Wildlife Welfare

Wild Puffin Climate Impacts

Atlantic puffins face severe welfare threats from climate change reducing fish prey availability during the critical chick-rearing period.

Key Facts

Puffins feed chicks almost exclusively on sand eels, which are declining in warming seas
Sand eel distribution is shifting northward as waters warm, away from puffin colonies
Failed breeding seasons cause starvation of chicks and physiological stress in adults
UK puffin colonies have declined significantly with climate change a major driver
Protected Marine Areas can maintain prey-rich foraging grounds around key colonies

Welfare Considerations

Puffin welfare is inextricably linked to climate stability and ocean food web health. The suffering caused by chick starvation during poor sand eel years is a direct consequence of human-caused ocean warming.

What You Can Do

Support organizations working on puffin colony monitoring and protection
Advocate for marine protected areas around puffin nesting colonies
Reduce personal carbon footprint and support climate policy action