In addition to the benefits and challenges of their colonial behavior, these water birds have other characteristics in common. They appear to be useful biological indicators of the ecosystems on which they depend, including inland wetlands, coastal zones, and the oceans. Because they serve as indicators, their protection and management can be useful in conserving the landscape. As these habitats are altered, monitoring colonial waterbirds can provide important information on environmental changes. In order to maximize their utility as indicators, a continental-wide plan is needed to clarify conservation methods and opportunities, and to influence further research.
Colonial waterbirds are also symbols of their aquatic worlds.
Herons, storks, pelicans and seabirds are cherished by many of the public and are often chosen as symbols of conservation movements, organizations, and locales. A continental-wide plan would enhance their symbolic value to both migratory bird and habitat conservation. With their habitats being altered and populations changing, colonially-nesting aquatic birds need to persist within a changing environment. The dependence of these species on restricted nesting and roosting sites makes the preservation and management of these specific sites critical. As feeding habitats are affected by human activities, these too must be managed to maintain their values for waterbirds.