Northern Ireland's seabirds suffer 'dramatic' bird flu declines

Northern Ireland's seabirds have suffered severe blows due to bird flu, according to RSPB NI.

The charity has carried out further research following the Joint Nature Conservation Committee's annual seabird survey, as part of a new report published by the wider RSPB. While some species showed increases, analysis shows declines among several species that the charity says are most likely attributable to the bird flu outbreak across the UK in winter 2021.

Guillemot numbers had previously appeared to show a rise of 57%, but this latest survey indicates a decline of 25%. Declines have also been recorded in the already red-listed Kittiwake (-29%) and Common Tern (-47%).

Guillemot has declined by some 25% in Northern Ireland, with bird flu a driving factor (Jeff Lack).

Disappointing seabird declines

Erin McKeown, RSPB NI's Senior Seabird & Marine Policy Officer, said: "We're seeing species that were already being hit by a lot of different pressures now feeling that additional impact from avian flu.

"Seabirds are resilient, but when they're under so many pressures it really does compound, and it just takes one more impact like avian flu to come along and you have these really devastating falls that can be really catastrophic for already incredibly vulnerable seabird species.”

"What Northern Ireland really needs now is an ambitious and robust seabird conservation strategy. That needs to be in place and it needs to have timebound actions and it needs to be resourced so it's got the financing and it's prioritised going forward, so we're really safeguarding our seabirds."

Mixed fortunes

In early 2023, the publication of the annual Northern Ireland Seabird Report painted a mixed picture for nation's seabirds. Furthermore, in late summer, RSPB NI voiced criticism after Northern Ireland missed the deadline to publish its first Environmental Improvement Plan.