Wildlife

Wild Arctic Tern Migration Welfare

Arctic terns complete the longest migration of any animal, travelling from Arctic to Antarctic and back annually, with welfare implications from ocean prey depletion and climate shifts along migration routes.

Key Facts

Arctic terns travel 70,000-90,000 km annually in their round-trip migration
They experience two polar summers per year and more daylight than any other creature
Sea surface temperature warming is reducing prey fish availability on migration routes
UK breeding populations have declined significantly at some traditional colonies
Arctic terns breed colonially and are highly vulnerable to disturbance at nest sites

Welfare Considerations

Arctic terns face energetic demands that require reliable prey throughout their migration. Climate-driven prey depletion threatens the welfare of millions of individuals completing this extraordinary journey.

What You Can Do

Support climate action to slow ocean warming that depletes arctic tern prey
Avoid disturbance to arctic tern nesting colonies during the breeding season
Donate to seabird monitoring schemes tracking arctic tern population trends
Raise awareness of arctic tern migration as one of nature's great welfare and conservation stories