Wild Gannet and Seabird Entanglement: Prevention and Response

Entanglement in fishing line, plastic, and other debris causes injury, suffering, and death for gannets and other seabirds, and is largely preventable through human behaviour change.

Key Facts

Over 400 seabird species are affected by marine plastic pollution and entanglement
Studies at UK gannet colonies find a significant proportion of nests contain plastic or fishing line
Gannets and other seabirds cannot distinguish monofilament fishing line from natural nesting material
Entangled birds may survive for days or weeks with worsening injuries before death
Wildlife hospitals across the UK treat hundreds of entangled seabirds annually

Welfare Considerations

Seabird entanglement causes prolonged and severe suffering. Birds trapped by fishing line may lose limbs through constriction, develop deep lacerations, lose the ability to fly or dive, and die from starvation or drowning over an extended period. Chicks entangled in nest material face strangulation. The welfare cost is large relative to the ease of prevention: proper disposal of fishing line, reducing single-use plastic, and supporting beach clean programmes remove the hazard before it reaches nesting seabirds. Reporting entangled birds to wildlife hospitals enables treatment and release of recoverable individuals.

What You Can Do

Always take fishing line away with you and dispose of it in dedicated containers, never in water
Participate in beach and coastal clean-up events to remove plastic from seabird foraging areas
Report injured or entangled seabirds to local wildlife rescue lines such as the RSPCA or SSPCA
Support campaigns for extended producer responsibility for fishing gear and single-use plastic