Arctic Tern Welfare and the Longest Migration on Earth
Arctic terns complete the longest migration of any animal, travelling from Arctic breeding grounds to the Antarctic and back each year. The welfare implications of this 80,000km journey include exposure to ocean conditions, fishing gear, and prey availability changes.
Key Facts
Arctic terns travel up to 80,000km annually between Arctic breeding grounds and Antarctic wintering areas
They see more daylight than any other animal, exploiting two polar summers per year
Satellite tracking has revealed that they take an S-shaped route exploiting prevailing winds
Declines in sandeel availability at UK breeding colonies are linked to poor breeding success
Bycatch in longline fisheries is documented but the scale of mortality is uncertain
Welfare Considerations
Arctic terns undertake their extraordinary migration as juveniles in their first year without parental guidance, relying on inherited navigation. Juveniles that encounter hostile conditions during their first crossing of the North Atlantic face the highest mortality. Breeding adults that experience sandeel shortages at UK colonies must make rapid foraging decisions that trade chick feeding against self-provisioning. The welfare of the species across its range is linked to ocean conditions on three continents.
What You Can Do
Support climate action to protect the ocean conditions that arctic terns depend on across their range
Donate to Seabird Group and RSPB arctic tern monitoring programs at UK colonies
Advocate for sandeel protection measures in the North Sea
Support international agreements protecting seabird bycatch in Southern Ocean fisheries
Visit arctic tern colonies responsibly through organised reserve tours only