Wildlife Welfare

Wild Atlantic Puffin UK Colony Welfare

Atlantic puffin colonies in the UK face welfare challenges from reduced sand eel availability linked to climate change and fisheries.

Key Facts

UK puffin colonies include major sites at Skomer, Handa and Bempton Cliffs
Sand eels are the primary food for puffin chicks and adults during breeding season
Climate-driven northward shift of sand eel distribution reduces their availability near southern colonies
Puffin chick starvation occurs when sand eel availability is poor leading to mass breeding failure
RSPB seabird monitoring programmes track breeding success and adult survival

Welfare Considerations

Puffin welfare is acutely affected by sand eel availability driven by climate change and industrial fishing. Breeding failure from chick starvation causes individual suffering and population decline. Addressing the root causes through climate action and fisheries management is the long-term welfare solution.

What You Can Do

Support RSPB and Seabird Research Group monitoring and conservation programmes
Advocate for climate action and sand eel fishery management protecting puffin food supply
Visit puffin colonies ethically to support conservation-linked tourism economies