The little tern is an Annexe 1 species under the EC Birds Directive.  The British population has been reduced by visitor pressure and egg- collecting and most colonies are now wardened where they represent over 1% of the biogeophraphic population. Gibraltar Point has a long history as a nesting site for little terns.  During the 1990’s the average number of breeding pairs was 29.  The total in 2000 was 32, representing 1.5% of the national population (Gibbons et al 1993).

Until the late 1980’s, the Lincolnshire coast was a stronghold for the species, and there was doubtless much intecolonial movement between the three colonies which existed then.  Today however, few breed at Tetney and Saltfleetby and the Gibraltar Point colony is somewhat isolated. Despite this, colour-ringing has proven that there is recruitment of breeding birds from elsewhere. In 2000 a breeding pair comprised a bird from Norfolk mated with a bird from Cleveland.

The species winters off the west African coast, usually returning by late April.  Productivity relies upon undisturbed open shingle habitats, low predation levels and adequate food source.

Where the colony is sustained at a minimum of 20 pairs and productivity achieves a minimum of 0.5 chick/per pair.  Breeding/feeding grounds are maintained.  (See coastal waters and unvegetated shingle ridges).