Northern Gannet Welfare and Seabird Colonies

Northern gannets are spectacular colonial seabirds whose welfare is affected by entanglement in fishing gear, prey availability, and colony disturbance.

Key Facts

The UK hosts around 60% of the world's northern gannet population
Gannets dive at speeds up to 100km/h to catch fish, making them vulnerable to collision with fishing gear
Entanglement in plastic fishing line and netting causes significant injury and colony mortality
Gannet colonies at Bass Rock and other sites attract significant visitor interest that must be managed carefully

Welfare Considerations

Gannet welfare in colonial breeding sites is primarily affected by entanglement hazards and prey availability. Individuals that become entangled in monofilament fishing line often return to the colony, where the line becomes incorporated into nest material, entangling chicks and partners. Entanglement causes progressive constriction injuries or strangulation that causes slow death. Visitors to gannet colonies who leave fishing line or other waste risk contributing to this welfare harm. Pre-breeding season removal of plastic fishing material from colony sites, combined with education of fishers about appropriate disposal, are effective mitigation measures.

What You Can Do

Remove all fishing line and plastic waste before leaving coastal areas near seabird colonies
Support gannet colony management organizations that conduct welfare-improving interventions
Advocate for fishing line amnesty programs and proper disposal facilities at coastal fishing sites
Visit gannet colonies responsibly, following distance and behavior guidelines to minimize disturbance