December 4, 2025
New Science: Seabirds on Restored Islands Boost Coral Reef Health
A new study reveals how seabirds, connector species between land and sea, play a huge role in the health of coral reefs!
Island restoration and the vital role of connector species
Penny Becker, Island Conservation’s Vice President of Conservation, wrote an article about connector species that was recently featured by our partners at Galapagos Conservation Trust. Her groundbreaking research has helped uncover the vital connections between land and sea, sparking a new era of holistic restoration from ridge to reef.
The idea that the land and sea are interconnected may come as no surprise in the Galapagos, where iguanas, turtles and sea lions cross that barrier daily, but the intimacy of the connection goes beyond species, influencing entire landscapes and seascapes.
Dr. Penny Becker, Island Conservation
Galapagos Conservation Trust is an essential partner in a massively ambitious project to restore and rewild Floreana Island, Galapagos. The project involves the reintroduction of twelve key species that have not been seen on the island in decades. To further support interdisciplinary, international collaboration, the Galapagos Conservation Trust has just joined the Island-Ocean Connection Challenge, which aims to restore 40 island ecosystems by 2030.
This partnership inspires me with hope for a world where all conservation is place-based, collaborative, community-focused and interdisciplinary. Just as connector species bring land and sea together, we have a responsibility to connect with each other to help ecosystems thrive.
Dr. Penny Becker, Island Conservation
Connector species that bring nutrients back and forth between sea and land provide a valuable lesson for conservationists around the world that everything is connected, and complex ecosystems demand the same multi-faceted attention from organizations, institutions, and governments. Read Penny’s full article here!
Want to learn more?
Check out other journal entries we think you might be interested in.
November 25, 2025
New Research Sheds Light on Invasive Species’ Role in Rapa Nui’s Ecological History
A new scientific paper is changing the way we understand Rapa Nui (Easter Island)'s ecological history!
November 21, 2025
Holistic Ecological Restoration on Floreana Island: A Model for the Future
Holistic restoration is at work on Floreana Island, where the largest conservation project in the history of the Galápagos is underway!
October 30, 2025
The Time for a Decade of Island Resilience is Now
Our proposal for a United Nations-sanctioned Decade of Island Resilience spotlights the power of global small islands!
October 29, 2025
Data Shows Endangered Palau Ground Doves Swiftly Recovering After Successful Palauan Island Conservation Effort
Astounding evidence of recovery on Ulong Island in Palau after just one year!
October 26, 2025
Global Study Reveals Seabirds as Critical Connectors Between Islands, the Ocean, and People
A new study shows the power of seabirds to drive entire ecosystems by circulating nutrients between land and sea!
September 30, 2025
Press Release: Staggering Recovery of Plants and Seabirds on Marshallese Islands Just One Year After Rat Removal
Astonishing results from our work to restore sites in the Republic of the Marshall Islands, boosting climate resilience and ocean health!
September 12, 2025
Cost-Effective Conservation: The Most Impactful Way to Use Money to Save the Planet
How can you make the maximum impact on the planet with your donation? Some conservation actions are most cost-effective than others!
September 4, 2025
4,000 Native Plantings in Juan Fernández: Working Together to Save Threatened Trees
Incredible collaboration and success in the Juan Fernández Archipelago, with thousands of threatened trees benefiting from bold conservation action!
August 28, 2025
Half a Decade of Biodiversity Wins on Lord Howe Island
A new paper reveals the benefits of holistic restoration on Australia's Lord Howe Island!