The Cabildo of Lanzarote and La Graciosa has teamed up with local councils, police, Civil Protection, and the Tourism Federation to launch the 2026 Seabird Awareness Campaign, taking place mainly during October and November.
The initiative aims to prevent incidents involving young seabirds, like the grey shearwater, as they make their first nocturnal flights over the sea. During a coordination meeting, the involved agencies established action protocols and distributed informative materials and boxes for the temporary collection and care of stranded birds.
Between September and November, artificial lighting can disorient birds such as the Atlantic grey shearwater and Bulwer’s petrel, causing them to land and become vulnerable to vehicles, predators, and injuries. In 2025, the Wildlife Rescue Service dealt with 184 cases of grey shearwaters, predominantly young birds affected by light pollution.
The Cabildo advises reducing or switching off unnecessary outdoor lighting, directing lights downwards, and checking gardens, patios, car parks, and under vehicles during peak risk periods.
If a disoriented seabird is found, gently cover it with a cloth, place it in a well-ventilated cardboard box, and keep it in a dark, quiet area. Contact emergency services by calling 112 or the Environmental Agents on 928 598 548 for further guidance.
Do not feed the bird, provide water, use flash photography, or attempt to release it on your own. The campaign will promote the message “Locate, Protect, and Notify.”
