Author: J. Matoković
In the bay of Zaklopatica on the island of Lastovo on July 15, the 2nd NIGHT OF ALBATROS was organized as part of the LIFE Artina project, designed to contribute to the conservation of three marine bird species – Yelkouan Shearwater (Puffinus yelkouan), Scopoli’s Sherwater (Calonectris diomedea) and the Audouin’s Gull (Larus audouinii).
The name Artina is derived from the local dialect of Lastovo’s island for Yelkouan Shearwater. At the beginning of the event, more was said about the project itself, its goals and the biology of these three species of birds, which are one of the reasons for the proclamation of the Lastovo Islands Nature Park. Given the importance of conserving bird populations in areas where they come naturally, the project aims to help declare new marine conservation areas important for birds (SPA areas) that have been identified as key areas, not only for nesting but also for feeding and migration.
Visitors were therefore able to learn more about research methods, fieldwork, find out what is waste monitoring and why waste is one of the biggest threats to seabirds, and what other threats there are to seabirds. An exhibition was organized and the campaign Bubbles not balloons was presented, which encourages the cessation of the use of plastic balloons, which, like other plastic objects, are a great threat to seabirds, who often replace them with their food. Various games are organized for children.
At the end of the evening, according to a report by two visitors, a young Yelkouan Shearwater was found and rescued, which attracted by the light landed on the road. The night of albatrosses was jointly organized by the employees of the Nature Park Lastovo Islands, the BIOM and Sunce associations, and the WWF Adria association who also joined. We using this occasion to thank the locals and visitors for the great response and we invite you to join next year as well!
