The Marbled Murrelet is a threatened sea bird that nests in coastal old growth forests. Its populations have been in steady decline for many years. The federal government’s scientific advisory body, the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC), lists this species as imperilled due to loss of nesting habitat.

This map shows areas that have the age, stand structure and aspect to be potential nesting habitat. A few of these areas have been designated as Wildlife Habitat Areas (WHAs), mostly in the Brittain and Howe landscapes (thanks to the SCCA for that).

The decline of Murrelet populations is a consequence of poor forestry management and excessive exploitation. Protection of nesting habitat would help the species and also contribute to badly needed general biodiversity protection.

There is a dedicated section on our website about Old Growth and the Marbled Murrelet where you can learn more.