A new theory explains how juvenile crown-of-thorns sea stars (commonly known as starfish) can destabilize coral reefs. The 'degraded reef framework' explains how the loss of live coral, which crown-of-thorns starfish feed off, paradoxically benefits juvenile COTS.
A new theory explains how juvenile crown-of-thorns sea stars can destabilize coral reefs . The 'degraded reef framework' explains how the loss of live coral, which crown-of-thorns starfish feed off, paradoxically benefits juvenile COTS. As live coral diminishes, these starfish accumulate in rubble habitats, which serve as juvenile nurseries.
Professor Byrne from the School of Life and Environmental Sciences at the University of Sydney said:"This research reinforces our understanding that resilient species have the upper hand when adjusting to altered habitats. Unfortunately, in the case of the Great Barrier Reef, one of these resilient species -- the crown-of-thorns starfish -- is one of its most persistent coral predators."
This accumulation of juveniles-in-waiting can promote a pulsed emergence of COTS as they transition into coral-eating adults when corals start to recover. This exacerbates the cycle of coral loss and reef degradation. "Our findings reveal a critical feedback loop in reef ecosystems," said Dr Wolfe, who started his research career as a PhD student at the University of Sydney.
These findings underscore the need for a multifaceted approach to coral reef conservation that addresses the root causes of degradation while also considering broad ecological dynamics at play. This latest study adds to the impressive work that Professor Byrne and her team have undertaken, which has improved our understanding of how the crown-of-thorns starfish is able to persist as a pest species on the Great Barrier Reef.Reef fish, such as emperors, tropical snappers and rockcods, help keep numbers of crown-of-thorns starfish in check on the Great Barrier Reef. New research has found the abundance of the coral-eating ...
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