According to the RSPB, due to many seabirds being long-lived and slow to breed they will struggle to bounce back from the effects of avian flu.

Source: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12352765/Third-wave-deadly-avian-flu-puts-Scotlands-favourite-seabirds-brink-extinction.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490

As far as St Helena is concerned, the risk is primarily to our poultry flocks and other resident birds of note such as seabirds and the endemic wirebird, although the latter two categories should in theory be little affected.

Source: https://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/2023/press-releases/prohibition-on-imports-of-poultry-and-poultry-products-from-south-africa-due-to-avian-influenza-outbreak/

Claire Smith, Senior Policy Officer for RSPB, said: “RSPB Scotland staff witnessed the devastating effects of bird flu on seabirds across our nature reserves last summer.

Source: https://www.obantimes.co.uk/2023/04/06/getting-ready-for-seabird-return/

However, the Bird Aid says the 'genuine concern' shown by so many for the welfare of these seabirds is 'so good to see and makes a difficult job just that little bit easier.'

Source: https://www.three.fm/news/isle-of-man-news/charity-flooded-with-fluffy-gull-reports/

Imagine a visit to Rathlin Island with no seabirds to greet us in the summertime.

Source: https://www.newsletter.co.uk/lifestyle/outdoors/rspb-ni-the-new-state-of-nature-reports-confirms-the-shocking-decline-in-northern-irelands-wildlife-4353859

It focusses on the north, beginning on Rathlin Island, famous for its countless seabirds and, unique to the island, the golden hare.

Source: https://donegalnews.com/ardal-ohanlon-visits-islands-off-donegal-in-new-irish-language-show/

It has been suggested that seabirds infected the animals on fur farms in the Kaustinen region of Finland, where bird flu is spreading fast.

Source: https://news.err.ee/1609071371/expert-avian-flu-situation-in-estonia-as-critical-as-in-finland

It is thought that seabirds eat the plastic when fishing and then accidentally feed it directly to their chicks.

Source: https://jerseyeveningpost.com/uncategorised/2023/03/03/new-disease-caused-by-plastic-found-in-birds-for-the-first-time/

"Macquarie Island is an exceptional place - it's a remote wildlife wonderland, a critical breeding ground for millions of seabirds, seals and penguins," she said.

Source: https://www.perthnow.com.au/news/environment/macquarie-island-marine-park-set-to-triple-in-size-c-10874572

People are familiar with seabirds dying from eating or turtles suffocating as a result of mistaking for jellyfish, but there is very little awareness about plastics that harm creatures at a smaller level, Kirby explains.

Source: https://www.nationalobserver.com/2023/01/05/news/when-plankton-feast-plastic

Previous studies have that around 90% of all seabirds have ingested plastics.

Source: https://alaska-native-news.com/plasticosis-researchers-discover-new-digestive-disease-sickening-seabirds/66651/