Velvet scoters are sea ducks that winter in small numbers off UK coasts, facing welfare threats from oil pollution, bycatch in fishing gear, and coastal development that disturbs wintering flocks.
Individual velvet scoters wintering off UK coasts face welfare risks from oil spills that coat plumage and prevent thermoregulation, bycatch in fixed fishing gear, and disturbance from boat traffic. Oil spills cause particularly prolonged and severe welfare suffering through hypothermia and chemical toxicity. Prevention of oil pollution and bycatch reduction in coastal gill nets are the most significant welfare interventions for wintering sea ducks.