Wildlife

UK Puffin Colony Welfare and Climate Threats

Welfare of Atlantic puffins in UK seabird colonies and emerging threats from climate change and food shortage.

Key Facts

UK holds around 580,000 breeding pairs of puffins, a globally important population
Sandeels are the primary prey item for puffins during the breeding season
Sandeel availability is declining as sea temperatures rise due to climate change
Poor breeding seasons lead to chick starvation and colony productivity collapse
Skomer Island in Wales holds one of the most studied UK puffin colonies

Welfare Considerations

Individual puffin chicks are vulnerable to starvation when sandeel prey is scarce, and climate-driven food shortage represents an emerging and serious welfare threat.

What You Can Do

Support RSPB and Wildlife Trust seabird conservation programmes
Advocate for sandeel fishery restrictions to protect puffin food supplies
Visit Skomer Island or Handa Island to see puffin colonies