Bird flu has claimed huge numbers of seabirds this yr with 1000’s perishing from the illness, in response to The Wildlife Trusts’ annual assessment.
The final two years have seen essentially the most extreme outbreak within the UK for the reason that virus emerged from a poultry farm in China within the Nineties.
But whereas seabird populations have been ravaged by illness, some species of marine animals corresponding to bluefin tuna, dolphins and humpback whales have been displaying indicators that their populations could also be recovering, with dolphin “super pod” feeding frenzies being noticed off the southwest coast of England.
Gannets, seen right here off the coast of Yorkshire, have been one of many species affected by fowl flu
DANNY LAWSON/PA
This yr was additionally among the best but for wildlife regulation, with the creation of the primary Highly Protected Marine Areas in English waters.
Dr Lissa Batey, head