How has bird flu affected the Bass Rock gannet population?

Bird flu has caused the Bass Rock gannet population to plummet by nearly a third, with devastating impacts observed during the 2022 breeding season.

What is the current status of the Bass Rock gannet colony?

While the population numbers have stabilized since 2022, breeding success remains low, and the overall population is still about 30% down from its peak.

How are researchers monitoring the gannet colony?

Researchers are using drone surveys to estimate population size and remote cameras to monitor breeding success and chick-rearing behavior.

Home / Environment / Bass Rock Gannets Plummet: Avian Flu's Devastating Impact Revealed

Bass Rock Gannets Plummet: Avian Flu's Devastating Impact Revealed

2 Apr

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Summary

Northern gannet population on Bass Rock dropped by nearly a third due to bird flu.
Breeding success remains low despite population stabilization since 2022.
Drone and camera surveys provide unprecedented insight into colony health.

Bass Rock Gannets Plummet: Avian Flu's Devastating Impact Revealed

The population of northern gannets on Bass Rock, a vital colony off North Berwick, has declined by approximately 30% following a severe bird flu outbreak. Drone surveys conducted in July 2025 revealed a stabilization in numbers compared to the devastating breeding season of 2022. However, the colony's population remains significantly lower than pre-outbreak figures, with an estimated 52,459 occupied nesting sites identified.