Wildlife

UK Gannets and Seabird Colony Welfare

Conservation and welfare of northern gannets in UK seabird colonies and threats from fishing interactions.

Key Facts

UK hosts the world's largest northern gannet colonies at Bass Rock and St Kilda
Gannets dive from heights of 30 metres at speeds of up to 100km per hour to catch fish
Entanglement in fishing gear is a significant welfare and mortality concern
Plastic pollution in nest material is an emerging welfare concern at gannet colonies
UK gannet population is healthy but faces emerging threats from climate and fishing changes

Welfare Considerations

Individual gannets face welfare risks from fishing gear entanglement and plastic ingestion, with fisheries management and pollution reduction delivering direct welfare benefits.

What You Can Do

Support marine conservation organisations protecting seabird colonies
Reduce single-use plastic use to protect seabirds from plastic pollution
Advocate for fishing gear modifications that reduce seabird bycatch