Summary
Severe winter storms have led to a large number of dead seabirds, including puffins, washing up on beaches in the UK, France, and Spain. Wildlife organizations report that these events, known as seabird 'wrecks', occur when storms exhaust or starve birds, causing high mortality. The situation is raising concerns about the already declining seabird populations in the UK and Europe.
Key Facts
- More than 150 dead puffins have been reported in the UK this month.
- France has recorded over 20,000 stranded seabirds, mostly puffins, since February 1.
- The Cornwall Wildlife Trust reported 270 dead puffins on Cornish beaches this year.
- The RSPB describes the situation as a seabird 'wreck', a mass mortality event due to winter storms.
- In 2014, a similar event saw over 50,000 seabirds wash up on Europe’s coasts.
- The UK’s seabird populations are declining, with 10 out of 25 breeding species on the Red List.
- French bird protection groups report thousands of stranded birds in France, Spain, and Portugal.
- Rough seas have made feeding difficult for birds, contributing to their high mortality.
