Smew are attractive diving ducks that winter in small numbers on UK reservoirs and gravel pits. Their welfare depends on clear water with accessible fish and undisturbed refuge areas.
Smew welfare at UK wintering sites depends on water clarity enabling efficient underwater pursuit of fish. Turbid water from algal blooms or sediment run-off reduces hunting success and requires greater energy expenditure per prey item captured. Their small numbers and concentration at specific reservoirs makes disturbance of any individual site significant. Maintaining water quality and providing disturbance-free areas at key sites benefits this localised wintering population.