Denmark: a count of dead seabirds to study the causes of "the dramatic decline of several populations"

A count of dead seabirds will be organized along Denmark's coasts with volunteers on 28/02 and 01/03/2026, announce Birdlife Denmark (Dansk Ornitologisk Forening) on 12/01/2026.

The association will register the dead seabirds to study the causes of the "dramatic decline of several populations": it has been common for years now to see dead birds along Denmark's during the winter months. This initiative is part of the SUPRE programme (Seabirds under pressure) for 2025-2028, financed by the Velux Foundation and supported by Aarhus University.

"The Danish waters constitute vital foraging areas, but several seabird species are experiencing declines, which may be caused by multiple pressure factors such as climate change and extreme weather events, food web changes, diseases, offshore activities, fishing, and pollution from marine litter and hazardous substances", the university said.

Auks, kittiwakes, fulmars and gannets are among the most affected species in the recent years.

"Improving the health of seabird populations is not only a conservation priority in itself - it is also key to…