Hundreds of Bay of Plenty ducks are paddling around with bright, shiny bands on their legs.

They are helping scientific research into duck population and habits.

It's part of the annual research programme by Fish & Game that help gather crucial data, such as the birds' movements, productivity, population sizes and survival rates.

Each band has a unique number which is recorded in the national bird banding data base administered by the Department of Conservation.

When a band is recovered, the number will show where and when it was originally banded and how long it has lived and travelled.

Fish and game says some ducks travel surprising distances, with bands being recovered from Pacific Islands such as New Caledonia

This week, a team of Fish & Game's Eastern Region staff and volunteers have begun banding at Waewaetutuki Reserve near Pongakawa in the Bay of Plenty.

The information gathered from the banding research helps Fish & Game set sustainable duck harvesting numbers for the game bird hunting season and how long the season should last.