Goosanders are large sawbill ducks that breed on upland rivers and winter widely in the UK, with welfare linked to fish availability and legal persecution pressure.
Goosander welfare is affected by licensed shooting at fishery sites, causing direct mortality. Wounded birds suffer from ballistic injuries before dying. River fish populations in decline from pollution and barriers reduce food availability. Disturbance at nest sites causes abandonment. Their colonisation of England represents successful range expansion welfare-positive outcomes overall, but ongoing persecution at fishery sites imposes individual welfare costs. Non-lethal deterrents at fisheries represent welfare-superior alternatives to licensed killing.