Maine Coastal Islands National Wildlife Refuge

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We have a new name!!

Petit Manan National Wildlife Refuge has changed its name to Maine Coastal Islands National Wildlife Refuge. Our new name more accurately reflects the scope of our conservation actions along the entire coastline of Maine.

Refuge planning documents available online

The following land use planning documents are now available for viewing and download. Display may be delayed during file download.

Maine Coastal Islands Refuge Final Comprehensive Conservation Plan
Maine Coastal Islands Refuge Final Environmental Impact Statement
Maine Coastal Islands Refuge Final EIS Appendices

Campaign alerts visitors to nesting

The Refuge is working with conservation agencies and private landowners along the coast of Maine to place these signs on seabird nesting islands. The purpose of this “universal sign project” is to alert island visitors to please stay off the islands during the seabird nesting season. This sign will be complemented by an extensive outreach campaign, including signs posted at coastal boat ramps, and informational brochures will be mailed to registered boaters.

Saltmarsh acquisition completed

In May 2005, the Refuge acquired a 95 acre saltmarsh know as Sawyers Marsh. The Sawyers Marsh Division of the Refuge already protected the 933 acres surrounding the marsh, but it is a great accomplishment to acquire the saltmarsh itself. The marsh supports a tremendous diversity of wildlife, particularly migratory waterfowl and shorebirds during their southward migration in the fall.

First Razorbill chick produced on Petit Manan Island

Although razorbills have been observed on Petit Manan Island for years, 2004 was the first documented successful breeding effort. We are hoping that some of the other pairs we have observed exploring burrows will attempt to nest in 2005. Razorbills breed on only six islands in Maine, so we are eager to increase their breeding distribution. Maine represents the southern extreme of razorbill breeding in North America.

Pelagic Seabird Study Begun

In June 2005, the Refuge began a pelagic monitoring effort in partnership with the Bar Harbor Whale Watching Company and College of the Atlantic. Many of the pelagic birds breed in the southern hemisphere and travel north during their winter (our summer) to feed in the highly productive waters of the Gulf of Maine. The areas that provide abundant foraging opportunities for the seabirds also support foraging whales. An observer will go out with the Whale Watching Company on their daily trips out of Bar Harbor to document the species of pelagic birds and the size of the flocks. This cooperative research effort represents the first time in 25 years that we will be documenting the pelagic birds in this region of the Gulf.