The Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta (YKD) Aerial Breeding Pair Survey provides data on the spring abundance of targeted waterfowl species nesting on the YKD coastal zone in western Alaska. This region supports millions of waterbirds that comprise one of the largest and most important waterfowl breeding grounds in North America, including species of concern such as the red-throated loon (Gavia stellata), emperor goose (Chen canagica), Pacific black brant (Branta bernicla nigricans), common eider (Somateria mollissima), black scoter (Melanitta nigra), long-tailed duck (Clangula hyemalis), and the threatened spectacled eider (Somateria fischeri). The YKD goose, swan, and crane survey was first implemented in 1985 to monitor populations of cackling Canada (Branta hutchinsii minima) and Pacific greater white-fronted geese (Anser albifrons frontalis) after fall population counts showed substantial declines. Survey data on loons and jaegers was recorded starting in 1989 and gulls and terns starting in 1992. Data from the YKD aerial survey is used to provide population status and distribution information, monitor trends, establishing hunting regulations, and inform conservation and management decisions at the state, flyway, and continental levels.
