MANILA, Philippines (6 Apr 2007) -- Coral-eating starfish have infested several coastal areas in the Philippines, threatening to devastate entire sections of reefs in weeks, a conservation group warned yesterday. The World Wide Fund for Nature reported outbreaks of crown-of-thorns starfish in at least seven coastal areas. One starfish can consume six square metres (60 square feet) of healthy coral reef in a year. Outbreaks of the starfish, also known as Ancathaster planci, are detected every summer - March-May - when local ocean temperatures and nutrient levels increase, giving rise to algal blooms. "Normally, reefs should be left alone to deal with unusual occurrences such as this," WWF said in a statement. "However, the situation facing Philippine reefs is far from normal." It said major predators that should, under normal conditions, keep crown-of-thorns starfish in check are steadily declining due to illegal collection for food and the aquarium trade. | | One starfish can consume six square metres (60 square feet) of healthy coral reef in a year. A recent World Bank study revealed that barely 1 per cent of the Philippines' 25,000 square kilometres (9,650 square miles) of coral reefs remain pristine and more than 50 per cent are unhealthy. SOURCE - GulfnewsSCUBA FORUMDISCUSS THIS TOPIC - Dive in and have your say at Scuba Forum |
