Gannet Welfare and Forage Fish Depletion

Gannets are a welfare and conservation success story, but forage fish depletion from industrial fishing reduces food availability and breeding welfare.

Key Facts

UK gannet populations have grown substantially and currently number over 220,000 pairs
Bass Rock in Scotland holds the world's largest single gannet colony
Gannets dive from up to 30m, reaching speeds of over 100km/h to catch fish
Sandeels, sprats, and herring make up the majority of the diet
Industrial sandeel fisheries have been closed in some areas to protect seabird food supplies

Welfare Considerations

Gannet welfare during breeding depends on adequate forage fish availability within foraging range of colonies. When sandeel and sprat populations decline due to industrial fishing or climate-driven shifts, chicks face starvation and breeding failure. Individual adults incur energy deficits from extended foraging trips. Forage fish protection measures, including closed fishing areas around seabird colonies during breeding, directly improve individual gannet welfare and breeding success.

What You Can Do

Support calls for closure of industrial sandeel fisheries around UK seabird colonies
Choose seafood products that do not compete with seabirds for small forage fish
Visit gannet colonies at appropriate distances to observe without disturbance
Donate to organisations monitoring seabird breeding success and food availability links