CROWN-OF-THORNS STARFISH

1 minute movie

A core curriculum topic for our interactive school incursions, is to discuss the issues facing our marine world, in particular the Great Barrier Reef.

For decades scientists have been concerned about the increasing number of crown-of-thorns starfish along the Great Barrier Reef. These native starfish feed on the coral and kill it. This affects the health of the whole reef.

There has been extensive research into the reasons why the amount of crown-of-thorns is multiplying and damaging large areas of the reef. One culprit may be the nutrient rich water that results from agricultural run-off along the Queensland coast. Another possibility is that the crown-of-thorns is flourishing because of the decline in predators such as the giant triton sea snail, a favourite of shell collectors.

During our incursions we discuss with students how coral reefs all around the world are facing pressures due to the effects of climate changes, such as rising water temperatures and ocean acidification. Localised crown-of-thorns outbreaks on the barrier reef is one more threat to those reefs.