The global population of the Atlantic puffin is in decline. Warming waters, overfishing and pollution have all played a factor in the lovable animal receiving a Vulnerable status by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources.

Yet in Iceland, which outwardly celebrates the species as a national icon, hunters continue to kill hundreds of thousands of puffins annually with little oversight. The country's traditions and the financial incentive of selling puffin meat to restaurants motivate the hunts.

Meanwhile, off the southern coast of Iceland, a more constructive ritual involving the Atlantic puffin takes place. On the island of Heimaey, children go on "Puffling Patrol", to help puffin chicks who fly into town after being disoriented by the island's lights.

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