Star Wars on the Reef: Divers Battle Coral-Eating Starfish Outbreak Near Cairns
A significant outbreak of crown-of-thorns starfish has been reported on the Great Barrier Reef near Cairns, posing a severe threat to the region's coral ecosystems. This invasive species, known for its voracious appetite for coral polyps, has triggered an urgent response from marine conservationists and divers.
Critical Threat to Coral Health
The crown-of-thorns starfish outbreak is occurring in key reef areas close to Cairns, a popular tourist destination in Far North Queensland. These starfish can consume vast amounts of coral, exacerbating existing stresses such as coral bleaching and climate change impacts. Experts warn that without immediate intervention, the outbreak could lead to substantial coral loss, affecting biodiversity and the local economy reliant on reef tourism.
Divers Mobilise for Control Efforts
In response, teams of divers have been deployed to manually remove the starfish from affected reefs. This labour-intensive process involves carefully injecting the starfish with a solution that causes them to disintegrate, minimising harm to surrounding marine life. The efforts are part of broader reef management strategies aimed at controlling starfish populations and preserving coral health.
Key aspects of the control operation include:- Targeted removal in high-priority reef zones near Cairns.
- Use of environmentally safe injection methods to eliminate starfish.
- Monitoring and surveillance to track outbreak spread and effectiveness of interventions.
Broader Implications for Reef Conservation
This outbreak highlights ongoing challenges in protecting the Great Barrier Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Factors contributing to crown-of-thorns starfish outbreaks include nutrient runoff from agriculture and natural population cycles. Conservationists emphasise the need for integrated approaches combining direct control with long-term strategies to improve water quality and mitigate climate change effects.
Local authorities and research organisations are collaborating to enhance reef resilience and support sustainable tourism practices in the Cairns region.
