The Damara Tern Sternula balaenarum is Near Threatened in Namibia (Simmons, Brown & Kemper in press 2015) and also globally Near Threatened (IUCN 2015). The species is little known and faces several conservation issues (Braby 2011). A recent review of all accessible information of breeding populations in Angola, Namibia and South Africa identified 70 breeding colonies globally for the species (Braby 2011). Most of the population (98%) breeds in Namibia, where overall breeding success (measured as the probability of fledging one chick per pair, per season) is estimated at only 0.36. A bird assessment study was completed for the Social and Environmental Impact Assessment for Rössing Uranium's Proposed Desalination Plant near Swakopmund, Namibia in August 2014. Although a literature search and local sources indicated that Damara Terns have been recorded and have bred regularly at this site (Braby 2011; Boorman M pers. comm.), more detailed and updated information was required on the present distribution, numbers and breeding success at this site, which according to the bird assessment study should be categorised as sensitive, together with a buffer zone. This study was therefore initiated to investigate and update the above aspects for the summer 2014-2015 season.