Wildlife Welfare

Wild Puffin Climate Change Welfare

Puffins face a changing ocean as climate alters fish distribution. Understanding these welfare impacts informs conservation priorities.

Key Facts

UK puffin populations have declined as sand eel availability decreases
Sand eels move deeper and further offshore as sea temperatures rise
Chick starvation follows adult foraging failures in warm years
Climate-driven ocean changes are difficult to manage directly
Protecting fishing grounds from industrial sand eel harvesting reduces competition

Welfare Considerations

Puffin chicks that starve because parents cannot find adequate sand eel prey experience prolonged suffering before death. Adults making lengthening foraging trips expend increasing energy with reduced success. Climate-driven welfare harm to seabirds requires both direct conservation action (reducing fishing pressure on prey species) and broader climate action to stabilize ocean temperatures.

What You Can Do

Support RSPB seabird conservation programs including puffin monitoring
Advocate for restrictions on industrial sand eel fishing in seabird feeding areas
Learn about climate change impacts on marine food webs
Donate to organizations working at the intersection of climate and wildlife welfare