Effects of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Associated with Biofilm on Migratory Flight Performance of Western Sandpipers

Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) intends on entering into a contract with Western University to test the effects of dietary omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) on migration performance of Western Sandpipers. ECCC requires the services of a contractor who is a qualified expert on fatty acids and bird migration who must experimentally test the effects of dietary omega-3 PUFAs on migration performance of Western Sandpipers and prepare documents for publication in scientific journals. This Work will definitively examine the role of dietary omega-3 PUFAs obtained from biofilm in enhancing migration in Western Sandpiper and other shorebirds and so illuminate the importance of high biofilm sites for the conservation of migratory coastal shorebirds. The Contractor will work with ECCC to conduct the following research:

Experimentally manufacture experimental diets differing in fatty acid composition. Capture sandpipers in British Columbia and transport them to the AFAR in July 2020 where they will be fed diets differing in fatty acid composition. Conduct wind tunnel studies to measure endurance flight performance. Conduct biochemical and gene expression analysis of sandpiper tissues.