Ecological Revival on Bikar Atoll and Jemo Islet
Native forests are regenerating and seabird populations are thriving once again on Bikar Atoll and Jemo Islet in the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI). This significant ecological recovery follows the successful removal of invasive rats in 2024, marking a major step toward building resilient ecosystems, healthy oceans, and stronger communities across the Pacific.
A recent monitoring mission in 2025 confirmed the dramatic transformation. Conservationists observed native seabird populations rebounding, restoring the vital nutrient connections between land and sea.
Collaborative Conservation Efforts Yield Success
The initiative to restore Bikar and Jemo was led by the Republic of the Marshall Islands government, specifically through the Ministry of Natural Resources and Commerce (MNRC), the Marshall Islands Environmental Protection Authority (MIEPA), and the Marshall Islands Marine Resources Authority (MIMRA). International partners provided crucial support, including the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), with technical expertise from Island Conservation, under the umbrella of the Pacific Regional Invasive Species Management Support Service (PRISMSS) Predator Free Pacific (PFP) programme. Funding for this critical work was provided by New Zealand Foreign Affairs and Trade and the UK International Development.
Dramatic Rebound in Wildlife and Vegetation
The impact of the rat eradication has been swift and profound. Paul Jacques, Island Conservation Project Manager, noted the rapid change, stating, 'After only one year, the transformation is dramatic. A colony of 2000 Sooty Terns, where there was previously none, were feeding hundreds of chicks.' Other seabird species have also been observed returning to the islands.
Beyond seabirds, the native flora is also experiencing a resurgence. Jacques added, 'We also counted 1000's of native Pisonia grandis plant seedlings across just 60 12m monitored plots on the forest floor in 2024 we found zero.' These native forests are essential for nesting seabirds and play a critical role in carbon absorption and the overall ecological health of the islands.
Broader Ecosystem and Community Benefits
The return of seabirds is re-establishing a crucial ecological cycle. Nutrients from seabird guano boost soil fertility, which benefits native plant populations and enriches the surrounding reefs, leading to more fish and ultimately greater climate resilience for local communities. Jemo Islet, historically a vital food source for the community of Likiep Atoll, had seen its resources depleted by invasive rats. Its restoration is expected to support key life-sustaining crops for nearby island communities once again.
This success sets a powerful precedent for future restoration efforts throughout the Republic of the Marshall Islands, with feasibility assessments already underway for Bokak Atoll, another semi-arid ecosystem similar to Bikar.
5 Comments
Coccinella
Great, but this is just a single success. Maintaining it will be the real challenge.
Muchacho
The rapid recovery is truly amazing. Proof that targeted conservation works.
Matzomaster
Fantastic work by everyone involved! Nature can heal if we give it a chance.
Karamba
While the rapid recovery on these islands is a fantastic achievement, it's crucial to acknowledge the immense challenge of scaling such efforts globally. Invasive species remain a massive threat that requires consistent, widespread funding and political will.
ZmeeLove
Seeing the Pisonia grandis seedlings and Sooty Terns return is incredibly hopeful and shows nature's resilience. Still, it's a stark reminder of how fragile island ecosystems are and how easily they can be disrupted, urging constant vigilance against future threats.