The Common Tern (Sterna hirundo) and the Little Tern (Sternula albifrons) are important species in coastal ecosystems, playing a vital role in maintaining ecological balance. These species are also sensitive environmental indicators of the condition of coastal habitats, making the study and monitoring of their nesting essential for understanding environmental changes that may affect biodiversity in the region.

In this context, the Libyan Society for Birds implements a seasonal scientific program to monitor the nesting of these species on Qataiya Island in the Aby Kamesh area (northwest Libya), in cooperation with the BESIDA Environmental Association for the protection of the island and Fruwah Lake. This program aims to document bird abundance, the number of nests, and nesting success, while assessing threats they face, such as human disturbances, climate change, and natural predators.

Through this program, precise data are collected on nesting behaviors, hatching rates, and nesting success, contributing to the development of effective strategies to protect these species and their habitats. The program also seeks to raise environmental awareness about the importance of preserving Libyan islands as key nesting sites for a number of resident and migratory seabird species.