Wildlife

UK Puffin Colonies: Climate and Welfare

Atlantic puffin colonies are under increasing pressure from climate change effects on prey availability, with welfare implications for this charismatic seabird.

Key Facts

UK puffin colonies are concentrated in Scotland, Orkney, Shetland, and Skomer, Wales
Puffin populations have declined by over 50% in some monitored colonies over the past 20 years
Climate change is shifting distribution of sand eels, the primary puffin prey, to cooler northerly waters
Chick starvation in poor sand eel years represents a significant welfare concern at colony level

Welfare Considerations

Individual puffin welfare is directly connected to prey availability, which is in turn connected to sea temperature and industrial fishing pressure. Climate action and sustainable fishing management are therefore animal welfare issues as much as environmental ones.

What You Can Do

Support sustainable fishing policies that protect sand eel populations
Engage with organisations monitoring puffin colony welfare and reproductive success
Contribute to climate action as a critical long-term intervention for seabird welfare