The eight small islands near Matsu had early been established as a sanctuaries. After the "legendary bird" was discovered government officials requested the Coast Guard Administration to strengthen its patrolling during the May and June breeding season when the terns arrive, but they were still unable to prevent Chinese fishermen from the mainland who early in the morning or late at night would go onto the islands and collect eggs.
連江縣政府早先已將馬祖附近 8 個小島劃設為保護區，發現「神話之鳥」後，更委請海巡署在 5、6 月燕鷗飛來繁殖季節加強查緝，但對中國大陸漁民利用清晨或夜晚登島撿拾鳥蛋仍防不勝防。