Atlantic puffins are iconic seabirds facing population decline in several UK colonies linked to sandeel scarcity caused by climate change and fisheries.
Sandeel scarcity causes chick starvation when adults cannot find sufficient prey near colonies. Adults forced to forage further expend more energy and spend less time at the nest. In poor years, chicks that develop slowly may not fledge before parents abandon the season. Adults show physiological stress indicators during poor prey years. Industrial sandeel fishing removes prey directly from seabird foraging areas.