• New research from Monash University, in collaboration with Phillip Island Nature Parks, has found conclusive evidence that rivers are vital drivers of food and habitat for seabirds around the world. • The research, published in Biological Reviews, examined 51 scientific studies that looked at how river water flowing into the sea affects seabird behavior, diet, health and population trends. • The results revealed that nearly nine out of 10 studies reported a clear link between river-influenced ocean environments and seabird ecology, from where birds feed to how healthy they are and how successfully they breed.
Article Summaries:
- Monash University researchers, in partnership with Phillip Island Nature Parks, published a synthesis in Biological Reviews showing that riverine inputs are a key driver of seabird ecology worldwide. The review analysed 51 studies that examined how freshwater discharge into coastal waters influences seabird behaviour, diet, health and population dynamics. Findings indicate that 90 % of the studies documented a clear relationship between river‑influenced marine environments and seabird outcomes, from foraging locations to breeding success. The work underscores the importance of protecting upstream water quality and flow regimes to support seabird conservation.
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