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Northern Gannet Welfare: Seabird Colony Life

Northern gannets are spectacular colonial seabirds facing welfare challenges from fishing impacts, marine pollution, and climate-driven prey changes.

Key Facts

Gannets are the largest seabird in the North Atlantic
They plunge-dive from height to catch fish, reaching 100km/h
Colonial nesting creates intense competition and aggression between birds
Entanglement in fishing gear and marine debris causes serious injury and death
Climate change is shifting fish prey distributions causing breeding failure
UK supports globally important gannet colonies at Bass Rock and Grassholm

Welfare Considerations and Management

Key welfare threats to gannets include entanglement in discarded fishing line and netting material, bycatch in fishing operations, ingestion of marine plastic, and oil contamination. Climate-driven prey shifts cause widespread chick starvation in poor years. Conservation measures include fishing gear modifications, seabird bycatch reduction, and marine protected areas.

What You Can Do

Support campaigns for reduced plastic pollution in marine environments
Advocate for seabird-safe fishing practices and gear modifications
Report injured or entangled gannets to wildlife rescue organisations
Support marine protected areas around important seabird colonies