Arctic terns undertake the longest migration of any animal, travelling from Arctic breeding grounds to Antarctic wintering areas. Climate change is disrupting prey availability at key points, affecting individual welfare.
Arctic terns experiencing breeding failure due to sand eel shortage must abandon nesting attempts and face the energetic costs of migration with reduced body condition. The welfare implications of repeated breeding failures extend to the survival of chicks that starve before fledging. Climate action to stabilise sea temperatures protecting sand eel populations offers the most significant long-term welfare benefit for Arctic terns.