The New World population of Red Knots has fallen from 67,500 in the 1980s to fewer than 30,000 in 2003.

Shorebirds are among the most migratory of all species on Earth and they are in trouble. More than one-fourth of all of North America's shorebird species and subspecies are in serious decline. Some, such as the New World race of Red Knots, will become extinct within our lifetimes if current population trends are not halted.

The WESTERN HEMISPHERE SHOREBIRD RESERVE NETWORK
(WHSRN) is a voluntary, non-regulatory coalition that identifies and promotes conservation of crucial sites for shorebirds, no matter whether they are used in the breeding, migratory, or "winter" season. It was created in 1985 as an ambitious and visionary approach to addressing shorebird conservation needs at an enormous scale.

WHSRN'S MISSION: is to conserve shorebird species and their habitats across the Americas through a network of key sites.

GOALS:
WHSRN'S four goals are to

1. use the best available scientific and other information;
2. implement shorebird conservation action at Network sites throughout the Americas;
3. create and maintain informed, involved, empowered and interconnected human communities at Network sites; and
4. become the strongest network of sites possible.

Specific objectives for 2004-2008 within each of these goals are described in WHSRN's Strategic Plan. The work programs for the Network derive from these objectives.

SITES:
The Network currently has 64 sites in 8 countries, from Alaska in the north to Tierra del Fuego in southern South America. The first site was the Hemispheric Site at Delaware Bay, U.S, dedicated in May 1986. The most recent are the Estuario del Río Gallegos of Argentina, the Llano de la Soledad in Mexico, and Anahuac National Wildlife Refuges, in Texas, USA.

Sites qualify by hosting at least a minimum number of shorebirds annually, and by having explicit agreement of the landowner.

Sites qualify by hosting at least a minimum number of shorebirds annually, and by having explicit agreement of the landowner.

Sites of Hemispheric Importance:
500,000 shorebirds/yr, or >30% of a biogeographic population
Sites of International Importance:
100,000 shorebirds/yr, or >10% of a biogeographic population
Sites of Regional Importance
20,000 shorebirds/yr, or >1% of a biogeographic population

Landowners agree to:
1 make shorebird conservation a priority,
2 protect and manage shorebird habitat, and
3 keep WHSRN informed at least annually of any changes in the site’s status including contact information.

FOR INFORMATION ON NOMINATING A SITE, click here.

ORGANIZATION
The Network is governed by a Hemispheric Council, and some countries have formed National Councils. Others are in the process of doing so. The Network.s Coordinating Office, operating as a program of Manomet Center for Conservation Sciences, provides executive staff and services to the Network.s Members, Partners, governing Councils, and the Scientific Advisory Committee, for the implementation of the Strategic Plan and work programs.

PARTNERS:
WHSRN works with over 200 partner organizations across the Hemisphere that may be thought of in two categories. Site Partners include public and/or private site owners and community-based organizations, including local conservation and .Friends groups,. that support and enhance a site.s conservation work. Network Partners are organizations, including government agencies from member countries, non-profit organizations, governing bodies for indigenous peoples, academic centers, businesses, and related conservation consortia that play a key role in the operational aspects of the Network.

HOW CAN I CONTRIBUTE?
Financial contributions supporting this important work are most welcome and can be made through Manomet Center for Conservation Sciences.

Individuals wishing to be involved at an existing WHSRN site are urged to visit their webpages or contact the appropriate person listed at one of our site descriptions.