Wildlife

Wild Velvet Scoter Marine Welfare

Velvet scoters are sea ducks that winter in small numbers in UK waters, with welfare dependent on undisturbed coastal feeding habitats.

Key Facts

Velvet scoters are uncommon winter visitors from Russian breeding grounds
They dive to feed on bivalves and crustaceans in coastal waters
Marine pollution from oil spills affects individual welfare through feather contamination
Disturbance from recreational boating forces repeated flight from feeding areas
UK wintering numbers have declined from already small populations

Welfare Considerations

Velvet scoter welfare depends on undisturbed marine feeding habitats with accessible bivalve prey. Oil pollution causes acute welfare suffering through hypothermia and starvation. The small UK wintering population means each individual's welfare matters for population viability. Marine pollution prevention and disturbance reduction at key sites protect individual welfare.

What You Can Do

Support marine pollution prevention campaigns
Advocate for disturbance-free zones at key diving duck wintering sites
Contribute to seabird monitoring recording velvet scoter winter distribution