Are birds key to helping coral reefs in the Seychelles?

Scientists from the Indian Ocean nation of Seychelles are working to explain how seabirds are vital to the health of coral reefs.

Coral reefs are key to the archipelago’s economy: reef tourism is estimated to be they earn $51.5 million a year and Seychelles is one of the countries with the highest fish consumption per capita in the world. But a bleaching event in 1998 reduced live coral cover by up to 97% in some areas, and another in 2016 reduced the 30% national coral cover.

Camilla Lambottea Masters by Research student in marine ecology at Lancaster University has recently returned from fieldwork supporting a project focused on reef fishes that are commercially valuable to small-scale fisheries in the Seychelles.

“My project investigates the wider effects of island restoration techniques on micronutrient concentrations in coral reef-associated fish in the Seychelles,” he says.

Labonte explains that previous studies (including those by her supervisors, Nicholas Graham and Casey Benkwitt) found that restoring seabird populations to Indian Ocean islands had a positive effect fish and coral reefs because nutrients from bird waste (guano) entered the food chain.

“These subsidized reefs also show enhanced coral growth, increased reef fish biomass and accelerated growth rates in herbivorous fish and algae,” he says, adding that this was confirmed by the increase in stable nitrogen isotope values ​​recorded in the macroalgae.

“However, there remains a gap in quantifying the quality of reef fish in terms of micronutrient concentrations, indicating the need for further research,” he says, “We are interested in investigating whether island restoration actions, especially rat eradication, help to enhance of available nutrients for reef fish adjacent to rat-free islands, as micronutrients have many benefits for human health.’

Labonte explains that she conducted her data collection on three islands in the Seychelles that she had not previously visited: Fregate Island, Cousine Island and Felicite.

“I also had the opportunity to work with a local fisherman to effectively target and catch the species of fish needed for the research,” he says, “This collaboration not only facilitated the practical aspects of the project but also fostered a sense of community involvement and cooperation in marine research and conservation efforts’.

Surrounded by sea in the Seychelles

Labonte grew up in the Seychelles archipelago in the Indian Ocean, “surrounded by the rhythmic sound of Indian Ocean waves and the vivid sights of colorful fish along the reefs,” which she says instilled a “deep appreciation for the marine environment ».

“Although I didn’t have a singular ‘Eureka’ moment, my formative years exploring the seas around the Seychelles fueled my passion for marine research and conservation,” he says.

Labonte is currently pursuing a postgraduate research program in Marine Ecology at Lancaster University, having previously volunteered on a data collection trip to Saya de Malha – a submerged ocean bank in the western Indian Ocean and working as a science officer at the Islands Foundation Seychelles (SIF) including fieldwork on UNESCO-listed Aldabra Atoll.

“As a first-generation university graduate from a small island developing state (SIDS) entering a field where women of color are a minority, I aim to bring a unique perspective to scientific research,” she says, “Through my journey, I aspire to inspire more young people, especially women, to pursue careers in marine research.”

Labonte explains that Global South scientists have strong community ties, facilitating meaningful engagement with local stakeholders.

“This collaborative approach ensures that research is conducted in collaboration with those most affected by the issues at stake, leading to solutions that meet the needs and priorities of the community,” he says.

Atoll bikini

In another archipelago under threat from coral bleaching, Bryant Jeffery Zebedy, a researcher and Marshall Islands Marine Resources Authority officer in the Protected Areas Network office, joined a 2023 Pristine Seas project research tour in Kiribati waters , Tongrewa. Niue, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands.

A sea expedition, including Zebedy, visited Bikini Atoll and collectively, the group traveled 3,500 miles (5,632 km). completed 645 dives. collected terabytes of film, including footage of humpback whales with their newborn calves.

These remote atolls are designated by the government for protection, and Virgin Seas researchers are working with local government and regional leaders to learn more about these safe havens for whales, sharks, turtles and countless fish—as well as birds—with an eye towards their protection.

One of these local agencies is MIMRA–PAN, which Zebedy explains aims to help local communities create new protected areas, help monitor important natural resources and develop beneficial socio-economic activities related to protected areas for the local communities.

“The work we do contributes to a broader framework called Reimaanlok (meaning ‘looking to the future’) and ensure that every community in the Marshall Islands gets an atoll profile based on the results of assessments that would encourage local people to secure their resource management plans,” says Zebedy.