Ospreys are remarkable specialist fish hunters whose populations have recovered but face ongoing pressures.
Osprey welfare is primarily affected by pollution, nest disturbance, and prey depletion. Polychlorinated biphenyls and heavy metals in fish bioaccumulate in ospreys, impairing reproduction and neurological function. Nest disturbance during incubation causes egg abandonment. Overfishing in some regions depletes the shallow-water fish species ospreys rely on. Entanglement in discarded fishing line can cause nest collapse and limb injuries. Where ospreys have recovered, their presence indicates healthy fish populations and clean water.