Manx shearwaters are extraordinary seabirds that spend most of their lives at sea and return to breeding colonies only at night to avoid predation. Their welfare depends on both marine food resources and predator-free island colonies.
Manx shearwater welfare during the fledging period is significantly compromised by light pollution. Young birds emerging from burrows for the first time are attracted to artificial lights rather than the brightest horizon of the sea, causing them to crash land on roads and in car parks where they are killed by vehicles or predators. Organised rescue of grounded shearwaters and release at sea is a direct welfare intervention that saves significant numbers annually. Longer term, reducing light pollution in coastal areas near breeding colonies addresses the root cause.