October 22nd, 2021Duck survey

The Game Management Authority is conducting its annual helicopter survey across Victoria to monitor the abundance of game duck populations, to help improve our knowledge of waterfowl ecology.
The aerial survey will be conducted by experienced wildlife biologists recording the presence, species and number of game ducks on waterbodies across Victoria.
Satellite imaging will then be used to determine how much water is in the landscape, which will inform an estimate of the total abundance of each game duck species in the state.
GMA Chief Executive Officer Graeme Ford said this is the largest and most comprehensive survey of game ducks undertaken in Victoria.

“The aerial survey was conducted for the first time in 2020, as part of a pilot to test the monitoring program design and evaluate its effectiveness to count duck numbers on Victorian water bodies.” Mr Ford said.
“An evaluation of the first survey has since found that the methodology for conducting the surveys was robust, and that the data collected is viable.”
“In addition to the 2020 monitoring programme which surveyed wetlands, sewerage ponds and farm dams we will now also be surveying irrigation channels, creeks and rivers.”
“Results from this research give us a better understanding of game duck populations and will be used in the future to help inform adaptive harvest management to set sustainable duck season arrangements.”
The 2021 survey will take place from approximately 19 October – 15 November, subject to weather conditions or other delays and will cover much of the state where ducks are found.
A map of the flight paths is available at https://bit.ly/2YV9tBg. The flight schedule may change from day to day, depending on weather conditions or other factors.
Residents in the areas where the surveys will take place may see a helicopter flying at low levels for a short time and for no longer than is necessary. The safety of people and livestock is a priority.
Results of the 2021 survey will be made available on the GMA website following conclusion of the program.