Seabirds Set Sail?

The Seabirds Count is a comprehensive census of UK and Irish nesting seabirds, carried out from 2015 to 2021, before the outbreak of bird 'flu. It confirmed that 11 of the 21 species examined had declined over the last 20 years (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/nov/16/more-than-half-of-uk-and-ireland-seabirds-in-decline-census-finds). Varieties of factors seem to account for population declines in particular seabird species. Climate change can reduce food availability. The generated intensified storms, at nesting sites, also increase losses. Other species, appear to be in direct competition with commercial fishing vessels for fish populations. Rather than being eaten, some catches (e.g. Sand eels), may be used to manufacture agricultural fertilizer. Consequently, even vegans may impact on seabird populations. Predators, such as Brown rats, also take eggs and chicks in some nesting locations. Humans often introduce the predators to remote locations. The UK has critically important populations of some seabird species (eg. Manx shearwaters). It should look after them better!