New research suggests crown-of-thorns starfish can aid coral reef health
University of Sydney researchers report that controlled populations of crown-of-thorns starfish at One Tree Island on the Great Barrier Reef may support coral diversity.
Study challenges destructive reputation
A survey tracked feeding scars and surviving tissue after starfish ate coral. The team found living coral remained after nearly 75 percent of examined events. These sites are protected areas where fish populations keep starfish numbers low.
Predator loss increases risk
Fewer natural enemies like tritons and reef fishes make outbreaks more likely. Major outbreaks have hit the reef roughly every 15 years since the 1960s. Four significant events occurred during that period according to historical records.
Findings published in journal
The results appear in a recent issue of Ecology and Evolution. Dr Shawna Foo led the investigation at the One Tree Island Research Station. The study argues for managing starfish numbers rather than removing them entirely.
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