Remove rats, plant native forests to help atolls grow vertically against rising seas

Tropical atolls can build new land to counter rising sea levels if their ecosystems are restored to a healthy state, according to new research. Scientists found that islands with thriving seabird populations and native plants are naturally active systems. These systems can change and adapt to their surroundings if left alone. The study suggests that ecological restoration offers a viable path for vulnerable island nations to maintain their landmass in the face of global warming.

In plain English

The core finding is that nature helps islands grow upward. Seabirds fly out to the open ocean to catch fish. They return to the islands and deposit waste, known as guano, on the land. This waste acts as a powerful fertilizer. It feeds native land plants and supports marine life in the surrounding waters. This nutrient cycle provides the raw materials needed for coral reefs to build structure. Healthy reefs, in turn, help maintain beaches and protect the island from erosion.

The background

Nick Graham, a marine ecologist at Lancaster University, led an international team that studied resilience across 28 atoll islands. The researchers focused on locations in the Pacific and Indian oceans. Their paper, published Wednesday in Science Advances, details how these ecosystems function together. The team included data from islands in the Seychelles and Chagos archipelagos. They also studied Tetiaroa, an atoll located in French Polynesia. The goal was to trace how energy moves through these complex natural systems.

What changes now

The research indicates that specific interventions could give some atolls a fighting chance. Eradicating invasive rat populations is one recommended step. Another is replacing monoculture coconut plantations with diverse native forests and brush. Graham stated these actions could help islands persist at the rate of sea-level rise expected by the end of the century. This assumes a warming scenario of about 2 degrees Celsius. The findings add to evidence that nature restoration buffers the impacts of global warming.

Key terms explained

Ecosystem energetics is the scientific approach used in this study. It uses energy flow as a common currency to connect organisms that are typically studied in isolation. For readers, this means looking at the entire system rather than single species. Teams usually assess how nutrients move from the ocean to the land and back. Check whether local conservation efforts consider these connections. Understanding these flows helps explain why removing one element, like seabirds, can weaken the entire island's ability to adapt.

What to do and how to stay safe: climate change

• Review local conservation plans to see if they prioritize native vegetation over commercial crops.
• Support initiatives that remove invasive species like rats from island ecosystems.
• Monitor reports on reef health, as strong reefs are essential for beach maintenance.
• Advocate for policies that protect seabird habitats, as their waste fuels island growth.

General security guidance from the Vector Update newsroom. It is not confirmed advice from the organisations named in this story.

Frequently asked questions

Which islands were included in this study?

The research included data from islands in the Seychelles and Chagos archipelagos in the Indian Ocean, and Tetiaroa in French Polynesia.

How do seabirds help atolls grow?

Seabirds ferry nutrients from the ocean and deposit them as guano, which nurtures land plants and marine life that build reefs and stabilize sand.

What specific actions can help atolls persist?

Eradicating rats and replacing coconut plantations with native forests and brush could help atolls persist at expected sea-level rise rates.