Ospreys were extinct as English breeders for centuries before reintroduction programmes in the 2010s successfully established new populations. Their welfare during reintroduction and establishment requires careful management.
Osprey welfare during reintroduction involves careful management of young birds hacked out at new sites to develop foraging skills and site attachment. Food provision during hacking out prevents starvation before birds develop fishing proficiency. Once established, nest platform provision and disturbance management at nest sites maintains breeding welfare. Fish abundance in local waterbodies is the primary welfare factor for breeding adults provisioning chicks. Supporting clean rivers with abundant fish populations directly supports osprey welfare.