Swift Tern: Tropical Seabird Welfare Science

Key Welfare Facts

Swift terns are large, fast-flying seabirds breeding colonially on islands and coastal sites across the Indian Ocean.
Colony welfare depends on fish availability; declines in prey species cause breeding failure and starvation in chicks.
Tropical cyclone events destroy nests and cause mass mortality at vulnerable low-lying breeding colonies.
Human disturbance at nesting sites causes colony desertion and egg and chick predation by opportunistic species.
Entanglement in discarded fishing line causes slow drowning or starvation in affected adult birds.
Conservation management including predator control and disturbance exclusion significantly improves breeding success.

Welfare Assessment

Swift tern welfare is directly linked to the health of coastal fish stocks and protection of breeding colonies from human disturbance. Supporting marine conservation areas and sustainable fishing practices in key foraging areas benefits colony welfare directly.

What You Can Do

Support marine conservation areas protecting swift tern foraging and breeding habitats
Advocate for sustainable fishing practices that maintain prey fish abundance in key areas
Report fishing line waste to coastal clean-up organisations and local authorities
Donate to seabird conservation organisations managing swift tern breeding colonies