Committed to the conservation, enhancement and stewardship of habitat across Newfoundland and Labrador

Although community development has expanded over the years, the rich estuarine habitat has been maintained so that waterfowl continue to use it as a major staging, nesting and brood-raising area. Local residents made a significant conservation effort in 1974 when they requested the closure of the Grand Codroy Estuary to hunting. Following this action, the Canadian Wildlife Service and the Newfoundland Wildlife Division made a joint request to the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources to declare the Estuary as a site of international significance. On May 27, 1987 the Grand Codroy Estuary became the first wetlands area in Newfoundland and Labrador to be declared a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention (1971).

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It is evident from the integrated efforts of so many people and organizations that the Codroy Estuary is a precious wetland area worthy of conservation. It is home for thousands of migratory birds during the fall and spring migration, including the endangered piping plover. The estuary consists of adjoining marine and intertidal habitats with an elevation no more than one meter. Four islands are located within the estuary, and the intertidal sandbars give way to mudflats, and is surrounded by cultivated grasslands.

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The Grand Codroy River Estuary is the province’s only Ramsar designated wetland of international significance. It is one of the most productive of Newfoundland's wetland sites for biodiversity. The Grand Codroy River and Little Codroy River which flow together into the estuary site are scheduled Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) migration/breeding rivers. The wetlands of the estuary and lower river also serve as natural infrastructure protecting the surrounding communities from coastal storm surge, sea level rise and increased erosion impacts from runoff and storms.