Wildlife Welfare

Wild Gannet Colony Recovery

Northern gannet colonies in the UK are significant wildlife welfare sites where breeding pairs raise single chicks in competitive social conditions.

Key Facts

UK gannet colonies including Bass Rock hold over 150,000 pairs - among the world's largest
Colony sites require nesting space, fish prey access, and protection from disturbance
Avian influenza (HPAI) has caused significant mortality in gannet colonies since 2022
Plastic pollution is found in most gannet nests, causing entanglement and chick injury
Marine protected areas around key colonies protect foraging grounds for breeding gannets

Welfare Considerations

Gannet colony welfare is influenced by both ecological conditions and direct human impacts. The devastating impact of avian influenza alongside ongoing threats from plastic and overfishing demands multi-front conservation responses.

What You Can Do

Support marine protected area campaigns protecting gannet foraging grounds
Reduce plastic use and participate in coastal clean-ups
Support HPAI monitoring programs at seabird colonies