Birds in the Adriatic face a range of threats, including habitat destruction due to urbanization and tourism, pollution from plastic, oil, and chemicals, overfishing (which reduces food availability), poaching, and accidental bycatch in fishing gear. Disturbance from human activity is present year-round and intensifies during the tourist season, with increasing pressure from noise and encroachment on bird habitats. Another growing pressure is climate change, which is becoming more evident each day.

Predatory species such as rats and cats, introduced by humans to remote islands where seabirds nest – such as in the Lastovo Archipelago – pose a serious threat. These predators feed on eggs and chicks, reducing breeding success, decreasing populations, and potentially causing colonies to be abandoned.

To improve the protection of endangered seabird species, we worked with our partners: Association Biom, the Public Institution Nature Park Lastovo Islands, and BirdLife Malta on the project LIFE Artina – „Seabird Conservation Network in the Adriatic”. This five-year project focused on seabird conservation in Croatia, specifically targeting three species: the Audouin’s Gull, Yelkouan Shearwater, and Scopoli’s Shearwater.

In addition to collecting new data on seabird populations on offshore islands, the project raised awareness about the need to protect not only nesting sites but also marine feeding grounds. As a result, five new Important Bird Areas (IBAs) were identified in the Adriatic Sea.

We also strengthened collaboration among various stakeholders involved in seabird conservation in Croatia. This included representatives from the fisheries sector, scientific and professional communities, public institutions, ministries, and others.

The project led to a wealth of valuable data and partnerships, which marked a significant achievement for two key reasons. First, it provided scientific evidence to help institutions designate new conservation areas and introduce effective seabird protection measures. Second, it informed fishermen, local communities, and visitors about the importance and vulnerability of seabird species and how they can contribute to their protection. All stakeholders gained access to practical knowledge, tools, and contacts which is a type of support that many confirmed will be valuable in their ongoing work. We also developed a clear position on the future of seabird conservation in the Adriatic.

Learn more below about the key results we achieved through LIFE Artina, also presented in the project video.

1. New Important Bird Areas (IBAs)

Our most significant achievement was the designation of five new IBAs for seabirds and the expansion of two existing ones (Lastovo Islands – HR1000038 and Pučnički Islands – HR1000039).

Croatia was required by the European Commission to expand its ecological network to include marine areas for seabird conservation. Through this project, we gathered new scientific data on seabird hotspots in the Adriatic and proposed areas according to international IBA standards, along with management measures for their protection.

The next step is for the relevant Ministry to formally include these areas in Croatia’s national ecological network through regulation. Even more crucial is the establishment of effective management of these sites and to maintain the progress achieved through LIFE Artina.

2. Eradication and improved breeding success

The project significantly improved the conservation status of two seabird species (Scopoli’s and Yelkouan shearwaters) by increasing both breeding pairs and nesting success. This success was due not only to more detailed research but also to targeted conservation actions, primarily the eradication of rats. We removed or significantly reduced rat populations on 15 islands and islets in the Lastovo Archipelago, enhancing nesting site safety. As a result, breeding success for Yelkouan shearwaters doubled, and Scopoli’s shearwaters saw a more than 10% increase. The breeding success of Yelkouan shearwaters doubled, while Scopoli’s shearwaters saw an increase of over 10%. Compared to 2019, in 2023 we recorded six times more Yelkouan shearwaters and nearly four times more Scopoli’s shearwaters.

3. New ccientific knowledge and practical recommendations

Tracking 40 Yelkouan Shearwaters, 40 Scopoli’s Shearwaters, and 25 Audouin’s Gull allowed us to identify key marine areas that were declared IBAs and as that scientifically validated candidates for Croatia’s Natura 2000 ecological network. We also recorded Yelkouan and/or Scopoli’s presence on six previously undocumented islets, expanding our knowledge of their habitats. Through the banding of 527 Yelkouan Shearwaters, 190 Scopoli’s Shearwaters, and 65 Audouin’s Gull, we deepened our understanding of population dynamics.

The project also helped us gain a better understanding of the presence and composition of marine litter in their environment. For the first time, the amount and composition of marine litter on beaches and the sea surface within a protected area in Croatia (Lastovo Islands Nature Park) were systematically assessed.

We also produced recommendations to reduce accidental seabird bycatch, based on an assessment of fishing gear impacts, gear testing, and strong collaboration with fishermen. This was the first time that anyone in Croatia had addressed this issue in a more systematic way, resulting in concrete findings and recommendations. Several areas requiring further work were identified, and our experiences were presented in a video on accidental bycatch.

All recommendations based on new findings and collaboration with fishers and other stakeholders were incorporated into a set of proposed management measures for the suggested IBA areas, developed in cooperation with the Nature Protection Directorate and the Directorate of Fisheries.

4. Educating children – investing in future generations

In collaboration with eight educational institutions, the project developed programs for preschools and primary schools on Korčula, Lastovo, and Vis. More than 900 children participated in 70 workshops and excursions, learning firsthand about nature conservation. These activities not only introduced them to the importance of seabird protection but also inspired environmentally responsible attitudes. Children themselves reported that the project had a strong positive impact on their awareness and understanding of seabird and environmental conservation.

5. Public awareness and community engagement

Through various media channels, including articles, radio shows, and social media, the project reached a broad audience. A total of 291 media items were published, and the project’s promotional video was shared widely online and at public events. Advocacy efforts supported the promotion of policies and laws for seabird protection.

We organized 27 events with over 1,550 participants and six online workshops attended by more than 200 people. These events attracted both seabird enthusiasts and those unfamiliar with the topic. Events like “Albatross Nights” brought over 250 participants to Lastovo and Vis, while 31 beach clean-up actions involved around 400 volunteers who removed 14 tons of marine litter from the coast and seabed. To help reduce waste, we installed three composters for restaurants on Lastovo, analyzed the issue, and proposed solutions at the island level.

We also conducted a study to assess the socio-economic impact of the project and changes in awareness, knowledge, and attitudes of target groups. Results from over 600 participants highlighted the essential role of community involvement in conservation efforts. When local communities are informed and engaged, there is a clear positive shift in awareness and willingness to support conservation actions.

6. Collaboration with experts and institutions

The project established a network for knowledge exchange with both national and international experts, including participants from three other LIFE projects. We organized conferences, workshops, and panel discussions, including a final conference attended by 55 participants from the Mediterranean and Atlantic regions. These gatherings fostered the exchange of best practices for seabird conservation. We also visited five public institutions managing protected areas to demonstrate conservation activities and discuss replicating project results in their regions.

Looking back two years later, LIFE Artina made a meaningful contribution to seabird conservation in the Adriatic. The project’s results laid the foundation for continued efforts to protect these endangered species, and ongoing implementation of the recommended measures and partnerships are key to preserving and enhancing these successes, ensuring long-term protection for seabirds and their habitats in the Adriatic Sea.