The recent dead birds have not been covered in oil

Up to five a day are being found dead, but, unlike other recent casualties, they are not covered in oil.

The Conservation Officer for La Societe Guernesiaise, Jamie Hooper, believes the birds have died after becoming trapped in fishing nets.

However, Guernsey's Sea Fisheries Committee has said it is too early to explain why the birds are dying.

Sea Fisheries technical officer David Wilkinson said it is not easy to say how the birds have died.

He said: "There are a lot of causes of death, including fishing.