Birds

Seabirds, shorebirds, and migratory species contribute to ecosystem balance, though their ecological functions in coastal marine areas are less studied compared to terrestrial environments. Protecting these species is essential, as their health is closely tied to the resilience and productivity of marine ecosystems, offering broader environmental benefits.

Key Benefits of Birds

Nutrient Cycling

Birds contribute to nutrient cycling in all habitats, but most impressively in aquatic habitats. Many seabirds forage at sea and then return to land, bringing marine-derived nutrients to terrestrial ecosystems. This nutrient transfer boosts plant growth in coastal habitats and improves soil quality. Seabird droppings, known as guano, are rich in nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus, which are essential for plant and algal growth.
Population Control and Food Web Regulation

By preying on fish, squid, and other marine organisms, seabirds help regulate their populations, thereby preventing overpopulation and ensuring balance within marine food webs. Birds that feed on plankton-eating fish help maintain the balance between predator and prey in marine ecosystems.
Scavenging and Waste Removal

Birds act as scavengers, feeding on dead fish, marine mammals, and organic debris. By consuming decaying matter, they remove waste from the marine environment, preventing disease outbreaks and the buildup of organic waste, which, if left to decompose, could release harmful chemicals and nutrients into the water, leading to excessive nutrients and poor water quality.
Supporting Biodiversity

Seabirds that nest in coastal areas contribute to the creation of important habitats. Their droppings enrich soil, allowing vegetation to grow, which in turn supports other animals and plant life. Healthy seabird populations indicate well-functioning ecosystems, as they depend on diverse and balanced food webs.
Seed Dispersal and Coastal Vegetation Growth

Bird foraging and seed dispersion play an important role in the ecosystem. Seabirds spread the seeds of coastal plants through their droppings. This supports plant diversity and growth, which stabilizes shorelines and coastal ecosystems.
Climate Regulation

Birds indirectly support climate regulation by promoting the growth of blue carbon habitats such as seagrasses, which are highly effective at sequestering carbon dioxide. For example, seabirds fertilize marine environments, enhancing the growth of phytoplankton and other carbon-storing organisms.
Indicators of Ocean Health

Seabirds migration patterns and colonies help track the effects of overfishing, habitat destruction, pollution, and global warming on marine ecosystems. Changes in seabird populations can signal shifts in fish stocks, pollution levels, or the impacts of climate change, providing early warnings for marine conservation efforts.
Supporting Marine Predators

Birds themselves are part of the marine food web and serve as prey for larger marine predators like sharks, orcas, and seals, contributing to food web balance. Furthermore, birds transfer energy between ecosystems by moving nutrients and prey between the ocean and the land, which sustains marine and coastal food chains.
Cultural and Economic value

Birdwatching is a popular tourist activity, providing economic incentives for marine conservation by local communities that may benefit from protecting seabird habitats. Birds help maintain fish populations by controlling prey species, which supports sustainable fishing.

Threats to Birds

Habitat Loss and Degradation
Pollution
Climate Change

Overfishing
Illegal Hunting and Harvesting
Invasive Species
Diseases

Taking Action to Protect and Restore Birds

Protecting Existing Populations 01
Designating and enforcing marine protected areas in key seabird foraging areas can help protect both fish stocks and seabirds.
Sustainable Fisheries Management 02
Implementing sustainable fishing practices is critical to ensure that seabirds have sufficient food supplies. Seabird-friendly fishing techniques can significantly reduce bycatch. Using weighted lines and setting longlines at night can help prevent seabirds from getting caught in fishing gear.
Habitat Protection and Restoration 03
Protecting key nesting areas from human disturbance and habitat destruction is essential for seabird conservation. Habitat restoration projects, including replanting coastal vegetation and removing invasive species, can improve nesting sites and create the necessary conditions for seabirds to reproduce safely.
Pollution Control and Waste Management 04
Reducing plastic waste at its source, improving waste management systems, and banning single-use plastics can help prevent seabirds from ingesting or becoming entangled in plastic debris. Stricter regulations on industrial discharges, agricultural runoff, offshore drilling, and the use of harmful chemicals can reduce pollution that negatively affects seabird health.
Eradication of Invasive Species 05
Removing invasive species, such as rats, cats, and dogs, allows seabird colonies to recover and increases breeding success.
Land-Use and Marine Spatial Planning 06
Effective land-use and marine spatial planning, including coastal zoning, is essential to protect nesting sites and establish buffer zones around them. These measures are critical for the restoration of seabird populations, as they minimize habitat disruption and human interference in critical breeding areas.
Engagement of Local Communities and Stakeholders 07
Engaging local communities and stakeholders in the protection and rebuilding of seabird populations is important to ensure long-term success of restoration. Supporting organizations that rescue and rehabilitate injured or oil-contaminated seabirds is crucial for population recovery.
Strengthening Legal Protections and Policies 08
Strengthening international, national, and local laws to safeguard seabirds and their habitats is crucial. Expanding legal frameworks like the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species can offer stronger protections. Additionally, stricter enforcement against illegal hunting, egg harvesting, and habitat destruction is necessary to combat threats effectively.
Research and Monitoring 09
Ongoing scientific research and citizen science initiatives are essential for tracking seabird populations, breeding success, and migration patterns. Continuous monitoring helps identify long-term trends and environmental impacts, guiding conservation efforts and policy decisions.

Credits

Carlos Duarte
Vanesa Chalastani
Letizia Valluzzi

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