The main project objectives are to:
Understand the main threats to the target species and habitats, both on land and at sea;
Recover the Grey Dunes habitat and assess the effect of gulls on this habitat;
Promote the sustainable use of the Ria Formosa barrier islands and marine area, focusing on fisheries and tourism.
Evaluate the effect of climate change and other drivers of change on the eco-morphology of the barrier islands system.
Understand the breeding ecology, foraging behavior and spatial distribution of L. audouinii and S. albifrons.
Evaluate and mitigate bycatch impacts on seabirds and assess the future effect of the discard ban policy on L. audouinii local population, engaging the local fisherman community.
Evaluate possible competitive interactions, and predation from L. michahellis towards the target species.
Protect breeding areas for L. audouinii and S. albifrons (restricting tourist access, controlling predators, increasing surveillance and implementing environmental awareness campaigns). Review the marine IBA limits and propose its designation as a SPA.