UK Wildlife

Guillemot Sea Cliff Colony and Oil Spill Vulnerability

The guillemot is the most numerous UK seabird nesting in dense colonies on sea cliffs, highly vulnerable to oil pollution at sea which can wipe out thousands in a single spill.

Key Facts

Guillemots lay pear-shaped eggs that roll in circles rather than off cliff ledges
UK breeding population around 1 million pairs at cliff colonies nationwide
Most numerous seabird at many UK cliff colonies
Highly vulnerable to oil spills as they spend winter at sea in large offshore flocks
Can dive to over 150m depth to catch fish

Welfare Considerations

Guillemot welfare is threatened by oil pollution, North Sea sandeel decline, and overfishing of their prey fish. The 2022 HPAI outbreak caused significant mortality. Recovery from oil spills takes decades as guillemots breed slowly.

What You Can Do

Support marine pollution prevention and oil spill response capacity
Advocate for sustainable fishing management in guillemot feeding grounds
Visit seabird colonies at Bempton, Farne Islands or Bass Rock to support conservation