Seabird populations in Northern Ireland have fallen by more than 60% as new decade-long recovery plan launched

DAERA Minister Andrew Muir launches the Northern Ireland Seabird Conservation Strategy with partners at RSPB West Light Seabird Centre on Rathlin Island. (L-R) David Quinney Mee, Rathlin Development Community Association, Erin McKeown, LIFE Raft Programme Manager, Joanne Sherwood, Director of RSPB NI, Andrew Upton, Head of British Trust for Ornithology Northern Ireland, Dr Annika Clements, Queen’s University  Belfast, Will Hawkins, National Trust and Dr Mathieu Lundy, Ulster Wildlife.

Northern Ireland’s seabird populations have declined by more than 60% over the past two decades, prompting the launch of a new 10-year conservation strategy aimed at reversing losses among some of the region’s most iconic coastal species.

The Northern Ireland Seabird Conservation Strategy 2026–2035 was unveiled by DAERA Minister Andrew Muir during a visit to Rathlin Island, setting out a long-term plan to protect and restore seabird populations facing mounting pressures from climate change, food shortages, pollution, invasive species and disease.

The strategy targets 30 priority seabird and wintering waterbird species that regularly occur in Northern Ireland waters and seeks to improve their conservation status through enhanced protection, habitat restoration, monitoring and action to reduce threats both at sea and on land.

For a region home to internationally important seabird colonies, the strategy represents a significant intervention at a time when conservationists warn that continued declines could have serious consequences for biodiversity and marine ecosystems.

A response to a growing conservation crisis

Many of Northern Ireland’s best-known seabirds, including puffins, gannets and razorbills, are facing unprecedented challenges.

According to DAERA, populations have been impacted by a combination of environmental pressures, including changing sea temperatures, reduced food availability, pollution, invasive predators and outbreaks of Avian Influenza.

The department says urgent and sustained action is required if further declines are to be prevented.

Launching the strategy, Minister Andrew Muir said Northern Ireland’s seabirds are both internationally significant and deeply valued by the public.

“Northern Ireland’s coastlines and waters are home to many internationally significant and much loved seabirds, such as the puffin, gannet and razorbill. They are a wonderful part of our natural world, but they are under unprecedented pressure, impacted by food shortages, invasive species, climate change and devastation through Avian Influenza.

“Action is needed to halt the further decline of seabirds, improve resilience and make steps towards recovery.”

Rathlin success offers hope

The strategy was launched on Rathlin Island, home to one of Northern Ireland’s most important seabird colonies and the focus of a major conservation success story.

During his visit, the minister received an update on the LIFE Raft project, which followed the world-first eradication of non-native ferrets from the island.

The animals had been damaging nesting seabird populations, and their removal has already delivered measurable conservation benefits.

Mr Muir described the project as “a truly inspiring nature restoration project” led by RSPB NI alongside the Rathlin Development Community Association and other partners.

He highlighted the return of Manx shearwaters to Rathlin after an absence of two decades as evidence of what can be achieved through targeted conservation work.

“This will have a transformative impact on the fortunes of seabirds and has already led to the return of Manx shearwaters after a 20-year absence,” he said.

Blueprint for the next decade

The Northern Ireland Seabird Conservation Strategy sets out a framework for action over the next 10 years.

Measures include:

• Strengthening protection for priority species

• Improving monitoring and scientific evidence gathering

• Restoring important habitats

• Reducing pressures on seabirds both at sea and on land

• Supporting long-term recovery and resilience

The strategy was developed through collaboration between environmental organisations, marine interests and the fisheries sector, with DAERA saying it is grounded in the best available scientific evidence.

Officials say bringing together expertise from across multiple sectors has helped create a shared understanding of both the threats facing seabirds and the actions needed to address them.

Conservation groups welcome move

Conservation organisation RSPB NI has welcomed the publication of Northern Ireland’s first dedicated seabird conservation strategy but warned that meaningful progress will depend on adequate funding and delivery.

Joanne Sherwood, Director of RSPB NI, said the scale of seabird declines means urgent action is now required.

“Northern Ireland’s first Seabird Conservation Strategy is a welcome milestone, and the first step in delivering at the scale which is now urgently needed. Seabird populations have declined by over 60% in the last two decades, so this strategy must be properly resourced to turn ambition into action.”

She said RSPB NI is already working with partners to restore seabird populations, improve island biosecurity and protect important breeding sites, supported by research into marine habitats and species conservation.

“We look forward to working with DAERA and partners to drive this vital Strategy forward to secure a better future for seabirds.”

A challenge beyond conservation organisations

While the strategy sets out ambitious goals, its success will depend on action extending beyond environmental groups.

DAERA says tackling the seabird crisis will require coordinated efforts involving government departments, industry, conservation organisations and local communities.

That partnership approach is viewed as essential if the strategy is to deliver practical outcomes on the ground and reverse decades of decline among species that remain a defining feature of Northern Ireland’s coastline.

With many seabird populations continuing to face significant pressures, the publication of the strategy marks the beginning rather than the end of the recovery effort, setting the direction for conservation work that will shape the future of Northern Ireland’s marine wildlife over the next decade.