The Shelburne County Fish & Game Association (SCFGA) began the Eider Duck Nesting Box Program in 2002. Many members helped in construction of the nesting boxes which were made from wooden fish crates. Upon completion, the boxes were placed on islands along the coast of Shelburne County from Seal Island at the western end of the county to Ram Island in the east.

The nest boxes were put on the following islands:

First season results varied from poor, in such areas in Seal Island, to very good in Barrington Bay with approximately 70% success rate. In spots where ducks did not actually nest in boxes, they often nested close beside them.

SCFGA plans are to continue this program during the next few years and may require additional future funding in order to provide maintenance, replacement and monitoring of the nests. It is also in the group's planning to relocate some nests to other areas where there are existing sites of eider ducks.

The primary threat to the eider, appears, from all reports, to be the black-backed gull, seizing many of the young ducks as they enter the water.

In conclusion, the project has been both an enjoyable, educational experience for the members although disappointing at times when the results were not as favorable as hoped in certain areas.

SCFGA has advertised the project at exhibitions through photos and conversation and displays in addition to reports and articles in the local newspaper, The Shelburne County Coast Guard.