This year's winter storms could prove a disaster for UK puffins
BBC World
February 21, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Hundreds of dead and dying seabirds, including puffins, guillemots, and razorbills, are washing up on British beaches following this winter's severe storms. The situation is particularly dire in France and Spain, where more than 20,000 bird strandings have been reported since February, with most being puffins. Experts warn that the true death toll could be far higher, as many birds never make it ashore. This mass mortality event, known as a seabird "wreck," is believed to be caused by the relentless Atlantic storms since January, including Goretti, Ingrid, and Chandra, which left birds exhausted or starved.
The RSPB, the UK's leading bird charity, has raised concerns about the scale of this crisis. This latest event follows a similar wreck in 2014, when over 50,000 seabirds washed up along Europe's Atlantic coast—a figure considered one of the largest such events in recent history. The current situation is compounded by ongoing threats to seabird populations, including avian flu and habitat loss. Two-thirds of UK seabird species are in decline, with ten of the 25 breeding seabird species now classified as critically endangered.
The RSPB has called for urgent action to protect these vulnerable birds, emphasizing the need for better management of the fishing industry to reduce competition for food and stronger protections for marine habitats. Conservationists also highlight the importance of addressing climate change and its impact on marine ecosystems, which are becoming increasingly unpredictable. This crisis underscores the fragility of seabird populations and the urgent need to build resilience against such events.
The mass die-off of seabirds is not just a local issue but a global concern, as these birds serve as critical indicators of ocean health. Their decline reflects broader environmental challenges, including overfishing, pollution, and habitat destruction. Conservationists are urging governments and communities to take immediate steps to protect seabird populations before it's too late.
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Originally published on BBC World on 2/21/2026