Razorbill Welfare in UK Seabird Colonies

The razorbill is an auks species breeding on rocky sea cliffs and offshore islands, with welfare linked to sandeels and other small fish prey availability and freedom from oil pollution and bycatch.

Key Facts

Approximately 130,000 razorbill pairs breed in the UK, primarily on northern and western coasts
They dive to depths of 120 metres to pursue small fish including sandeels, sprats, and herrings
Razorbills are monogamous and return to the same cliff ledge annually
Bycatch in set nets is a significant source of mortality in some inshore fisheries
Climate-driven changes in sandeel distribution are affecting prey availability at seabird colonies

Welfare Considerations

Razorbill welfare depends critically on sandeel availability during the breeding season; chick starvation is the primary welfare concern when prey fish move or decline. Oil pollution events cause severe welfare harm through plumage contamination that impairs waterproofing and causes hypothermia. Bycatch drowning in set nets causes acute suffering before death. Colony disturbance by seabird tourism, if conducted without appropriate protocols, causes panic responses that risk egg and chick loss from cliff ledge falls. Marine protected areas that safeguard feeding grounds protect individual bird welfare by ensuring prey availability.

What You Can Do

Support marine protected areas that protect sandeel and other prey fish habitat for seabirds
Advocate for bycatch reduction measures in inshore fisheries affecting seabird populations
Engage with responsible seabird tourism that maintains appropriate distances from cliff colonies
Support oil spill response networks and donate to seabird rehabilitation charities