Tropical coral reefs are among our most spectacular ecosystems, yet a rapidly warming planet threatens the future survival of many reefs.
However, there may be hope for some tropical reefs in the form of feathered friends.
A new study led by researchers at Lancaster University has found that the presence of seabirds on islands adjacent to tropical coral reefs can boost coral growth rates on those reefs by more than double.
And as a result of this faster growth, coral reefs near seabird colonies can bounce-back much quicker from bleaching events – which often cause mass die off of corals when seas become too hot – the international team of researchers also discovered.
Read more at Lancaster University
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