In order to ensure the development of a high-quality management plan for the existing specially protected marine Natura 2000 territories “Nida - Pērkone”, “Akmensrags”, “Irbes šaurums”, “Rīgas līča rietumu piekraste”, “Selga uz rietumiem no Tūjas”, “Vitrupe - Tūja”, “Ainaži - Salacgrīva”, as well as potential marine protected areas in waters of the exclusive economic zone of the Republic of Latvia, a preliminary survey of feather-thrower sea birds has been performed with a drone and telescope.

The feasibility study was carried out by surveying a total of ten points in existing marine protected areas. The purpose of the feasibility study was to identify the presence of feather-thrower birds concentration sites close to the coast and to check whether such sites could be used for the purpose of recording birds with drone.

'One pleasant conclusion was the reaction of the birds as a drone flying 30 m high caused no stress to the hillbilly swans and common goldeneyes. In order to determine the potential necessity for changes in the boundaries of marine protected areas, it would be necessary to carry out bird records for an average of five kilometres also outside the existing boundaries of marine protected areas', says LIFE REEF expert - ornithologist Pēteris Daknis.

Several scenically beautiful hillbilly swan concentration sites have been observed in the list of flattering seabirds. About 300 hillbilly swans have been found in Kaltene. Hillbilly swans, uses calm coastal bays where they can feed and sleep. These birds are plant-eaters, in their menu they have water plant stems, seeds, fruits and leaves.

Meanwhile, at least 1,630 common goldeneyes have been detected on the Abragciems coast. Common goldeneyes feed on ground dwellers and prefer marine delicacies such as molluscs, worms, crustaceans and other marine landless, though sometimes they also catch fish or feast on sea plants.