Impacts of climate change on seabirds, relevant to the coastal and marine environment around the UK

• The seabird declines that commenced at the end of the last century have continued during the last two decades. • Further research into the causes of these declines is required if we are to fully understand the complex mechanisms operating, which are known to vary geographically. Climate change is considered to be one of the main causes of the declines. The principal mechanism is the effect of climate warming on food supply. • There is growing evidence that short-term weather conditions have an important effect, including extreme weather events. Climate models predict further warming and increased severity and frequency of extreme weather events in UK waters. • Seabirds face an uncertain future and may decline further in the coming decades, as the interacting effects of new and existing influences will pose additional challenges.