths, tussock moths and allies
  1. Conduct a statewide review of potential high quality barrens habitat that is threatened by succession and identify strategic habitat restoration actions for implementation by key conservation partners.;
  2. Prepare occurrence maps and pesticide spray consultation guidelines for rare Lepidoptera and distribute to strategic partners including Maine Bureau of Pesticides Control.
  • Agricultural and Forestry Effluents;
  • Fire and Fire Suppression
Esocidae pikes
  1. Continue development of eDNA technology to document and monitor populations and habitats.;
  2. Enhance and improve fish passage to proximal habitats so redfin pickerel can migrate to and colonize new habitats as necessary.;
  3. Implement targeted professional surveys to better understand the distribution and status of this species and to help direct conservation actions to newly documented populations;
  4. Work with agricultural landowners to restrict or eliminate livestock access to streams occupied by redfin pickerel.;
  5. Work with landowners to enhance and restore riparian buffers on redfin pickerel occupied streams within agricultural lands.
  • Agricultural and Forestry Effluents;
  • Habitat Shifting or Alteration;
  • Roads and Railroads
Falconidae falcons
  1. Develop a BMP guide for farmers to minimize negative effects of cutting hay/silage during the grassland bird nesting season. NRCS recommendations should be viewed as a start with increased emphasis on timing, field size, and bird behavioral cues.;
  2. Develop a program to inform small landowners of the best methods for keeping fields open for grassland wildlife;
  3. Develop an information pamphlet and website content focused on the importance of hikers and rock climbers limiting disturbance to nesting peregrines.;
  4. Encourage voluntary trail closures until five weeks after the last bird has fledged;
  5. Maintain large trees and snags in areas where peregrines nest and feed.;
  6. Monitor historic and current nesting locations;
  7. Prevent seasonal disturbances within 1/4 mile of occupied nests;
  8. Protect wetlands, especially intertidal mudflats, estuaries, and coastal marshes from filling, development, or other disturbance that could alter prey abundance and habitat quality;
  9. Route powerlines and other wires away from eyeries to avoid collisions and electrocution hazards;
  10. Sample fledgling and rehabilitated adult blood and feathers to gain insight into prevalence of PCB's, PBDE's, mercury, and lead.;
  11. Use voluntary agreements, conservation easements, conservation tax abatements and incentives and acquisition to protect important habitats.;
  12. Work with landowners to reduce seasonal disturbances within 1/4 mile of occupied nests;
  13. Work with landowners to reduce the application of pesticides around occupied eyeries during the nesting season
  • Commercial and Industrial Areas ;
  • Housing and Urban Areas;
  • Industrial and Military Effluents;
  • Lack of knowledge;
  • Livestock Farming and Ranching;
  • Logging and Wood Harvesting;
  • Recreational Activities;
  • Utility and Service Lines
Felidae cats
  1. As necessary, reduce take through outreach and education and/or regulatory changes;
  2. Conduct genomic research to assess whether Maine's lynx are genetically distint from other populations in North America or function as part of a larger metapopulation to direct conservation efforts.;
  3. Conduct research to identify the range of habitats that can support lynx;
  4. Continue to track lynx sightings, vehicle strikes and other incidental or illegal take;
  5. Develop Forest Management Guidelines/Recommendations for distribution to cooperative landowners and forest management community.;
  6. Develop and implement a systematic protocol for monitoring population size and trends;
  7. Map road crossing mortalities using GIS and and prioritize the most problematic road segments. This information would be available to partners (e.g. MDOT) to assess if mitigation measures such as cautionary signage, exclusionary fencing, under-road passa;
  8. Monitor distribution, population trend or status through periodic surveys;
  9. Provide assistance to the USFWS on developing a Post-Delisting Monitoring Plan;
  10. Work with cooperators to map the distribution of spruce/fir forest and their successional stages to monitor changes in abundance and distribution.
  
Geometridae emerald moths and allies
  1. Conduct a statewide review of potential high quality barrens habitat that is threatened by succession and identify strategic habitat restoration actions for implementation by key conservation partners.;
  2. Develop and implement a systematic protocol for monitoring population size, demographics, and trends.;
  3. Identify host plant(s) and document extent of habitat use outside Pitch Pine - Scrub Oak barrens;
  4. Prepare occurrence maps and pesticide spray consultation guidelines for rare Lepidoptera and distribute to strategic partners including Maine Bureau of Pesticides Control.
  • Agricultural and Forestry Effluents;
  • Fire and Fire Suppression;
  • Lack of knowledge
Gomphidae clubtails
  1. Conduct surveys to determine the status of the historic population(s) on the Saco River.This species may no longer be extant in Maine.;
  2. Prepare a statewide atlas and conservation assessment.
  • Lack of knowledge
Gorgonocephalidae basket stars
  1. Conduct research to support management, including but not limited to stock assessments, population genetics, population monitoring, etc.;
  2. Encourage the use of more targeted fishing gear in order to reduce bycatch and habitat disturbance;
  3. Expand existing education and research among researchers and managers to improve understanding and management ability;
  4. Ground-truth mapped habitat and compare to historical maps to monitor change over time, may require updating mapping plans to map more frequently;
  5. Identify species that are resilient to ocean acidification (OA) and rises in sea surface temperature (SST).;
  6. Investigate the effect of various harvesting practices on the integrity of habitats and trophic and ecological systems;
  7. Research to understand how effects such as habitat modifications, population changes, and pollution can influence SGCN;
  8. Through education and collaboration, reduce the use of antifouling agents and biocides that negatively affect SGCN, and investigate alternative biofouling agents.
  • Domestic and Urban Waste Water;
  • Fishing and Harvesting of Aquatic Resources;
  • Habitat Shifting or Alteration;
  • Marine and Freshwater Aquaculture
Haematopodidae oystercatchers
  1. Conduct longterm monitoring of ecosystem-wide impacts of cutting algae to determine potential impacts to shorebird habitats and invertebrate prey.;
  2. Determine length of stay at stopover areas, site fidelity, local movements and premigration condition to determine if coastal habitats are meeting shorebird requirements for successful migration.;
  3. Determine limiting factors for SGCN shorebird species on breeding, migratory, or wintering areas.;
  4. Identify and map priority feeding and roosting areas including offshore habitats, and implement protection initiatives. Enter data in MDIFW ETSC database.;
  5. Identify prey resources in significant staging areas to determine potential limiting factors and optimal management techniques to promote these resources.;
  6. Place symbolic stake and twine fencing around important beach roosting areas with signage to identify roosting areas.;
  7. Provide outreach to pet owners, beachgoers, kayakers, beach managers, and landowners to raise public awareness on shorebirds and on the impacts of disturbance to nesting, feeding, and roosting areas from recreational activities in coastal areas.;
  8. To determine population status continue monitoring program for SGCN shorebird species at high priority migration sites coastwide. Continue to coordinate with ISS, PRISM, Atlantic Flyway ESMP programs.;
  9. Use voluntary agreements, conservation easements, conservation tax abatements and incentives to protect important habitats.;
  10. Work with the partners to conduct research to determine the impact of macroalgae harvest on marine birds.
  • Commercial and Industrial Areas ;
  • Fishing and Harvesting of Aquatic Resources;
  • Housing and Urban Areas;
  • Industrial and Military Effluents;
  • Lack of knowledge;
  • Recreational Activities;
  • Tourism and Recreational Areas;
  • Work and Other Activities
Heptageniidae flatheaded mayflies
  • Develop and implement a systematic protocol for monitoring population size, demographics, and trends.
  • Lack of knowledge
Hesperiidae skippers
  1. Conduct a statewide review of potential high quality barrens habitat that is threatened by succession and identify strategic habitat restoration actions for implementation by key conservation partners.;
  2. Prepare a statewide atlas and conservation assessment.;
  3. Prepare occurrence maps and pesticide spray consultation guidelines for rare Lepidoptera and distribute to strategic partners including Maine Bureau of Pesticides Control.
  • Agricultural and Forestry Effluents;
  • Fire and Fire Suppression;
  • Lack of knowledge
Hippolytidae  
  1. Develop molecular tools to identify where specimens are collected.;
  2. Expand existing education and research among researchers and managers to improve understanding and close data loopholes in order to inform management;
  3. Ground-truth mapped habitat and compare to historical maps to monitor change over time, may require updating mapping plans to map more frequently;
  4. Through education and collaboration, reduce the use of antifouling agents and biocides that negatively affect SGCN, and investigate alternative biofouling agents.
  • Agricultural and Forestry Effluents;
  • Domestic and Urban Waste Water;
  • Fishing and Harvesting of Aquatic Resources
Hirundinidae martins and swallows
  1. Conduct an inventory of breeding colonies, possibly using eBird.;
  2. Develop Best Managament Practices for gravel pit operators and for reclamation of abandoned pits;
  3. Gather more information on the influence of Neonoctinoid (systemic) pesticides on populations of aerial insectivores.;
  4. Increase public awareness of the Purple Martin Conservation Association and its activities;
  5. Investigate limiting factors and what determines suitable habitat;
  6. Promote the registration of existing colonies through Purple Martin Conservation Association;
  7. Provide support or otherwise increase awareness of the mentor program for Purple Martin colony landlords consistent with efforts of the Purple Martin Conservation Association;
  8. Support Project Martinwatch, a weekly nest monitoring program, through Purple Martin Conservation Association;
  9. Support Purple Martin Nest Cavity Research Project which uses mini martin cams to monitor nestling development and engage volunteers;
    10. consider a live web cam;
  10. Support Scout Arrival Study, monitoring of arrival times, through Purple Martin Conservation Association;
  11. Support further development, and increase awareness of, existing BMPs for purple martin colony management in concert with Purple Martin Conservation Association
  • Agricultural and Forestry Effluents;
  • Habitat Shifting or Alteration;
  • Lack of knowledge;
  • Mining and Quarrying
Hydrobatidae storm-petrels
  1. Continue seabird restoration activities at historic nesting sites using social attraction, vegetation management, and predator control;
  2. Determine the association with commercial fisheries and climate-induced changes to food avaialability;
  3. Determine which factors influence breeding success and productivity
  • Fishing and Harvesting of Aquatic Resources;
  • Invasive Non-native-Alien Species-Diseases;
  • Problematic Native Species-Diseases
Icteridae bobolink, blackbirds, cowbirds, grackles, meadowlarks, and orioles
  1. Determine the geographic and temporal extent to which Red squirrel predation may limit population to test whether ecological traps are widespread and frequent;
  2. Develop BMPs that describe size and juxtaposition (to wetlands) of clearcuts that provide suitable nesting habitat but minimize nest predation. Such recommendations could result from a study of nest predaton (artificial nests) at varying distances into r;
  3. Develop a BMP guide for farmers to minimize negative effects of cutting hay/silage during the grassland bird nesting season. NRCS recommendations should be viewed as a start with increased emphasis on timing, field size, and bird behavioral cues.;
  4. Develop a program to inform small landowners of the best methods for keeping fields open for grassland wildlife;
  5. Evaluate the effects of precommercial thinning on nesting habitat quality and determine whether nesting success is more sensitive to pre-commercial thinning in some landscapes than in others;
  6. Examine distribution (site occupancy) of currently occupied sites relative to site specific levels of acidification and microclimate.;
  7. Examine the extent of Mercury exposure across Maine and relate this to habitat, soils or watershed variables to better develop mitigation strategies;
  8. Examine the food web of boreal forest wetlands and determine the role of aquatic invertebrates (Tricoptera, Odonata) in maintaining Rusty Blackbird abundance and productivity.;
  9. Improve habitat quality and abundance.;
  10. Improve understanding of sublethal levels of Mercury on growth, health and survival, especially for nestlings;
  11. Investigate postfledging habitat use relative to timber harvest practices;
  12. Stabilize then reverse the declining trend.;
  13. Support cross-agency data sharing to better understand breeding range-wide survival and fecundity.;
  14. Work with partners on wintering grounds to develop a full life cycle model of Demography
  • Air-Bourne Pollutants;
  • Commercial and Industrial Areas ;
  • Habitat Shifting or Alteration;
  • Housing and Urban Areas;
  • Lack of knowledge;
  • Livestock Farming and Ranching;
  • Problematic Native Species-Diseases;
  • Tourism and Recreational Areas
Lamnidae mackerel sharks
  1. Determine the location and timing of important habitat use at different life history stages;
  2. Develop an improved understanding of discard mortality rates;
  3. Identify methods to reduce incidental bycatch by recreational anglers
  • Fishing and Harvesting of Aquatic Resources
Laridae gulls, jaegers, kittiwakes, skimmers, skuas, and terns
  1. Comply with and update existing Essential Habitat regulation,s requiring all projects funded, permitted, or carried out by a municipality or state agency to be reviewed by MDIFW.;
  2. Continue current management activities including: stake and twine symbolic fencing around nesting areas, exclosures around colonies, posting signage to identify nesting areas, and locating and monitoring nesting pairs.;
  3. Continue efforts to annually monitor abundance, distribution, and productivity.;
  4. Continue efforts to educate beach recreationalists, landowners and municipal officials regarding ecology and life history requirements.;
  5. Continue efforts to recruit and provide training sessions for volunteer beach monitors.;
  6. Continue seabird restoration activities at historic nesting sites using social attraction, vegetation management, and predator control;
  7. Continue targeted management of native and nonnative predators at nesting and brood rearing areas, including lethal and nonlethal methods;
  8. Determine the association with commercial fisheries and climate-induced changes to food avaialability;
  9. Determine which factors influence breeding success and productivity;
  10. Develop long-term, non-regulatory habitat protection via management agreements or conservation easements.;
  11. Identify and prioritize nesting and foraging areas for oil spill contingency planning.;
  12. Implement targeted surveys to better understand the distribution and status of this species and to help direct conservation actions to newly documented populations;
  13. Increase breeding population distribution and productivity;
  14. Work with landowners to develop and post signs or other strategies for discouraging recreational users from disturbing nesting birds.;
  15. Work with landowners to maximize hemi-marsh conditions and maintain stable water levels.
  • Dams and Water Management-Use;
  • Fishing and Harvesting of Aquatic Resources;
  • Habitat Shifting or Alteration;
  • Industrial and Military Effluents;
  • Invasive Non-native-Alien Species-Diseases;
  • Lack of knowledge;
  • Other Ecosystem Modifications;
  • Problematic Native Species-Diseases;
  • Recreational Activities;
  • Tourism and Recreational Areas
Leporidae hares and rabbits
  1. Conduct a captive breeding program following guidance in the New England Cottontail Conservation Strategy;
  2. Conduct active restoration of early-successional brushy habitat on both private and public lands in southern Maine, and monitor the success of habitat restoration using methodologies identified in the Rangewide Conservation Strategy;
  3. Ecosystem effects of white-tailed deer densities should be included as one of the parameters used to set deer management goals in southern Maine. New England cottontail and other species dependent on shruby early successional habitat would benefit from t;
  4. Improve public perception of the value of early successional habitat following guidance in the New England Cottontail Conservation Strategy;
  5. Monitor released individuals from the captive breeding program using radio telemetry to determine survival and use of landscape. Alternatively, populations may be monitored using mark-recapture techniques that rely on genotype;
  6. Restore early successional habitat in southern Maine following guidance in the New England Cottontail Conservation Strategy
  • Other Ecosystem Modifications;
  • Problematic Native Species-Diseases
Libellulidae skimmers
  • Prepare a statewide atlas and conservation assessment.
  • Lack of knowledge
Limacinidae sea butterflies
  1. Develop molecular tools to identify where specimens are collected.;
  2. Encourage the use of more targeted fishing gear in order to reduce bycatch and habitat disturbance;
  3. Ground-truth mapped habitat and compare to historical maps to monitor change over time, may require updating mapping plans to map more frequently;
  4. Reduce the collection and possession of live specimens;
  5. Reduce the use of tributilyn compounds as a biocide and antifouling prophalactic
  • Agricultural and Forestry Effluents;
  • Fishing and Harvesting of Aquatic Resources
Limulidae horseshoe crabs
  1. Identify areas where degraded water quality may adversely impact horseshoe crabs;
  2. Conduct surveys to monitor and better understand distribution and abundance;
  3. Encourage use of selective fishing gear that minimizes bycatch and impacts to habitat.;
  4. Promote research to fill data gaps and inform managers;
  5. Purchase or protect undeveloped shoreline and adjacent areas that is known or potential habitat for horseshoe crab
  • Domestic and Urban Waste Water;
  • Fishing and Harvesting of Aquatic Resources;
  • Housing and Urban Areas
Lycaenidae gossamer-winged butterflies
  1. Conduct a comprehensive review of silvicultural effects on Atlantic White Cedar habitat (e.g., regeneration, composition, structure);
  2. Conduct a statewide review of potential high quality barrens habitat that is threatened by succession and identify strategic habitat restoration actions for implementation by key conservation partners.;
  3. Conduct selective thinning at sites where forest canopy is encroaching and shading out host plant stands.;
  4. Develop Forestry Species Management Guidelines for distribution to cooperative landowners and forest management community.;
  5. Develop and implement a systematic protocol for monitoring population size, demographics, and trends.;
  6. Prepare a statewide atlas and conservation assessment.;
  7. Prepare occurrence maps and pesticide spray consultation guidelines for rare Lepidoptera and distribute to strategic partners including Maine Bureau of Pesticides Control.;
  8. Research host tree regeneration ecology and develop site restoration management strategies for distribution to cooperative landowners.
  • Agricultural and Forestry Effluents;
  • Fire and Fire Suppression;
  • Lack of knowledge;
  • Logging and Wood Harvesting;
  • Other Ecosystem Modifications;
  • Other Threat
Lymnaeidae pond snails
  1. Develop an improved understanding of habitat and movement ecology to help develop Best Management Practices and other targeted species conservation actions;
  2. Examine effects water quality changes from residential and agricultural pollutant and nutrient runoff on bigmouth pondsnail populations
  • Dams and Water Management-Use;
  • Domestic and Urban Waste Water;
  • Lack of knowledge
Muricidae murex snails
  1. Develop molecular tools to identify where specimens are collected.;
  2. Encourage the use of more targeted fishing gear in order to reduce bycatch and habitat disturbance;
  3. Ground-truth mapped habitat and compare to historical maps to monitor change over time, may require updating mapping plans to map more frequently;
  4. Reduce the collection and possession of live specimens;
  5. Reduce the use of tributilyn compounds as a biocide and antifouling prophalactic
  • Agricultural and Forestry Effluents;
  • Fishing and Harvesting of Aquatic Resources
Myidae softshell clams
  • Through education and collaboration, reduce the use of antifouling agents and biocides that negatively affect SGCN, and investigate alternative biofouling agents.
  • Marine and Freshwater Aquaculture
Mytilidae mussel species
  • Through education and collaboration, reduce the use of antifouling agents and biocides that negatively affect SGCN, and investigate alternative biofouling agents.
  • Marine and Freshwater Aquaculture
Nephtheidae soft corals
  1. Develop molecular tools to identify where specimens are collected.;
  2. Encourage the use of more targeted fishing gear in order to reduce bycatch and habitat disturbance;
  3. Reduce the collection and possession of live specimens;
  4. Through education and collaboration, reduce the use of antifouling agents and biocides that negatively affect SGCN, and investigate alternative biofouling agents.
  • Fishing and Harvesting of Aquatic Resources;
  • Marine and Freshwater Aquaculture
Noctuidae noctuid moths
  1. Conduct a statewide review of potential high quality barrens habitat that is threatened by succession and identify strategic habitat restoration actions for implementation by key conservation partners.;
  2. Develop and implement a systematic protocol for monitoring population size, demographics, and trends.;
  3. Prepare occurrence maps and pesticide spray consultation guidelines for rare Lepidoptera and distribute to strategic partners including Maine Bureau of Pesticides Control.
  • Agricultural and Forestry Effluents;
  • Fire and Fire Suppression;
  • Lack of knowledge
Nymphalidae brushfooted butterflies
  1. Develop Forestry Species Management Guidelines for distribution to cooperative landowners and forest management community.;
  2. Prepare a statewide atlas and conservation assessment.;
  3. Prepare occurrence maps and pesticide spray consultation guidelines for rare Lepidoptera and distribute to strategic partners including Maine Bureau of Pesticides Control.;
  4. Work with BSP and MNAP to develop tundra habitat monitoring procedures for assessing potential impacts from off-trail recreation.;
  5. Work with Baxter State Park to develop species monitoring protocols that are robust enough to detect potential trends in population size.
  • Agricultural and Forestry Effluents;
  • Lack of knowledge;
  • Logging and Wood Harvesting;
  • Recreational Activities
Osmeridae smelts
  1. Stocking rainbow smelt larvae marked with oxytetracycline into historical smelt spawning streams that maintain good habitat, while maintaining the genetic structure as identified by this project and annually monitoring stocking success.;
  2. Assessing threats to smelt habitat and evaluating connections between degraded habitat and local smelt population decline;
  3. Conduct education to increase awareness of the importance of these species to maintaining productive ecosystem functioning.;
  4. Continue to work with the fishing industry to develop gear modifications that reduce of bycatch of diadromous fishes;
  5. Continuing monitoring of smelt populations through fyke net sampling, creel surveys, the inshore trawl survey, and the juvenile abundance survey;
  6. Determine the location and timing of critical habitat use (for endangered species) and important habitat use for diadromous fishes at different life history stages;
  7. Developing a mark-recapture study to estimate the current extraction rate of recreational ice fishing on the Kennebec River and Merrymeeting Bay and other rivers and embayments that support recreational ice fishing;
  8. Encourage improved municipal planning for siting for new or retrofitting development, taking into account future environmental change, to improve connectivity for diadromous fish passage;
  9. Encourage the use of more targeted fishing gear in order to reduce bycatch and habitat disturbance;
  10. Gather information to support management, including stock assessments, population genetics, population monitoring, etc.;
  11. Ground-truth mapped habitat and compare to historical maps to monitor change over time, may require updating mapping plans to map more frequently;
  12. Improve understanding of species distribution especially in regards to ecosystem interactions, predator-prey relationships, and prey buffering concepts;
  13. Improve understanding of the relative roles of natural predation, fishing mortality, and climate change in stock dynamics;
  14. Investigate methods to reduce incidental bycatch in commerical and recreational fisheries;
  15. Monitor population stock status through surveys and sampling programs;
  16. Restoring stream connectivity and access to historical spawning grounds with monitoring to assess pre- and post-construction conditions and smelt populations
  • Commercial and Industrial Areas ;
  • Domestic and Urban Waste Water;
  • Fishing and Harvesting of Aquatic Resources;
  • Habitat Shifting or Alteration;
  • Housing and Urban Areas;
  • Industrial and Military Effluents;
  • Lack of knowledge;
  • Other Threat;
  • Problematic Native Species-Diseases
Ostreidae true oysters
  • Through education and collaboration, reduce the use of antifouling agents and biocides that negatively affect SGCN, and investigate alternative biofouling agents.
  • Marine and Freshwater Aquaculture
Pandalidae pandalid shrimps
  1. Design and encourage the use of more size-selective fishing gear;
  2. Conduct research to support stock assessment and population dynamics modeling;
  3. Determine the relative roles of natural predation, fishing mortality, and climate change in stock dynamics;
  4. Develop molecular tools to identify where specimens are collected.;
  5. Expand existing education and research among researchers and managers to improve understanding and close data loopholes in order to inform management;
  6. Ground-truth mapped habitat and compare to historical maps to monitor change over time, may require updating mapping plans to map more frequently;
  7. Monitor stock status through surveys and sampling programs;
  8. Through education and collaboration, reduce the use of antifouling agents and biocides that negatively affect SGCN, and investigate alternative biofouling agents.
  • Agricultural and Forestry Effluents;
  • Domestic and Urban Waste Water;
  • Fishing and Harvesting of Aquatic Resources
Papilionidae swallowtail and birdwing butterflies
  • Prepare a statewide atlas and conservation assessment.
  • Lack of knowledge
Pectinidae scallops
  • Through education and collaboration, reduce the use of antifouling agents and biocides that negatively affect SGCN, and investigate alternative biofouling agents.
  • Marine and Freshwater Aquaculture
Percidae perches
  1. Conduct research to develop an improved understanding of seasonal habitat requirements for all size and age classes;
  2. Conduct research to develop an improved understanding of spawning ecology;
  3. Conduct research to develop an improved understanding of trophic ecology;
  4. Implement targeted professional surveys to better understand the distribution and status of this species and to help direct conservation actions to newly documented populations
  • Lack of knowledge
Phalacrocoracidae cormorants and shags
  1. Continue seabird restoration activities at historic nesting sites using social attraction, vegetation management, and predator control;
  2. Determine the association with commercial fisheries and climate-induced changes to food avaialability;
  3. Determine which factors influence breeding success and productivity;
  4. Initiate annual surveys and evaluate factors which limit population growth.;
  5. Reduce the impact of bald eagle predation wherever possible
  • Fishing and Harvesting of Aquatic Resources;
  • Invasive Non-native-Alien Species-Diseases;
  • Problematic Native Species-Diseases
Phocoenidae porpoises
  • Continue to work with the fishing industry to develop gear modifications that reduce the risk of entanglement and conduct outreach on gear best practices to use
  • Fishing and Harvesting of Aquatic Resources
Pholadidae piddocks and angelwings
  • Through education and collaboration, reduce the use of antifouling agents and biocides that negatively affect SGCN, and investigate alternative biofouling agents.
  • Marine and Freshwater Aquaculture
Physeteridae sperm whales
  1. Conduct baseline surveys to determine the seasonal density and distribution of fixed fishing gear;
  2. Conduct outreach and trainings to improve the detection of and response time to entangled whales in Maine waters;
  3. Conduct surveys (aerial, boat based and/or passive acoustic) to determine the distribution of large whales in the coastal waters of Maine;
  4. Continue to work with the fishing industry to develop gear modifications that reduce the risk of entanglement and conduct outreach on gear best practices to use;
  5. Determine the high overlap areas between whales, high risk behaviors or persistent habitat use and fixed fishing gear;
  6. Gather baseline data on the configurations of fixed fishing gear used as a function of seasonality and distance from shore.;
  7. Reduce the amount of ghost gear that could increase the risk of entanglement for large whales
  • Fishing and Harvesting of Aquatic Resources
Pleuronectidae righteye flounders
  1. Identify areas where winter flounder spawn;
  2. Conduct research regarding winter flounder habitat needs for various life stages and determine the importance of unique habitat systems such as eelgrass on survivability;
  3. Monitor water quality at winter flounder habitats to determine effect of changing water quality on winter flounder biology and survivability (e.g. temperature and sex ratio relationships).
  • Agricultural and Forestry Effluents;
  • Domestic and Urban Waste Water
Podicipedidae grebes
  1. Implement targeted surveys to better understand the distribution and status of this species and to help direct conservation actions to newly documented populations;
  2. Work with landowners to develop and post signs or other strategies for discouraging recreational users from disturbing nesting birds.;
  3. Work with landowners to maximize hemi-marsh conditions and maintain stable water levels.
  • Dams and Water Management-Use;
  • Lack of knowledge;
  • Recreational Activities
Psolidae sea cucumbers
  1. Conduct research to support management, including but not limited to stock assessments, population genetics, population monitoring, etc.;
  2. Encourage the use of more targeted fishing gear in order to reduce bycatch and habitat disturbance;
  3. Expand existing education and research among researchers and managers to improve understanding and management ability;
  4. Ground-truth mapped habitat and compare to historical maps to monitor change over time, may require updating mapping plans to map more frequently;
  5. Identify species that are resilient to ocean acidification (OA) and rises in sea surface temperature (SST).;
  6. Investigate the effect of various harvesting practices on the integrity of habitats and trophic and ecological systems;
  7. Research to understand how effects such as habitat modifications, population changes, and pollution can influence SGCN;
  8. Through education and collaboration, reduce the use of antifouling agents and biocides that negatively affect SGCN, and investigate alternative biofouling agents.
  • Domestic and Urban Waste Water;
  • Fishing and Harvesting of Aquatic Resources;
  • Habitat Shifting or Alteration;
  • Marine and Freshwater Aquaculture
Ptychatractidae  
  1. Develop molecular tools to identify where specimens are collected.;
  2. Encourage the use of more targeted fishing gear in order to reduce bycatch and habitat disturbance;
  3. Ground-truth mapped habitat and compare to historical maps to monitor change over time, may require updating mapping plans to map more frequently;
  4. Reduce the collection and possession of live specimens;
  5. Reduce the use of tributilyn compounds as a biocide and antifouling prophalactic
  • Agricultural and Forestry Effluents;
  • Fishing and Harvesting of Aquatic Resources
Rajidae skates
  1. Determine the location and timing of important habitat use at different life history stages;
  2. Develop an improved understanding of discard mortality rates;
  3. Update life history data across species range
  • Fishing and Harvesting of Aquatic Resources
Rallidae coots, crakes, gallinules, moorhens, and rails
  1. Implement targeted surveys to better understand the distribution and status of this species and to help direct conservation actions to newly documented populations;
  2. Work with landowners to develop and post signs or other strategies for discouraging recreational users from disturbing nesting birds.;
  3. Work with landowners to maximize hemi-marsh conditions and maintain stable water levels.
  • Dams and Water Management-Use;
  • Lack of knowledge;
  • Recreational Activities
Salmonidae Salmonids
  1. Assess population status at each location where the species is present;
  2. Assess the influence that rainbow smelt may have on charr populations;
  3. Assess the utilization of charr by recreational anglers, including harvest rates and the attitudes of participating anglers;
  4. Conduct education to increase awareness of the importance of these species to maintaining productive ecosystem functioning.;
  5. Continue to assess the causes of the precipitous decline in Atlantic salmon returning to Maine waters.;
  6. Continue to collaborate with NOAA on the Atlantic Salmon Recovery Framework and all recovery activities.;
  7. Continue to monitor the abundance and status of juvenile and adult salmon throughout the geographic range of the GOM DPS.;
  8. Continue to work with the fishing industry to develop gear modifications that reduce of bycatch of diadromous fishes;
  9. Determine population abundance, habitat use, size and age structure and interaction with other fish species in representative waters;
  10. Determine the location and timing of critical habitat use (for endangered species) and important habitat use for diadromous fishes at different life history stages;
  11. Develop and implement rehabilitation programs for fisheries that have declined.;
  12. Encourage improved municipal planning for siting for new or retrofitting development, taking into account future environmental change, to improve connectivity for diadromous fish passage;
  13. Encourage the use of more targeted fishing gear in order to reduce bycatch and habitat disturbance;
  14. Further develop the habitat restoration and connectivity program for Atlantic salmon.;
  15. Gather information to support management, including stock assessments, population genetics, population monitoring, etc.;
  16. Ground-truth mapped habitat and compare to historical maps to monitor change over time, may require updating mapping plans to map more frequently;
  17. Identify factors that have contributed to declining populations of lake whitefish.;
  18. Identify key aquatic habitats such as spawning sites and coordinate protection with federal, state, or NGOs and willing private landowners;
  19. Identify key terrestrial habitats connected or adjacent to aquatic habitats that are essential to maintaining viability of populations;
  20. Improve understanding of species distribution especially in regards to ecosystem interactions, predator-prey relationships, and prey buffering concepts;
  21. Improve understanding of the relative roles of natural predation, fishing mortality, and climate change in stock dynamics;
  22. Investigate and describe all life history and life cycle requirements of each population to provide for maximum protection of each population;
  23. Investigate methods to reduce incidental bycatch in commerical and recreational fisheries;
  24. Monitor population stock status through surveys and sampling programs;
  25. Monitor the fish assemblage of each lake, in particular the existence of invasive species
  • Agricultural and Forestry Effluents;
  • Air-Bourne Pollutants;
  • Commercial and Industrial Areas ;
  • Dams and Water Management-Use;
  • Domestic and Urban Waste Water;
  • Fishing and Harvesting of Aquatic Resources;
  • Habitat Shifting or Alteration;
  • Housing and Urban Areas;
  • Industrial and Military Effluents;
  • Invasive Non-native-Alien Species-Diseases;
  • Lack of knowledge;
  • Other Threat;
  • Problematic Native Species-Diseases;
  • Problematic Species-Diseases of Unknown Origin;
  • Temperature Extremes;
  • Tourism and Recreational Areas
Saturniidae emperor, atlas, moon and silk moths
  1. Conduct a statewide review of potential high quality barrens habitat that is threatened by succession and identify strategic habitat restoration actions for implementation by key conservation partners.;
  2. Prepare occurrence maps and pesticide spray consultation guidelines for rare Lepidoptera and distribute to strategic partners including Maine Bureau of Pesticides Control.
  • Agricultural and Forestry Effluents;
  • Fire and Fire Suppression
Scolopacidae curlews, dowitchers, godwits, knots, phalaropes, sandpipers, snipe, yellowlegs, and woodcock
  1. Conduct longterm monitoring of ecosystem-wide impacts of cutting algae to determine potential impacts to shorebird habitats and invertebrate prey.;
  2. Continue annual long term monitoring plan to determine if the Purple Sandpiper population is in severe decline. Combine annual survey with a coastwide survey to be conducted every 5 years.;
  3. Continue to survey and map wintering sites for Oil Spill contingency planning. Work with industry to locate shipping lanes away from important wintering areas.;
  4. Continue to work with the Maine Department of Marine Resources to coordinate macroalgae harvest in important wintering sites and determine the level of impact on wintering birds;
  5. Coordinate with Environment Canada to identify and monitor key staging sites to determine the true geographical extent of their staging area in the outer Bay of Fundy and the Gulf of Maine.;
  6. Determine length of stay at stopover areas, site fidelity, local movements and premigration condition to determine if coastal habitats are meeting shorebird requirements for successful migration.;
  7. Determine limiting factors for SGCN shorebird species on breeding, migratory, or wintering areas.;
  8. Determine population status, pre migration body condition, and importance of commercial blueberry barrens to staging whimbrels.;
  9. Determine potential impacts from hazing and disturbance occuring on commercial blueberry barrens;
  10. Develop a BMP guide for farmers to minimize negative effects of cutting hay/silage during the grassland bird nesting season. NRCS recommendations should be viewed as a start with increased emphasis on timing, field size, and bird behavioral cues.;
  11. Develop a program to inform small landowners of the best methods for keeping fields open for grassland wildlife;
  12. Develop management practices and avoidance guidelines to manage shipping activities and minimize accidental oil discharges.;
  13. Develop management practices to manage garbage and other solid wastes, and eliminate dumping into the marine environment.;
  14. Identify and map priority feeding and roosting areas including offshore habitats, and implement protection initiatives. Enter data in MDIFW ETSC database.;
  15. Identify prey resources in significant staging areas to determine potential limiting factors and optimal management techniques to promote these resources.;
  16. Improve outreach to commercial blueberry growers regarding BMPs for this species;
  17. Include important solitary sandpiper inland staging areas in existing Significant Wildlife Habitat provisions under NRPA.;
  18. Initiate effort to estimate population size and examine vital rates especially on commercial blueberry lands.;
  19. Investigate the relationship between modern blueberry barren management (wind breaks, land leveling, rock removal, irrigation) and Upland Sandpiper occupancy.;
  20. Partner with municipalities and BP&L to develop beach management agreements to minimize impacts to feeding and roosting red knots using beach habitats.;
  21. Place symbolic stake and twine fencing around important beach roosting areas with signage to identify roosting areas.;
  22. Provide outreach to pet owners, beachgoers, kayakers, beach managers, and landowners to raise public awareness on shorebirds and on the impacts of disturbance to nesting, feeding, and roosting areas from recreational activities in coastal areas.;
  23. Support state and regional efforts to survey/inventory populations of Upland Sandpiper leading to an estimate of population trend;
  24. Survey inland wetlands to identify and map important inland staging areas.;
  25. To determine if recent population declines are due to impacts occurring in Maine, conduct research to: identify food quality and quantity at lesser yellowleg staging areas;
    26. assess premigration body condition;
    length of stay;
    other potential limiting facto;
  26. To determine population status continue monitoring program for SGCN shorebird species at high priority migration sites coastwide. Continue to coordinate with ISS, PRISM, Atlantic Flyway ESMP programs.;
  27. Use voluntary agreements, conservation easements, conservation tax abatements and incentives to protect important habitats.;
  28. Work with the partners to conduct research to determine the impact of macroalgae harvest on marine birds.
  • Annual and Perennial Non-timber crops;
  • Commercial and Industrial Areas ;
  • Fishing and Harvesting of Aquatic Resources;
  • Garbage and Solid Waste;
  • Housing and Urban Areas;
  • Industrial and Military Effluents;
  • Lack of knowledge;
  • Livestock Farming and Ranching;
  • Recreational Activities;
  • Tourism and Recreational Areas;
  • Work and Other Activities
Siphlonuridae primitive minnow mayflies
  • Develop and implement a systematic protocol for monitoring population size, demographics, and trends.
  • Lack of knowledge
Solasteridae  
  1. Conduct research to support management, including but not limited to stock assessments, population genetics, population monitoring, etc.;
  2. Encourage the use of more targeted fishing gear in order to reduce bycatch and habitat disturbance;
  3. Expand existing education and research among researchers and managers to improve understanding and management ability;
  4. Ground-truth mapped habitat and compare to historical maps to monitor change over time, may require updating mapping plans to map more frequently;
  5. Identify species that are resilient to ocean acidification (OA) and rises in sea surface temperature (SST).;
  6. Investigate the effect of various harvesting practices on the integrity of habitats and trophic and ecological systems;
  7. Research to understand how effects such as habitat modifications, population changes, and pollution can influence SGCN;
  8. Through education and collaboration, reduce the use of antifouling agents and biocides that negatively affect SGCN, and investigate alternative biofouling agents.
  • Domestic and Urban Waste Water;
  • Fishing and Harvesting of Aquatic Resources;
  • Habitat Shifting or Alteration;
  • Marine and Freshwater Aquaculture
Sphingidae sphinx moths
  1. Conduct a statewide review of potential high quality barrens habitat that is threatened by succession and identify strategic habitat restoration actions for implementation by key conservation partners.;
  2. Prepare occurrence maps and pesticide spray consultation guidelines for rare Lepidoptera and distribute to strategic partners including Maine Bureau of Pesticides Control.
  • Agricultural and Forestry Effluents;
  • Fire and Fire Suppression
Strigidae typical owls
  1. Conduct breeding season surveys targeted to blueberry barrens (Washington County) and agricultural fields (Aroostook County).;
  2. Develop a BMP guide for farmers to minimize negative effects of cutting hay/silage during the grassland bird nesting season. NRCS recommendations should be viewed as a start with increased emphasis on timing, field size, and bird behavioral cues.;
  3. Develop a program to inform small landowners of the best methods for keeping fields open for grassland wildlife;
  4. Examine relations between regional scale changes (using past and present land use/land cover data) in habitat patch size and past breeding records.;
  5. Promote agricultural practices that potentially benefit this species, such as the Conservation Reserve Program
  • Lack of knowledge;
  • Livestock Farming and Ranching;
  • Other Ecosystem Modifications
Strongylocentrotidae sea urchins
  1. Assess the feasibility and advantages of local or area species management approaches;
  2. Conduct research to support management, including but not limited to stock assessments, population genetics, population monitoring, etc.;
  3. Conduct research to support stock assessment and population dynamics modeling;
  4. Design and encourage the use of more size-selective fishing gear;
  5. Determine the feasibility of reseeding programs;
  6. Determine the relative roles of natural predation, fishing mortality, and climate change in stock dynamics;
  7. Encourage the use of more targeted fishing gear in order to reduce bycatch and habitat disturbance;
  8. Expand existing education and research among researchers and managers to improve understanding and management ability;
  9. Ground-truth mapped habitat and compare to historical maps to monitor change over time, may require updating mapping plans to map more frequently;
  10. Identify species that are resilient to ocean acidification (OA) and rises in sea surface temperature (SST).;
  11. Investigate the effect of various harvesting practices on the integrity of habitats and trophic and ecological systems;
  12. Monitor stock status through surveys and sampling programs;
  13. Research to understand how effects such as habitat modifications, population changes, and pollution can influence SGCN;
  14. Support community engagement in developing a fisheries management plan;
  15. Through education and collaboration, reduce the use of antifouling agents and biocides that negatively affect SGCN, and investigate alternative biofouling agents.
  • Domestic and Urban Waste Water;
  • Fishing and Harvesting of Aquatic Resources;
  • Habitat Shifting or Alteration;
  • Marine and Freshwater Aquaculture
Troglodytidae wrens
  1. Implement targeted surveys to better understand the distribution and status of this species and to help direct conservation actions to newly documented populations;
  2. Work with landowners to develop and post signs or other strategies for discouraging recreational users from disturbing nesting birds.;
  3. Work with landowners to maximize hemi-marsh conditions and maintain stable water levels.
  • Dams and Water Management-Use;
  • Lack of knowledge;
  • Recreational Activities
Turdidae thrushes
  1. Assess the effects of calcium depletion on reproductive ecology;
  2. Assess the effects of climate change on habitat loss, occupancy, and predicted range shift.;
  3. Determine how this species responds to specific forestry practices on the landscape.;
  4. Encourage land managers to rotate harvests and create a mixed distribution of stand ages, which might undergo pre-commercial thinning and cutting at different times, thus temporally balancing the amount of habitat available at a given time.;
  5. Encourage landowners to manage the amount and timing of pre-commercial thinning in areas occupied by this species, and to leave residual patches in areas that are thinned;
  6. For suitable/occupied habitat on public lands (BPL) incorporate stand management BMPs into public land management policy.;
  7. Participate in work of International Bicknell's Thrush Conservation Group (IBTCG) to track progress on conservation and research actions, discuss funding needs and revise the action plan as appropriate to ensure that emerging information is used to inform;
  8. Support Mountain Birdwatch 2.0, an international, volunteer-based program to track Bicknells Thrush populations across their breeding range.;
  9. Work to ensure that developments at high elevation that entail land clearing, specifically permanent conversion of forest to non-forest (road, gravel, grass) avoid areas occupied by Bicknell's Thrush
  • Air-Bourne Pollutants;
  • Habitat Shifting or Alteration;
  • Renewable Energy
Tytonidae barn owls
  1. Develop a BMP guide for farmers to minimize negative effects of cutting hay/silage during the grassland bird nesting season. NRCS recommendations should be viewed as a start with increased emphasis on timing, field size, and bird behavioral cues.;
  2. Develop a program to inform small landowners of the best methods for keeping fields open for grassland wildlife
  • Livestock Farming and Ranching
Unionidae freshwater mussels
  • Develop and implement a systematic protocol for monitoring population size, demographics, and trends.
  • Lack of knowledge
Velutinidae  
  1. Develop molecular tools to identify where specimens are collected.;
  2. Encourage the use of more targeted fishing gear in order to reduce bycatch and habitat disturbance;
  3. Ground-truth mapped habitat and compare to historical maps to monitor change over time, may require updating mapping plans to map more frequently;
  4. Reduce the collection and possession of live specimens;
  5. Reduce the use of tributilyn compounds as a biocide and antifouling prophalactic
  • Agricultural and Forestry Effluents;
  • Fishing and Harvesting of Aquatic Resources
Veneridae venus clams
  • Through education and collaboration, reduce the use of antifouling agents and biocides that negatively affect SGCN, and investigate alternative biofouling agents.
  • Marine and Freshwater Aquaculture
Vespertilionidae common bats
  1. Conduct research and monitoring to address knowledge gaps, with a focus on developing baseline presene/absence data, monitoring and identifying new hibernaculums, and furthering our understanding of habitat selection by cave bat species, including the use;
  2. Implement, and where appropriate modify, curtailment procedures to reduce mortality associated with wind turbines.;
  3. Investigate the feasibility of gating known hibernaculum.
  • Lack of knowledge;
  • Recreational Activities

Conservation actions are non-regulatory and were developed collaboratively with public agency, non-profit, and industry conservation partners.