Efforts Intensify To Control Crown-of-Thorns Starfish Outbreaks In The Red Sea

The National Center for Wildlife (NCW) has launched a detailed survey to collect crucial data on Crown-of-Thorns Starfish (COTS) populations in the Red Sea. This initiative aims to address outbreaks promptly, protecting biodiversity and coral reef health. The NCW serves as the national authority for establishing wildlife protocols and standards, addressing threats to both terrestrial and marine ecosystems.

COTS is a marine organism that feeds on algae and bacteria found on coral reefs. However, during outbreaks, it poses a significant threat to these ecosystems. These outbreaks have been linked to substantial damage to coral reefs in the Red Sea, especially during the spawning season from late July to early August. Understanding its distribution, density, and reproductive behavior during this period is essential for effective management.

The NCW's protocol for controlling COTS spread is tailored to the organism's nature in the Red Sea environment. It allows for swift and effective responses to limit its spread and protect coral reefs. In December 2022, the NCW held a workshop to discuss combating COTS outbreaks and develop a protocol for studying the current situation. The workshop aimed to identify causes of increased COTS numbers above natural rates and learn best practices from global experts.

Cooperation between marine biologists, local stakeholders, and divers is crucial in this conservation effort. The survey plan provides baseline data on COTS populations in key areas of the Red Sea. This data can be used to predict and manage outbreaks timely, thus safeguarding coral-reef health and biodiversity. The approach ensures accuracy and practicality for comprehensive survey results.

The crown-of-thorns starfish belongs to the echinoderm phylum and inhabits tropical and subtropical Pacific reefs. It typically reproduces when water temperatures reach 28 degrees Celsius. During outbreaks, its consumption of coral exceeds reef growth rates. One primary cause of these outbreaks is an imbalance in the food chain due to overfishing of organisms that prey on COTS, such as the Napoleon fish or tarpon.

Workshop Outcomes

The December 2022 workshop also focused on developing operational procedures and establishing a response framework involving stakeholders. Experts discussed best practices for controlling damage from COTS based on global experiences. This collaborative effort aims to create an effective mechanism for managing COTS outbreaks in the Red Sea.

The survey plan aims to gather essential data on COTS populations' spatial distribution, density, and reproductive behavior during peak periods. This information is vital for managing potential outbreaks that could lead to coral-reef degradation effectively.

By understanding these factors, conservationists can implement timely measures to protect coral reefs from significant damage caused by COTS outbreaks.

This initiative by NCW highlights their role as a reference point for wildlife protocols and standards in Saudi Arabia, addressing threats faced by both terrestrial and marine wildlife effectively.

With inputs from SPA