North Sea Collision

North Sea Collision: What It Means for Birds and How We Can Help

A recent ship collision in the North Sea near the Humber Estuary has sparked serious concerns about its impact on marine life and bird populations along the Lincolnshire and Yorkshire coastlines. At Haith’s, we’re keeping a close eye on the situation, as protecting nature is at the heart of what we do.

What Happened?
On 10th March 2025, a cargo vessel collided with an oil tanker, causing a spill of jet fuel into the North Sea. This accident happened near waters that feed into the Humber Estuary - one of the UK’s most important wildlife habitats. The spill, along with hazardous chemicals aboard the cargo vessel, could have far-reaching consequences for seabirds, waders, and marine ecosystems.
Why This Matters
The Humber Estuary is a vital stopover for migrating birds and home to some of the UK’s most treasured species. Pollution from an oil spill can poison fish, damage feeding grounds, and create long-term issues for bird populations that depend on these waters.

Which Birds Are at Risk?

If the spill drifts into the Humber Estuary and along the Yorkshire and Lincolnshire coasts, several bird species could be affected:

Wading Birds & Waterfowl

Species like red knots, sanderlings, bar-tailed godwits, and oystercatchers rely on the estuary’s mudflats for food.

Seabirds

Puffins, gannets, kittiwakes, and guillemots, particularly from Bempton Cliffs, forage in the North Sea and could be impacted.

Resident Wetland Birds

Wetland reserves like Far Ings are home to birds such as the Eurasian bittern, which are vulnerable to pollution.

What’s Being Done?

Emergency response teams are working to contain the spill and monitor its effects. Conservation groups, including the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust and Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust, are also keeping a close watch on the situation and may need support if wildlife is affected.

How You Can Help

Stay Informed

Keep an eye on updates from conservation organisations like the Yorkshire and Lincolnshire Wildlife Trusts.

Support Wildlife Rescues

If clean-up operations or wildlife rescues are needed, consider donating or volunteering.

Report Sightings

If you see oiled birds or marine life in distress, please report them to a wildlife rescue group.

Contact Wildlife Trusts for More Information

If you're concerned or want to help, you can reach out to the local wildlife trusts:

Yorkshire Wildlife Trust – www.ywt.org.uk | Tel: 01904 659570
Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust – www.lincstrust.org.uk | Tel: 01507 526667

Protecting Nature Together

We all have a role to play in safeguarding our coastal wildlife. By staying informed, supporting conservation efforts, and making sustainable choices, we can help protect the birds that make our shores so special. Stay connected with Haith’s for updates, and let’s work together to minimise the impact of this tragic event on our wildlife.

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