Rising Seas Threaten Barrier Islands But Seabird Guano Could Aid Recovery

Research reveals that seabirds breeding in coastal dunes and islands unintentionally shape their surroundings through the accumulation of guano. This natural fertilizer helps vegetation grow, which in turn stabilizes the soil against rising sea levels and erosion. The discovery highlights a unique ecological mechanism where birds inadvertently contribute to the resilience of barrier islands facing climate threats.