When you think of seabirds, the cacophony of screeching gulls swooping down to swipe some of your chips may quickly come to mind. For many, these birds are a mere nuisance. But look further, and seabirds are far more than background chaos. From controlling fish populations to fertilising coastal plants, seabirds play a crucial role in the biodiversity and health of coastal regions. They help maintain balance in marine environments. And with 40% of UK seabird species in trouble, they’re sending us important signals about the state of our oceans.
Seabirds’ role in the ecosystem
Seabirds hold a special position at the top of the marine food web. They serve as bioindicators, meaning their health reflects the condition of the ocean and its resources. In other words, when seabird populations decline, it often signals deeper ecological issues, such as overfishing or the effects of climate change. For example, seabirds like puffins and kittiwakes depend on small fish, such as sandeels, which are themselves vulnerable to changes in water temperature and overfishing. Declining seabird numbers are often linked to disruptions in the availability of these fish due to warmer waters and industrial fishing.
In addition to signalling the health of marine environments, seabirds contribute to maintaining healthy ecosystems through their nutrient-rich waste, known as guano. This fertilises coastal and island vegetation, and even protects against coral bleaching. Thus they support plant growth in otherwise barren environments, providing habitats for other species.
A Threatened Population
Unfortunately, seabirds are up against several challenges. Climate change is altering their food supply, as warming ocean temperatures forcing fish stocks further north or reducing their abundance altogether. Additionally, rising sea levels and increasingly frequent storms further threaten seabird colonies, especially those nesting on low-lying coastal islands.
Moreover, bird flu and other diseases have wreaked havoc on seabird populations in recent years. The outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has devastated species like the gannet and great skua, whose population is down 70% from 2015-2021.
On top of these biological threats, anthropogenic activity – particularly overfishing and pollution – continues to create stress on seabird habitats, with birds nesting in rubbish or getting caught in rogue fishing nets.
Plastics, now a prevalent issue in oceans worldwide, pose a serious threat to seabirds through ingestion and entanglement. Many seabirds mistake small plastic fragments for food, often feeding them to their chicks, which can lead to fatal blockages or malnutrition. There have been many studies in certain species of birds which point to the fact the problem is increasing.
Despite these concerns, there is hope for seabird populations with conservation efforts gaining momentum. In the UK The closure of sandeel fisheries in Northern England and Scotland should provide safer breeding grounds and more stable food sources for seabirds. Additionally, efforts to remove invasive species from seabird nesting islands have led to positive results in places like Lundy Island in Devon, where the removal of rats allowed species like puffins and Manx shearwaters to return after years of absence.
Protecting Seabirds Is Protecting Ecosystems
The clamour of a seabird colony may seem overwhelming, but visiting such a site is an unforgettable experience for many, and seabirds even hold a special place. The sight and sound of gannets diving or puffins bustling about their burrows are iconic images of the British coastline. Witnessing these birds up close offers a rare opportunity to see nature in full swing. It reminds us of the fascinating aspects of life on the edge of land and sea. These birds enrich the UK’s natural heritage and attract thousands of tourists each year, contributing to coastal communities’ local economies. For example, every year, millions of pounds are brought to the Isle of Mull from tourists attracted to see the white tailed eagle.
It’s easy to dismiss seabirds as noisy or bothersome, but doing so overlooks their immense ecological value and their role as indicators of ocean health. The recent decline in UK seabird populations is alarming. However, with sustained conservation efforts, these birds can return. Protecting seabirds means not only preserving a vital part of the UK’s natural landscape but also safeguarding the health of the entire marine ecosystem.
So the next time you hear the call of a gull or witness the spectacular dive of a gannet, remember: these birds are more than just background noise. They are a crucial part of the intricate web supporting life – both in our oceans and back on the shore.