The kittiwakes feed on sandeels which are becoming scarce

Last year saw the worst breeding season on record for seabirds and many chicks starving to death.

A shortage of the sandeel fish has been blamed for the crisis.

The RSPB fears that unless marine activities are better regulated quickly sea life in the region will decline drastically.

The corpses of emaciated seabirds have already been reported on east coast beaches this year, including fulmars, guillemots, razorbills and kittiwakes.

'Time running out'

As part of this year's Beached Bird Survey organised by the RSPB people will be counting how many dead birds have been washed up this weekend.

Government proposals announced last month for future marine legislation to protect ocean wildlife and regulate marine activities such as over-fishing have been welcomed by the RSPB.

But RSPB regional conservation manager, Nick Mason said time could be running out for North Sea seabirds.

He said "The Beached Bird Survey is an invaluable tool in helping to highlight the continuing problems facing our seabirds.

"If the Government does not fulfil its promise quickly, sea life will decline, fishermen will have little left to catch and conservationists and industry will battle over proposals for any form of development."