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Seagulls flock to bird 'hotel' in Norway's far east

03:18

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Ulrike Sommer
November 19, 2025

A fisherman has created urban lodgings for gull species threatened by climate change, predators and avian flu in their natural habitats. It's booked out.

In Vardø, Norway’s easternmost town, seabirds are disappearing due to climate change, disease, and overfishing. Fisherman Jan Vidar Hansen built a “Seagull Hotel” to give birds a safe nesting spot — now home to 76 nests. Nearby Hornøya Island, a birdwatching hotspot, has also seen dramatic declines as warming seas disrupt fish stocks. Tourism sustains Vardø’s economy, but balancing conservation and visitors remains a challenge.

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