Here’s the latest on Northern gannets based on recent reporting and authoritative sources:
Global population trends: The Northern gannet (Morus bassanus) has generally shown steady recovery in many colonies after historical declines due to egg-taking and hunting, with several large breeding sites contributing to a continuing overall increase in breeding success in parts of its range. However, there have been notable fluctuations in certain regions tied to environmental conditions and disease events, including impacts from avian influenza in some areas. These dynamics mean local trends can differ markedly between colonies and years.[3][4][9]
Notable recent events: A BBC report highlighted population declines in some seabird groups following bird flu outbreaks, underscoring that Northern gannet populations can still be affected by disease pressures in key breeding areas. Separately, there have been human-assisted rescue events and unusual inland sightings of gannets in parts of the UK, reflecting occasional strays or misplacements but not a population-level trend.[2][9]
Colonies and distribution: The largest known colony globally is Bass Rock in Scotland, with tens of thousands of nests, while other prominent sites include St Kilda, Ailsa Craig, Grassholm, and Bonaventure Island, among others in the North Atlantic region. These colonies are typically on offshore cliffs and islands, well above sea level, leveraging high dive speeds to catch prey like mackerel and herring.[4][3]
Conservation status: The species is listed as of least concern by the IUCN, reflecting a broad, widespread distribution and a growing population in many areas, though monitoring continues due to regional variability and ongoing threats such as bycatch, pollution, and habitat disturbance. BirdLife and partners have highlighted ongoing threats to seabirds globally, reinforcing the importance of protected colonies and responsible coastal management.[3][4]
If you’d like, I can pull a quick snapshot of population estimates for specific regions (e.g., North Atlantic, North America, or Europe) or summarize how recent avian influenza events have impacted gannet colonies in particular countries. I can also provide a concise timeline of notable recent events at major colonies.
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bamz.orgRead our archive of news items
www.arun.gov.uk"A Northern Giant Petrel grabs an unfortunate Cape Gannet by the neck" Jean Tresfon is a marine conservation photographer noted for his work along and off the South African coastline. His recent observation of an ACAP-listed Northern Giant Petrel Macronectes halli (Least Concern) attacking and killing an Endangered Cape Gannet Morus capensis, and then feeding from its corpse, is noteworthy, both for his photographs and his use of dramatic language, made offshore from Tshani on the Wild Coast,...
www.acap.aqOne of the largest seabirds of the North Atlantic, the Northern Gannet is spectacular as it plunges into the sea in pursuit of fish. With a spear-like bill and spiky tail, it looks 'pointed at both...
www.audubon.orgA RSPB spokesperson says it was "very bizarre" to find the bird so far from the sea.
www.bbc.co.ukAnother month, another seabird.
www.birdlife.org