Palau removed invasive rats; fish biomass jumped 183% in one year | TheBriefWire
Palau removed invasive rats; fish biomass jumped 183% in one year
Published 9 August 2026 ยท science
A new study from Ulong Island in Palau has found the first experimental evidence that restoring seabird populations by removing invasive rats can also help
A new study from Ulong Island in Palau has found the first experimental evidence that restoring seabird populations by removing invasive rats can also help nearby coral reefs recover. Within a year, researchers recorded more seabirds, increased nutrient movement from land to sea and higher fish biomass, showing that island restoration can benefit both terrestrial and marine ecosystems.
Published: August 9, 2026 โข 9:29 AM IST ยท Updated: August 9, 2026 โข 10:03 AM ISTBy TheBriefWire Editorial Team
Key points
A new study from Ulong Island in Palau has found the first experimental evidence that restoring seabird populations by removing invasive rats can also help nearby coral reefs recover.
Within a year, researchers recorded more seabirds, increased nutrient movement from land to sea and higher fish biomass, showing that island restoration can benefit both terrestrial and marine ecosystems.