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.
