At the recent final meeting of the Coordination Committee of the LIFE Artina project, representatives from Biom, Sunce, and the Public Institution Lastovsko otočje Nature Park, along with members from the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development (MINGOR) and the Fisheries Directorate of the Ministry of Agriculture, highlighted key achievements during the project’s five-year duration. In the opening words, Ivana Selanec, the director of Biom, was followed by Aljoša Duplić, the director of the Institute for Environmental Protection and Nature, expressing significant support for our project and the initiative to designate new marine areas for bird protection.
Following a project video and presentations, the results achieved over the five years were discussed. You can find the video here. Subsequently, a discussion was opened on the project’s main goals, success, and the After LIFE plan, which aims at the long-term preservation of project outcomes after the conclusion of the LIFE Artina project.
We are pleased that our main project goal, securing the basic conditions for the designation of new protected areas (SPAs) at sea, has been accepted by the Ministry. Although the legal process for declaring protection for these areas is complex, MINGOR has confirmed that they will draft an assurance letter to the EU to confirm the expeditious implementation of this procedure shortly after the project’s completion. Further discussion covered the creation of management plans for these new areas and the management plan for shearwaters, which has been drafted but unfortunately not yet adopted. Additionally, there were discussions about continuing concrete conservation activities within the Lastovsko otočje Nature Park, emphasizing the need for ongoing rat control and removal, monitoring bird populations, and exploring funding opportunities through EU funds for Croatia and Croatian Parks earmarked for such activities.
The issue of bycatch of seabirds in fishing gear and the protocol for caring for injured seabirds were also discussed. While concrete projects related to reducing seabird bycatch are not currently planned, the Fisheries Directorate recognizes the importance of this issue and its international obligations, intending to address it in their future work. Importantly, after five years of project implementation, the first official report of accidental seabird capture has been documented (an accidental capture of a European shag reported by an observer). It was concluded that the most effective approach involves collaboration with fishermen for education, enabling them to care for endangered seabirds at sea, implementing measures to reduce bycatch on a voluntary basis, and encouraging them to report such cases. The importance of building mutual trust and collaboration with fishermen was also emphasized.
The meeting initiated a dialogue on light pollution, particularly in the bay of Zaklopatica, which remains an open topic for further research, regulation, and the implementation of concrete measures.
To conclude the project, several activities focused on education and raising awareness on seabirds and threats, such as marine litter, are planned for the remaining project duration.
In summary, the final Coordination Committee meeting was an opportunity to analyze the five years of effort and success of the LIFE Artina project. Significant progress has been made in securing the basic conditions for designating new protected areas at sea, and the support from the Ministry for this initiative is highly encouraging. Through the project, we have gained valuable experience, knowledge, and partnerships. Future activities and the After LIFE plan will be crucial in maintaining the achieved success and enhancing the protection of seabirds in the Adriatic.
