Global Study Reveals Seabirds as Critical Connectors Between Islands, the Ocean, and People
A new global synthesis published today titled The circular seabird economy is critical for oceans, islands and people in Nature Reviews Biodiversity reveals how seabirds act as powerful connectors between marine and terrestrial ecosystems and why protecting seabirds is a powerful opportunity when tackling the triple crises of climate change, failing ocean health, and biodiversity loss. Led by Dr. Holly Jones of Northern Illinois University, with contributions from global experts and conservation leaders including BirdLife International, The Nature Conservancy, Lancaster University, and Island Conservation, the study introduces the concept of the “circular seabird economy”—a natural process where seabirds transfer nutrients from ocean to land and back again, shaping biodiversity and ecosystem health across vast scales.
“Seabirds function as biological pumps, consuming prey in the ocean and transferring large quantities of nutrients to their breeding grounds on land,” said Dr. Holly Jones, Presidential Research Professor at Northern Illinois University. “They connect the ocean and islands in ways that are both powerful and measurable.
Seabirds are key to ocean health
Drawing on decades of research, this paper demonstrates how seabird-derived nutrients, delivered primarily through guano (bird poop), fuel productivity on islands and nearby marine habitats. “These nutrients, when transported back into surrounding waters, support coral growth, bolster fish biomass, and enhance the resilience of marine ecosystems to the effects of climate change,” explains co-author Professor Nick Graham, Lancaster University, UK. “The ecological benefits of these natural nutrient flows are really very dramatic.”
Yet, nearly one-third of seabird species are threatened with extinction and islands, where most seabirds breed, are among the world’s most vulnerable marine biodiversity hotspots. The study identifies ecosystems where mounting evidence where seabirds connect land and sea, like atolls, and also identifies critical knowledge gaps in underrepresented habitats like mangroves, seagrass beds, and oyster reefs – calling for more integrated research across terrestrial and marine systems to fully understand the scope and potential of the circular seabird economy.
“Seabirds influence ecosystems across vast spatial scales, yet many of their marine impacts remain understudied. This paper identifies key knowledge gaps and calls for more integrated research to understand how seabirds support ecosystem function from ridge to reef,” says Casey Benkwitt, Lancaster University.
As threats to seabirds intensify, so does the need for innovative science and inclusive conservation. The study highlights emerging tools, like remote sensing, ecoacoustics, and environmental DNA, that are transforming how we monitor seabird impacts across land and sea. These technologies offer scalable, cost-effective ways to track ecosystem recovery and guide restoration efforts.
But the authors are clear: science alone isn’t enough
“Seabirds are intimately tied to many cultures around the world, yet Indigenous and traditional ecological knowledge have largely been sidelined by dominant forms of science. Future research should seek a more holistic approach that weaves in indigenous perspectives on the circular seabird economy,” says Laura-Li Jeannot, a PhD student at Lancaster University and study co-author.
Understanding how seabirds support the ecosystems people rely on, from fisheries to coastal protection, is essential. By investing in seabird restoration and the science that supports it, we can unlock powerful co-benefits for nature and communities alike.
Media Assets:
Paper found here.
Photos and b-roll here.
Interviews available upon request.
Media Contacts:
Sally Esposito, Senior Communications Director, Island Conservation sally.esposito@islandconservation.org
Institutional Quotes
“Seabird restoration is one of the most effective conservation methods we have. This paper shows how restoring seabirds doesn’t just help the birds—it helps entire ecosystems recover and thrive. It also highlights how emerging tools like satellite data, ecoacoustics, and eDNA are needed to monitor the benefits of the seabird circular economy at scale and drive more effective conservation.” David Will, Senior Director of Impact and Innovation at Island Conservation
“This synthesis is a one-stop shop for understanding the benefits seabirds provide. It’s also a roadmap for future research—highlighting where we need to dig deeper to understand how seabirds support ecosystem resilience on islands and at sea, especially in the face of climate change.” Nick Holmes, Associate Director for Oceans at The Nature Conservancy in California.
About the collaborators:
Northern Illinois University is a student-centered, nationally recognized public research university, with expertise that benefits its region and spans the globe in a wide variety of fields, including the sciences, humanities, arts, business, engineering, education, health and law. The Wall Street Journal and CollegeNET recognize NIU as a leading institution for social mobility, or helping its students climb the socioeconomic ladder. Through its main campus in DeKalb, Illinois, and education centers for students and working professionals in Chicago, Naperville and Rockford, NIU offers more than 100 areas of study while serving a diverse and international student body.
Island Conservation’s mission is to restore islands for nature and people worldwide. We are a United States-based 501(c)(3) charitable organization with a globally distributed team—often made up of local islanders who bring deep knowledge and connection to the places where we work. Together, we collaborate with local communities, government management agencies, and conservation organizations to holistically restore islands by bringing back biodiversity, the foundation of all healthy ecosystems. We do this by removing a primary threat (introduced, damaging invasive species) and accelerating the return of native plants and animals. We utilize innovative technology and techniques to work more efficiently and showcase the many benefits of holistically restored islands for biodiversity, climate resilience, ocean health, and sustainable development across the globe. To learn more, visit islandconservation.org.
The Nature Conservancy is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Guided by science, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that nature and people can thrive together. We are tackling climate change, conserving lands, waters and oceans at an unprecedented scale, providing food and water sustainably and helping make cities more resilient. The Nature Conservancy is working to make a lasting difference around the world in 83 countries and territories (39 by direct conservation impact and 44 through partners) through a collaborative approach that engages local communities, governments, the private sector, and other partners. To learn more, visit nature.org or follow @nature_press on X.
