Barnacle geese migrating between Svalbard and Scotland face extraordinary welfare challenges during their biannual journeys over the Norwegian Sea.
Barnacle geese undertaking their first migration as goslings face the full physiological challenge of ocean crossing without experience or parental guidance beyond following the flock. Adverse weather during migration forces birds to delay, depleting fat reserves, or to push on in dangerous conditions. The welfare of individual birds during migration depends on body condition accumulated on Svalbard breeding grounds and appropriate weather windows.