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  WWF 10 Apr 07
Predator starfish threaten coral reefs in the Philippines

Underwatertimes 4 Apr 07
Conservation Group: Starfish Invasion Threatening Philippines' Coral Reefs; 'Far From Normal'
Manila, The Philippines, Coral-eating starfish have infested several coastal areas in the Philippines, threatening to devastate entire sections of reefs in weeks, a conservation group warned yesterday.

The World Wide Fund for Nature reported outbreaks of crown-of-thorns starfish in at least seven coastal areas. One starfish can consume 6 sq. m. of healthy coral reef in a year.

Outbreaks of the starfish, also known as Ancathaster planci, are detected every summer— from March to May—when local ocean temperatures and nutrient levels increase, giving rise to algal blooms.

“Normally, reefs should be left alone to deal with unusual occurrences such as this,” the group said in a statement. “However, the situation facing Philippine reefs is far from normal.”

The group said major predators that should, under normal conditions, keep crown-of-thorns starfish in check were steadily declining due to illegal collection for food and the aquarium trade.

A recent World Bank study revealed that barely 1 percent of the Philippines’ 25,000 sq. m. of coral reefs remain pristine and more than 50 percent are unhealthy.

World Wide Fund advised people involved in cleaning up crown-of-thorns starfish not to touch them. Their long spines can sting and inflict severe swelling, pain and nausea that can last for hours or days. Tongs should be used to gently pry the starfish from the coral head or rock face. The starfish should be burned in an open space; cutting them up could allow them to regenerate, it said.

Ultimately, the best response is to keep the reef healthy, stop over-fishing, manage sewage and agricultural runoffs, and promote balanced reef biodiversity, the group added.

WWF 10 Apr 07
Predator starfish threaten coral reefs in the Philippines

Manila, the Philippines – An infestation of predator starfish is decimating large tracts of coral reef throughout the Philippines.

The spiny and toxic crown-of-thorns starfish are voracious predators that can wipe out large areas of coral; an individual can consume up to 6 square metres of living reef per year.

Outbreaks of the species often occur when ocean temperatures and nutrient levels increase.

Unfortunately, some of the starfish’s major predators, such as humphead wrasse and giant triton, which usually keep the species in check have declined in recent years as a result of overfishing.

“We are experiencing a return of the starfish in greater numbers,” said WWF-Philippines CEO Lory Tan. “The situation facing our reefs is far from normal.”

The Philippines once boasted 25,000km2 of coral reef. However, a recent World Bank study shows that barely 1 per cent of this area remains pristine, and more than 50 per cent are reported to be in decline or unhealthy.

To combat the outbreak, WWF-Philippines is enlisting the help of beachgoers to reduce the number of starfish in an infested area.

The most recent action netted hundreds from the world-class diving site of Apo Reef off the west coast of the island of Mindoro, about 100km south of the capital, Manila.

“In the long term, the best response to the situation is by putting a stop to overfishing and agricultural runoff, and to better manage sewage,” Tan adds. “It’s important to keep our oceans clean and our reefs well balanced.”

END NOTES:

• According to a WWF survey, outbreaks of crown-of-thorns starfish have been reported at Apo Reef and Puerto Galera in Mindoro, as well as at Mabini in Batangas, Roxas in Palawan, Bolinao in Lingayen Gulf, and Kiamba and Glan in Sarangani Bay. It is possible that many other coastal areas have been affected as well.

• Crown-of-thorns starfish have long spines and are capable of severe stings. Contact will almost surely inflict severe swelling, pain and nausea that can last for hours or days.
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