Ospreys have recovered from extinction in the UK through conservation reintroduction and natural recolonisation, and the welfare of nesting ospreys requires protection from disturbance and illegal persecution.
Osprey welfare is primarily threatened by illegal persecution including nest destruction, egg theft, and shooting, and by disturbance at nesting sites from birdwatchers and photographers. Schedule 1 protection prohibits intentional disturbance at active nests during the breeding season, but enforcement requires active monitoring and public awareness. The welfare of individual ospreys during their extraordinary trans-continental migrations includes exposure to hunting pressure in some African countries. Supporting osprey recovery requires both habitat protection at nest sites and advocacy for their safety throughout their migratory range.