Animal Welfare Hub

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Lesser Black-Backed Gull: Migratory Seabird Welfare

The lesser black-backed gull is a large migratory seabird with welfare challenges across its European range.

Key Facts

Lesser black-backed gulls are partial migrants wintering from Britain to West Africa
They breed colonially on coastal cliffs, dunes, and increasingly on rooftops
Urban rooftop nesting creates conflicts with property owners and human welfare concerns
Plastic ingestion and entanglement in fishing gear cause welfare impacts
Avian influenza has caused significant mortality in recent breeding seasons
Populations have fluctuated significantly with changes in fishing discards

Welfare Considerations and Management

Lesser black-backed gull welfare challenges include avian influenza mortality (with major die-offs in recent breeding seasons), plastic ingestion and entanglement in marine environments, fishing gear entanglement, and urban conflict management. Lethal control of urban nesting birds requires licensing and should consider humane methods. Non-lethal deterrents (roof-top modifications, egg oiling, netting) are preferable. Changes in fishing discard policies have affected food availability.

What You Can Do

Report suspected avian influenza in large gulls to APHA for disease surveillance
Dispose of food waste responsibly to avoid sustaining urban gull populations unsustainably
Support non-lethal approaches to managing urban nesting conflicts
Advocate against marine plastic pollution harming seabirds