12. Is the Great Barrier Reef being destroyed by outbreaks of crown-of thorns starfish?

The claim of reef destruction was made during the 1960's when outbreaks were first reported on the Great Barrier Reef. It was feared that the structure of the Reef would be totally destroyed exposing the North Queensland coast to increased levels of wave action and consequent erosion. This clearly did not happen. Whilst outbreaks of crown-of-thorns starfish may destroy some individual corals (see 33), as yet they have not destroyed the Reef itself.

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