The black-necked grebe winters in large numbers on certain UK estuaries and harbours, and welfare depends on clean, fish-rich coastal water.
Black-necked grebe welfare at UK wintering sites depends on water quality, fish availability, and freedom from disturbance. Concentrations of thousands of birds in a small area make these flocks vulnerable to oil spills and pollution events that can cause widespread mortality. Disturbance from boating and watersports can prevent birds from feeding adequately, compromising condition before the spring migration. Maintaining low-disturbance zones and clean water at key wintering sites is the most impactful welfare intervention for this species.