Anja Murray: Sprat overfishing threatening seabird populations

Even some of the largest creatures in the ocean, humpback whales, rely on sprat as they travel through Irish waters each year.

A puffin's bill, stuffed with a neat row of sand eels to feed rapidly growing pufflings. Picture: Richard-T-Mills

It's holiday time for many, with seaside adventures top of the list for outdoor activities. But we are not the only species to flock to Irish coastlines during the summer months. 

As many as three-quarters of a million birds gather at seabird colonies right around the Irish coast every year, mostly located on rugged coastal cliffs or offshore islands.