In just over 50 years, more than 230 million seabirds have disappeared, which represents almost 70% of all populations of these animals. And in this, humans have had a lot to do with it. At least that is what a recent study published in the journal PLOS ONE concludes, in which the zoologist Michelle Paleczny, from the University of British Columbia, in Canada, and her collaborators emphasize that this phenomenon constitutes proof of the degradation that they are experiencing marine ecosystems.
"Seabirds are excellent indicators of the health of the oceans," says Paleczny. "A decline of this magnitude shows us that something is happening in these ecosystems and gives us an idea of the impact of our activities on them," he says. In their report, these experts highlight that such a decline is due to very different factors, such as spills, environmental changes caused by climate change, the accumulation of plastic in water, overfishing, which deprives birds of food, destruction of nesting areas and introduction of invasive species, especially predators.
Seabirds play a key role in ocean ecosystems, as they transport nutrients from the areas where they nest, which helps drive the food chain. "Our work shows that an international conservation plan needs to be put in place," says Paleczny. "The loss of these animals already has a notable impact on both the marine environment and the coasts," he emphasizes.
