Changes in population sizes are an indicator for important changes in community structure. Seabird populations may be affected by a range of human activities although it may take years before these impacts may become evident because of the long lifespan and slow reproduction in some seabird species.
A change in population trends might trigger further research to investigate the causes of change, and management might formulate "species recovery" or "species action plans". The aim is to maintain a healthy seabird community.