Wildlife

Arctic Tern Welfare and Extreme Migration in 2026

Arctic terns undertake the longest migration of any animal, and their welfare during this extraordinary journey and on UK breeding grounds deserves recognition and protection.

Key Facts

Arctic terns migrate from Arctic breeding grounds to Antarctic waters annually, covering up to 80000km
They breed on shingle beaches and moorland across northern and western Britain
UK breeding population approximately 50000 pairs concentrated in Scotland and northern England
Terns dive for small fish close to colony sites and are highly sensitive to prey availability
Climate change affects both breeding success in the Arctic and food availability in Antarctic wintering areas

Welfare Considerations

Arctic tern welfare encompasses the entire annual cycle of this extraordinary migratory bird. The migration itself requires sustained physiological performance at the extreme of endurance capacity. On breeding grounds, human disturbance causes chick and egg mortality and adult stress. Sand eel availability near colonies determines chick survival rates. At both ends of the migration, climate-driven changes threaten food availability and habitat suitability.

What You Can Do

Respect exclusion zones at Arctic tern breeding colonies during May-August
Keep dogs on leads near shingle and beach nesting areas in northern Britain
Participate in tern colony monitoring schemes during the breeding season
Support research into Arctic tern migration routes and wintering ecology
Advocate for protection of key tern foraging grounds through marine protected areas