5 More Coastal Bird Species Join UK’s Extinction List

The UK’s seabird populations are facing a dire situation, with five more species recently added to the red list. Among these species are the common gull and Arctic tern, which are now at high risk of extinction due to a combination of factors, including climate change and overfishing. Given the UK’s global importance for seabird breeding, this development is particularly alarming! These birds are such important indicators for people out on the ocean, who use them to navigate the deep blue. Without these species many fisherman and their families will struggle to see beyond the ocean surface.

How Climate Change is Disrupting Seabird Habitats

Rising ocean temperatures are severely affecting seabird habitats. Species like the Arctic tern, which depend on cold waters rich in fish, are struggling as their food sources dwindle due to warmer seas. This shift impacts breeding cycles and migration patterns, threatening the survival of entire colonies.

Overfishing and Its Impact on Seabird Populations

Overfishing is another significant issue pushing seabirds closer to extinction. Seabirds rely on fish like sand eels, but overfishing has depleted these stocks, creating a food shortage. For species such as the common gull, which feed extensively on fish, this scarcity poses a critical threat during breeding season when they need abundant resources to raise their chicks.

The Red List Additions: Common Gull and Arctic Tern

In September 2024, the common gull and Arctic tern joined the red list, a category reserved for species facing the highest risk of extinction. Once thriving, these species are now struggling, reflecting broader challenges affecting seabird populations across the UK. The red list highlights the urgency of conservation efforts.

Offshore Energy and Its Role in Seabird Decline

While renewable energy projects like offshore wind farms are crucial for tackling climate change, they come with unintended consequences for seabirds. These developments can interfere with migration routes and breeding grounds. The impacts are particularly concerning during breeding seasons when seabirds are more vulnerable to habitat disruptions.

Leach’s Storm Petrel and Great Skua: More at Risk

Leach’s storm petrel and the great skua are two other species newly added to the red list. The petrel, known for nesting on remote offshore islands, is highly sensitive to environmental changes, while the great skua, affected by avian flu and habitat loss, faces its own set of survival challenges. Both species now face the risk of disappearing from UK shores.

Challenges Facing the Great Black-Backed Gull

The great black-backed gull, the largest of its kind in the UK, has been hit hard by food shortages. Overfishing has forced these gulls to scavenge more aggressively, leading to changes in behavior. With fewer natural food sources available, this once-dominant species is struggling to maintain stable populations.

Puffins and Kittiwakes: Long-term Decline

Seabird species like the puffin and kittiwake have been declining for decades. The puffin population, for example, has dropped by 25%, while kittiwakes have seen a 50% reduction in numbers. These alarming trends highlight the broader challenges facing seabirds, with climate change and human activity driving their decline.

The UK’s Importance for Global Seabird Populations

The UK is home to 26 species of breeding seabirds, making it a crucial habitat for global seabird conservation. Unfortunately, 10 of these species are now on the red list, reflecting significant biodiversity loss. The UK’s seabird colonies are of international importance, meaning their decline could have far-reaching environmental consequences.

Glimmers of Hope in Conservation Efforts

Amid the bad news, there are some signs of hope. Conservation efforts focused on habitat protection and sustainable fishing practices have shown positive results for certain species. For example, the black guillemot has recently moved from the red list to the amber, suggesting that with the right measures, recovery is possible.

Seabirds as Ecosystem Indicators

Seabirds are more than just charismatic species—they serve as indicators of ocean health. When seabird populations decline, it’s often a signal that marine ecosystems are under threat. Protecting seabirds means protecting the broader marine environment, which is vital for biodiversity and human livelihoods alike.

The Path Forward: What Needs to Be Done

To prevent further declines, urgent action is needed. This includes stronger protections for seabird habitats, better management of fish stocks, and efforts to mitigate the impacts of climate change. Both government and local communities must play a role in preserving these species for future generations.

Conclusion: Saving the UK’s Seabird Heritage

The addition of five seabird species to the red list should serve as a wake-up call. Without immediate intervention, iconic species like the common gull and Arctic tern could disappear from the UK forever. However, through concerted conservation efforts, there is still time to reverse these declines and safeguard the UK’s seabird heritage for generations to come.These birds represent not only an essential part of the UK’s biodiversity but also a critical element of global marine ecosystems. Protecting them is a shared responsibility, and the time to act is now.