Seagulls are reportedly costing the United Kingdom an estimated £171 million annually through stolen or spoiled fish and chip meals, according to a recent study by price comparison site Compare the Market. The research, dubbed The Great Greedy Gull Index, highlights that nearly three-quarters of Britons have experienced being targeted by gulls while eating outdoors.

The study found that the average value of food taken or ruined by the birds amounts to around £5.50 per incident, with fish and chips identified as the most common victim of these airborne thefts. In response to the perceived threat posed by seagulls, more than 75% of survey participants reported changing where or how they eat outside to avoid losing their food to the birds. Additionally, close to one-third admitted to abandoning, dropping, or sacrificing their meals altogether during such encounters.

Charlie Evans, a spokesperson for Compare the Market, commented on the findings, noting the frustration felt by many who have found their food unexpectedly snatched moments after sitting down. “We wanted to find out just how much this was costing,” Evans said, emphasizing that gulls are impacting not only the enjoyment of meals but also consumers’ wallets.

In connection with the survey results, Compare the Market has introduced what it describes as possibly the UK’s first ‘Gull Guarantee’ at Peter’s Fish Factory in Margate, Kent. This offer, available for one day only, provides customers with a free replacement portion of fish and chips if their food is stolen by a seagull, backed by a £1,000 fund allocated to cover the costs.

While the survey sheds light on the economic impact of gull-related food thefts, it also reflects the broader challenges posed by seagulls in coastal and urban areas, where their boldness in approaching humans for food is well documented. The initiative by Compare the Market aims to raise awareness of the issue and offer some reassurance to affected diners.