Sea Eagle Conservation in UK Waters and Welfare

White-tailed eagles, reintroduced to Scotland in 1975 and England in 2019, represent a major conservation success but continue to face welfare threats from illegal persecution.

Key Facts

White-tailed eagles (sea eagles) were extinct in the UK by 1918 due to persecution and habitat loss
Reintroductions from Norway have established breeding populations in Scotland exceeding 150 pairs
The Isle of Wight and Southern England reintroduction project began in 2019
Illegal shooting, poisoning, and nest disturbance continue to cause mortality in reintroduced birds
White-tailed eagles have 2-metre wingspans and nest in ancient trees at the tops of woodland

Welfare Considerations

White-tailed eagles that survive persecution and reach breeding age face ongoing welfare threats from illegal poisoning and shooting. Second-generation anticoagulant rodenticide poisoning through consumption of poisoned prey kills sea eagles regularly. Satellite-tracked birds disappearing over grouse moors — with no signal recovery and no carcass found — suggest ongoing illegal killing. Individual eagles that survive to breeding age can live 25 years or more, making each surviving bird a significant conservation and welfare entity. Legal protection, public reporting, and law enforcement are the primary welfare safeguards for this recovering species.

What You Can Do

Report any suspected sea eagle persecution immediately to the Police Wildlife Crime Unit
Support RSPB and Wildlife Trust monitoring programmes for reintroduced sea eagle populations
Avoid using second-generation rodenticides in areas where sea eagles occur
Engage with the sea eagle reintroduction story to build public support for raptor conservation