Seabird guano fuels island growth against rising seas
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Researchers studying 28 atoll islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans discovered that seabird guano and native forests help islands build up land and withstand sea-level rise.
Scientists found that islands free of rats and supporting large seabird populations experienced reef growth that could keep pace with projected sea-level rise of 2 degrees Celsius until 2100. Seabirds transport vital nutrients from the ocean to land through their guano, which then benefits both the reefs and the island’s vegetation.
Native vegetation, with its extensive root systems, further stabilises island soils and prevents erosion. In contrast, rat-infested islands saw slower reef growth and increased vulnerability to rising seas. The research team, led by Nicholas Graham of Lancaster University, England, tracked energy flow through these island ecosystems to understand these processes. This study demonstrates that restoring atoll islands by removing invasive species and replanting native trees can improve their resilience to climate change and support biodiversity.
Researchers measured reef growth 1.5 to 1.8 times faster on rat-free islands compared to those with rat infestations, highlighting the significant impact of predator control. The findings suggest a nature-based solution for protecting these low-lying islands, many of which are sparsely populated or uninhabited.
