Scientific research in Kouchibouguac National Park

Canada's National Parks’ mandate is to preserve and protect the ecological integrity of its ecosystems and to make them available for the enjoyment and education of the Canadian population. Whether it be related to biology, ecology, the environment, geography or visitor experience, the decisions made by Kouchibouguac National Park’s managers are based on science.

Although our Resource Conservation team is very knowledgeable, they can’t be experts in all areas so they rely on partnerships to fill those gaps. Over the years, the Park successfully developed partnerships with several Canadian and international universities and colleges in order to gain access to expertize in a variety of specific fields.

For scientists collaborating with Parks Canada, National Parks serves as true outdoor laboratories. The research they conduct is valuable as it generates information on species and ecosystems of Kouchibouguac National Park. Research projects conducted in the Park provide great training opportunities for post-secondary students. Since 1969, over 60 Master's theses and five Doctorates have been completed in Kouchibouguac National Park. The data collected in these studies greatly contributed in helping us further our knowledge on birds, mammals, fish, invertebrates, plants, species at risk, geomorphological processes and even Park visitors’ behavior.

Research within National Parks provides enriching volunteer opportunities which help support resource conservation efforts. In addition, the information collected through research can be used by Park Interpreters in their efforts to educate and reach out to the public.

Over the next few pages, we’ll present two examples of research projects currently being conducted at the Park. Projects such as those for the River Otter and the Red-Breasted Merganser help the management team maintain the Park’s ecological integrity of which we are the guardians.

For more information regarding research conducted in the Park, or scientific volunteering, please contact a member of our Resource Conservation team at 506-876-2443.