Long-tailed ducks winter in UK waters, primarily in Scotland, and face welfare challenges from marine pollution and offshore wind development.
Long-tailed ducks oiled by marine pollution experience loss of waterproofing, hypothermia, and death from ingested oil toxicity. Their deep-diving foraging makes them vulnerable to ghost gear entanglement. Marine pollution prevention and responsible offshore wind siting that accounts for seaduck distribution protect long-tailed duck welfare.