The gannet is the UK's largest seabird, famous for spectacular plunge-dives from 30m height into the sea, breeding in enormous dense colonies on coastal cliffs and stacks.
Gannet populations have increased over the 20th century following reduced persecution, but the 2022 HPAI outbreak caused severe mortality. Climate-driven changes in prey fish distribution may affect colony viability. Plastic ingestion and fishing gear entanglement are concerns.