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Welsh Government Minister for Climate Change Julie James views Grassholm from an RSPCA boat after Pembrokeshire County Council confirms hundreds of dead wild sea birds have washed up on their beaches in recent days with suspected avian influenza. Grassholm is home to one of the world’s most important gannet colonies. Gannets are recognised for their pale blue iris, which scientists have now discovered turns black in survivors of avian influenza. It is unknown, but hoped, that some immunity will be passed onto their young. Gannets live cheek to jowl in packed colonies and like many sea birds, have a low fecundity rate, meaning they may only rear one chick a year. Visible gaps on Grassholm reveal a decimated population, leaving concern over how well this iconic species will recover.

Minister for Climate Change Julie James
Minister for Climate Change Visits Grassholm.JPG
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Welsh Government Minister for Climate Change Julie James views Grassholm from an RSPCA boat after Pembrokeshire County Council confirms hundreds of dead wild sea birds have washed up on their beaches in recent days with suspected avian influenza. Grassholm is home to one of the world’s most important gannet colonies. Gannets are recognised for their pale blue iris, which scientists have now discovered turns black in survivors of avian influenza. It is unknown, but hoped, that some immunity will be passed onto their young. Gannets live cheek to jowl in packed colonies and like many sea birds, have a low fecundity rate, meaning they may only rear one chick a year. Visible gaps on Grassholm reveal a decimated population, leaving concern over how well this iconic species will recover.