Northern Ireland’s seabirds have suffered extreme blows resulting from hen flu, in keeping with RSPB NI.
The charity has carried out additional analysis following the Joint Nature Conservation Committee’s annual seabird survey, as a part of a brand new report printed by the broader RSPB. While some species confirmed will increase, evaluation reveals declines amongst a number of species that the charity says are more than likely attributable to the hen flu outbreak throughout the UK in winter 2021.
Guillemot numbers had beforehand appeared to indicate an increase of 57%, however this latest survey signifies a decline of 25%. Declines have additionally been recorded within the already red-listed Kittiwake (-29%) and Common Tern (-47%).
Guillemot has declined by some 25% in Northern Ireland, with hen flu a driving issue (Jeff Lack).
Disappointing seabird declines
Erin McKeown, RSPB NI’s Senior Seabird & Marine Policy Officer, mentioned: “We’re seeing species that had been already being hit by numerous completely different pressures now feeling that further impression from avian flu.
“Seabirds are resilient, however once they’re below so many pressures it actually does compound, and it simply takes another impression like avian flu to come back alongside and you’ve got these actually devastating falls that may be actually catastrophic for already extremely vulnerable seabird species.”
“What Northern Ireland actually wants now could be an bold and sturdy seabird conservation technique. That must be in place and it must have timebound actions and it must be resourced so it is obtained the financing and it is prioritised going ahead, so we’re actually safeguarding our seabirds.”
Mixed fortunes
In early 2023, the publication of the annual Northern Ireland Seabird Report painted a blended image for nation’s seabirds. Furthermore, in late summer time, RSPB NI voiced criticism after Northern Ireland missed the deadline to publish its first Environmental Improvement Plan.
