"The remote Pacific Ocean has some of the most pristine coral reefs in the world. The corals themselves are bigger than cars, their delicate arms creating a dense underwater maze. Above them, the skies are filled with seabirds like red-footed boobies and white terns, searching for fish.
These species, separated by land and sea, are far more intertwined than once thought. Their relationship is the backbone of an entire ecosystem — a hidden connection that's changing the way scientists think about conservation.
That connection: bird poop. Coral reefs near seabird colonies are generally healthier, thanks to the nutrients that birds deposit in their guano. It's one reason tropical islands and atolls are biodiversity hot spots in the vast Pacific Ocean.
On some islands, this close-knit partnership has broken down. Seabird colonies have declined because of habitat loss and invasive species like rats. With fewer birds, fewer nutrients reach the ocean ecosystem."
Lauren Sommer reports for NPR October 13, 2026.
SEE ALSO:
"Egypt’s Climate-Resilient ‘Super Corals’ Are Starting to Feel the Heat" (WIRED)
"Some Of The Most Pristine Coral Reefs Have A Secret Weapon: Birds" (NPR)
