Our project examines the conservation biology of common eiders in in the Eastern coastal areas in Western Hudson Bay among the Belcher Island Archipelago, including the Sleeper Islands. Eiders are particularly vulnerable to disturbance during the breeding season and we are concerned that they are experiencing rapid ecological changes that could result in population declines. Increased shipping activity, outbreaks of new avian disease, and cascading impacts of climate change all represent possible threats to these species. Our primary goal is survey the colonies of eiders in this area given that little is known about their current populations which have not been assessed since the 1990’s. Based on the 2020 census results, we will be able to compare population trends and investigate the possible impacts of climate and industry-based issues in order to predict the severity and extent of potential population impacts. This will also be an important first step in informing the development of a Marine Protected Area within the region.