Marine Wildlife

Wild Gannet Juvenile Dispersal Welfare

Juvenile gannets are independent from hatching their first winter, navigating to African waters alone. Understanding their migration challenges informs conservation priorities.

Key Facts

Juvenile gannets leave colonies in September-October and migrate south independently
First-year mortality is estimated at 50-70% - far higher than adults
Starvation during learning to fish is the primary cause of juvenile mortality
HPAI has devastated gannet colonies and affected juvenile survival
Colour-ringing and tracking studies have revealed migration routes and wintering areas

Welfare Considerations

Juvenile gannets face significant welfare challenges during their first independent migration. Starvation during the transition to independent fishing causes suffering and death. HPAI mortality in colonies has reduced the number of experienced adults that chicks can learn from. Conservation of adult birds directly improves juvenile welfare prospects.

What You Can Do

Support seabird conservation organisations monitoring gannet populations
Report ringed gannets to the British Trust for Ornithology
Advocate for fisheries management that maintains prey fish availability