Projects and Research

Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge supports a variety of research, monitoring, and habitat conservation projects focused on protecting coastal wildlife. Through partnerships with conservation organizations, researchers, and volunteers, the refuge collects valuable scientific data to guide management decisions and support species conservation along the Atlantic Coast.

Migratory Shorebird Research and Monitoring

Monomoy provides critical nesting, feeding, and resting habitat for more than 40 species of shorebirds, making it one of the most important areas along the Atlantic Flyway. The refuge is recognized as an Important Bird Area and a Site of Regional Importance by the Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network.

Each year, refuge biologists and conservation partners monitor nesting populations of common, least, and roseate terns, piping plovers, American oystercatchers, wading birds, and gulls. Research includes nesting surveys, bird banding, resighting, and tracking movements using transmitters.

These efforts provide important information about population trends, nesting success, survival, and migration patterns. The data help guide conservation decisions both at Monomoy and throughout the Atlantic Flyway.

Reducing Human Disturbance to Shorebirds

Human disturbance can interrupt important shorebird behaviors such as feeding, resting, nesting, and caring for chicks. Even unintentional disturbances from people and pets can cause birds to expend valuable energy or abandon important habitats.

Monomoy participates in a coastwide initiative to reduce these impacts through research, education, and community engagement. By encouraging responsible beach recreation and raising awareness of shorebird conservation, the refuge helps protect vulnerable birds during nesting and migration.

You can help protect shorebirds! Give wildlife plenty of space, respect posted closures, and follow refuge pet restrictions.

Learn more about the Share the Shore initiative at Monomoy.

Horseshoe Crab Surveys and Tagging

Monomoy's protected coastal habitats provide important spawning grounds for Atlantic horseshoe crabs. Their eggs are a critical food source for migrating shorebirds, particularly red knots, which depend on these resources during their spring migration.

Each spring and early summer, refuge staff and volunteers survey and tag horseshoe crabs as part of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Horseshoe Crab Cooperative Tagging Program. These efforts help researchers monitor populations, track movements, and better understand the species' role in coastal ecosystems.

You can contribute to this research! If you encounter a tagged horseshoe crab, report it using the Horseshoe Crab Tag Reporting Form.

Remember, never lift a horseshoe crab by its tail, as this can cause injury. Horseshoe crab harvesting is prohibited on refuge lands and waters.

Gray Seal Research

Monomoy supports one of the largest concentrations of gray seals along the Atlantic Coast, providing important habitat for resting, breeding, and raising pups.

The refuge works with research partners to better understand gray seal ecology, population structure, movements, and feeding habits. These studies contribute to broader efforts to monitor and conserve marine mammals throughout New England's coastal waters.

Northeastern Beach Tiger Beetle Reintroduction

The federally threatened northeastern beach tiger beetle depends on undisturbed sandy beaches for survival. These small predators are important indicators of healthy coastal ecosystems.

In 2000, a reintroduction project began on South Monomoy Island with the release of 23 larvae collected from Martha's Vineyard. Additional releases continued through 2004, successfully establishing a population that later exceeded 8,000 individuals.

The project's success has supported conservation efforts beyond Monomoy. In 2021, 50 beetles were collected from the refuge to support a separate reintroduction project in New Jersey.

This long-term effort demonstrates the importance of protecting undisturbed coastal habitats and the role of wildlife refuges in restoring threatened species.