Seabird guano boosts coral reef recovery
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Researchers from Lancaster University in the UK and around the world analysed data from 28 islands and discovered that coral reefs grow faster when near islands populated by seabirds.
Distinguished Professor Nick Graham led the study, which showed that nutrients from seabird droppings support coral reef ecosystems. These nutrients increase coral growth rates by about two times and speed up recovery from bleaching events by roughly one year.
The study also found that fish near these nutrient-rich reefs grow around 25 percent faster, improving overall ecosystem health. Invasive rats pose a threat to this process by preying on seabird eggs and discouraging birds from nesting on islands. Protecting seabird populations and rewilding islands with native plants are therefore important for reef resilience. For atoll nations and other small islands, healthy reefs protect shorelines by reducing wave energy and erosion.
Graham notes that Pacific coral reefs are currently facing a crisis because of warming ocean temperatures and four global bleaching events so far. He hopes the upcoming COP31 conference in Türkiye will focus on effective local management strategies, including fisheries management and water quality control, to give reefs a better chance of survival. New Zealand is assisting with rat eradication efforts in other island nations and recently joined the High-Level Climate-Resilient Coral Reefs Commitment.
