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Current Status:

Pier and marina construction have reduced the tern's foraging habitat, while predators and human activities have disturbed nesting colonies. Natural events, such as increased ocean temperatures during El Nino conditions, have impacted food supplies.

Achievements:

Since this species was listed in 1973, the U.S. population has increased from 625 pairs to 1,800 pairs. Fencing, site monitoring, habitat enhancement and creation, and predator management efforts are believed to be responsible for the significant increase. Recent section 7 activities have included formal and informal consultations with the Navy for San Diego Bay in-water construction activities, a pipeline crossing a tern nesting area at the mouth of the Tijuana Estuary, and the effects of military training on nesting terns at Camp Pendleton Marine Corps Base.

Current Recovery Needs:

Population monitoring, predator management, biological research, development of site-specific management plans, site acquisition, and habitat conservation and restoration need to continue.

Section 6 Funding and Activities:

The California Department of Fish and Game received $60,000 in FY 1991 and $58,000 in FY 1992 to complete a tern census.

Partnerships

Department of the Navy: In 1987, the Fish and Wildlife Service and the Navy executed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for least tern management at three nesting colonies in San Diego Bay. Actions taken under this MOU have provided one of the most effective management programs for least terns in the San Diego Bay area. The Navy's tern management efforts, under the Landing Craft Air Cushion project mitigation requirements, have contributed significantly to maintaining and enhancing tern reproductive success at Camp Pendleton, which has the largest nesting colony in the State.

US. Air Force: In 1992, the Air Force committed itself to long-term management of the three least tern nesting populations at Vandenberg Air Force Base in conjunction with a commercial vehicle launch program. The Fish and Wildlife Service provided technical management assistance.

California Department of Fish and Game: In 1991 and 1992, this State agency conducted censuses and monitoring studies to help assess population status and management needs.

California State University at Long Beach: In 1992, a 3-acre beach site adjacent to Santa Monica Bay was fenced and monitored daily by volunteers from Healthe-Bay, National Audubon Society, University of California (Los Angeles), and California State University (Long Beach). Funded through a grant from the Environmental Protection Agency, the California State University at Long Beach had oversight of this effort to create a new least tern nesting area.

Recovery Plan Status:

Original plan approved 4/2/80; revised 9/27/85.