PROJECT 1.6: CROWN-OF-THORNS STARFISH
(Dr B Lassig, GBRMPA)
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| Crown-of-thorns starfish outbreaks have the capacity
to destroy large areas of coral reefs. A community monitoring project
called 'COTSWATCH' helps monitor starfish populations. |
Field work in this project suggests that new outbreaks of Crown-of-thorns starfish are likely
in the Cairns to Lizard Island area. A small number of existing
Reef-wide and spot outbreaks have been recorded, and others appear imminent.
A study of dissolved free amino acids suggested this postulated larval
growth enhancer was not important in nature. For tourism operators needing
to protect tourism sites, diver-injected 'dry acid' (sodium bisulphate)
was found to be an effective killing agent. Development of effective strategies
for the compound's application (timing and intensity of effort) were identified
as a future research priority.
Generally, all milestones have been achieved although
the inability to attract an appropriately qualified biometrician for the
long-term monitoring team creates some difficulty. Outcomes from "data
mining" and the development of clear goals for the integrated modelling
(Project 1.5), have provided shape for future work and staff appointments.
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