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THE CROWN-OF-THORNS STARFISH: A PROBLEM
40. Is the crown-of-thorns starfish a problem on the Great Barrier Reef? Is there cause for concern? At the beginning of 1985 the Crown of Thorns Starfish Advisory Committee (COTSAC), which comprised an expert group of scientists and managers, stated that the crown-of-thorns starfish posed a "major management problem" to areas within the Great Barrier Reef. The findings of the large-scale surveys conducted since then (see 37) exemplify the seriousness of the present situation. There is cause for concern amongst all members of the community not only because outbreaks in recent times have affected a large part of the Great Barrier Reef but also for two other reasons. Firstly, the effects of the outbreaks have been confined largely to the central third of the Great Barrier Reef where the majority of tourist developments are located. Such effects may have severe ramifications for the local economy of Queensland and Australia in general. Secondly, there is a general lack of knowledge of many important aspects of the biology and ecology of the crown-of-thorns starfish. This lack of information must be overcome if scientists and managers are to make rational and informed decisions with respect to the long term effects of this starfish on the Great Barrier Reef -- a World Heritage area. Consequently, a major objective over the last 20 years has been to undertake fundamental research to overcome this deficiency in scientific knowledge. This has been recommended by all Committees (both political and scientific) which have considered the crown-of-thorns starfish and its effects on the Great Barrier Reef.
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