The pristine coastlands off far-east Russia serve as the breeding grounds for many seabirds. In recent years, however, development in the region has threatened the surrounding sea areas, necessitating swift action to develop measures for conservation. In the first year of its study, BirdLife International Asia Division will conduct information gathering activities on seabirds in far-east Russia to assist in the identification of important marine breeding areas (marine IBAs) for the birds in this region. In the second year, these designated areas will be summarized and published to both raise awareness of marine area and seabird conservation and develop a framework for sustainable conservation.