Removing invasive rats in Palau boosted reef fish biomass by 183% in a year

A new study conducted on Ulong Island in Palau has provided the first experimental evidence linking invasive rat removal to coral reef recovery. After rats were eliminated, seabird populations rebounded, increasing the flow of nutrients from land into surrounding waters. Within just one year, researchers observed a 183% jump in fish biomass on nearby reefs. The findings demonstrate that island-based restoration efforts can simultaneously benefit both land and marine ecosystems.