According to WWF, 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 6km2 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.
The Philippines once boasted 25,000km2 of coral reef. However, a recent World Bank study shows that barely 1% of this area remains pristine, and more than 50% is reported to be in decline or unhealthy.
