The latest seabird census ‘Seabirds Count’ revealed a devastating decline in UK seabirds over the last 20 years. However, new surveys have recently been completed by the RSPB in collaboration with others, that shine a light on the health of seabird populations following the recent outbreaks of the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) outbreak.
Northern Ireland’s seas are globally important for seabirds, with islands like Rathlin offering ideal habitats for the UK’s numerous internationally important seabirds, including the Atlantic Puffin, Kittiwakes and Guillemots. The new report offers a sobering truth as to how seabirds are faring. Our seabirds rely on our oceans for food, so by studying their numbers carefully it helps us to understand the health of our seas and the impact this makes on land.
Read the full HPAI Surveys report
Guillemots gathered on the cliff, one is jumping from the cliff with its wings outstretched (Credit, Ben Andrews)
So how are seabirds doing in Northern Ireland?
It’s a real mixed picture, with some species seeing a positive incline, but critically, some of our already red listed species are facing a serious decline in numbers; four out of 10 species surveyed decreased by over 10% across the monitored sites.
Some of the more shocking results show species that were previously on the increase are now facing serious declines due to HPAI, such as the Common Guillemot which is now witnessing a 24% decrease. Worryingly, Kittiwakes, which were already on the UK red-listed species list, have seen a further 29% decrease in numbers, and the Common Tern is down by 47%.
We have seen some positive increases, with a number of gull species thriving. However, it’s important to recognise that these species are facing declines across the rest of the UK. While Northern Ireland has experienced a 16% increase in natural-nesting Lesser Black-backed Gulls, their breeding numbers have declined UK-wide by 49% since the previous census. We’ve seen a surge in natural-nesting Herring Gulls and Great Black-backed Gulls but across the UK the opposite is happening, with up to 20% declines.
Common Gull resting on the beach, credit Ben Andrews
This means that here in Northern Ireland, we have a responsibility to protect and play a role in supporting UK-wide restoration. HPAI might be a key driver for the recent declines, but the previous census highlighted that our seabirds were facing pressures from activities such as unsustainable fishing practices, habitat destruction, invasive species predation and climate change. These impacts have fuelled the fall in seabird numbers in recent decades and lowered their resilience, making it more of a challenge for them to bounce back.
What can we do to halt these declines?
The Northern Ireland Government is already committed to developing a Seabird Conservation strategy, but it is vital this is published in 2024. RSPB NI is asking for this strategy to be robust and ambitious, with timebound actions to address the significant declines in seabird populations and provide dedicated funding for seabird conservation.
In addition, we would ask that the Northern Ireland Government reviews the following:
It’s devastating to witness these continued declines, and it reminds us that now is the time for action, not complacency. We must continue to ask the government to act urgently to save our seabirds. Proper implementation of the above asks will sit alongside active conservation projects in other areas, such as tackling marine pollution and invasive species control on seabird colonies. This will ensure we can properly safeguard our seabirds and make our local seas a true haven for these important species now and in the future.
For more detailed information on the disease and its impacts, see our dedicated Avian Flu webpage.