North Sea collision: fears for impact on seabirds and other marine life

The tragic collision of an oil tanker and a cargo vessel off the northeast coast of England on Monday 10 March is of grave concern. Our immediate thoughts are with the crew and the rescue teams. We are also deeply worried about the potential impacts on seabirds and other marine life – these populations are already struggling.  

Richard Barnard, RSPB Area Manager, said; “Our first thoughts are with the crew of the ships and those involved in the current rescue operation.  The RSPB is also extremely concerned about the potential impact of this tanker collision on the marine environment. Much will depend on the type of fuel on board and sea currents.   

 “The whole area around the collision is important for birds, home to internationally important populations of seabirds. To the south is the Greater Wash Special Protection area, a vital location for wintering Red-throated Divers and Common Scoters. To the north and west the RSPB’s seabird nature reserve at Bempton Cliffs.   

“We also need to consider any potential impacts on our estuaries, such as the Humber and the Wash. Oil directly impacts seabirds, coating their feathers and reducing their waterproofing and buoyancy, which can lead to drowning, or it can poison them through ingestion.   

“Overall, the RSPB is concerned about the current resilience of seabird populations. Many seabird populations are facing long term declines and were hard hit by avian flu, and most have yet to see any recovery from this. There is still a question mark over the restriction of fishing for sandeels, a vital food source for many seabirds. Added to this is the ongoing pressure on our marine environment from development such as large-scale wind farms especially off the east coast.  A potential pollution incident is the last thing these birds need.”    

RSPB Bempton Cliffs on the Yorkshire coast, is home to the UK’s largest mainland seabird colony, of national and international importance, with around half a million seabirds, including Gannets, Kittiwakes, Guillemots, Razorbills and Puffins breeding there each year.  

Bempton’s internationally important seabirds means it has special protection. It is both a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and its European importance is recognised in its designation as a Special Protection Area (SPA).