Audouin's Gull (Larus audouinii) is a globally threatened species and is endemic to the Mediterranean sea. Its colonies are found mainly on islets or small uninhabited rocky islands near the coast. The discovery of Audouin's Gull in the Adriatic is very recent - 1997. The area of the South Dalmatian islets is little known to ornithologists with records on breeding populations almost non-existent. Over the past five years we have conducted the only surveys in the area.

There are two key components to our current work.

Firstly we will continue to monitor local breeding seabird populations. Regular population surveys are critical to any conservation effort.

Secondly we wish to raise local awareness about the biotic importance of the area and its vulnerability to unregulated activities. This part of the project is mainly focused on preparation of an educational poster that will be distributed to all the schools in the area, libraries, post offices, banks, tourist centres and administrative offices.

Finally we will organise a press conference in Dubrovnik in December 2003.