Seabirds' Decline Threatens Ecosystems Worldwide with Nutrient Imbalance and Pollution.
Seabirds play a crucial role in transferring nutrients and pollutants from the ocean to their breeding and nesting grounds on land. Their guano enriches soil with nutrients, benefiting various habitats. However, excessive guano can lead to negative effects like eutrophication. While research on nutrient transfer by seabirds is extensive, studies on pollutant transfer, especially toxic metals, are limited. The decline in seabird populations poses a threat to nutrient cycling and global ecosystems. More research is needed on pollutants like plastics and organic chemicals carried by seabirds. The loss of seabirds could have significant impacts on ecosystems worldwide.