Management Information
Location Specific Management InformationAmerican Samoa
In early 1978, approximately 38 4500 individual A. planci were collected from two small bays on the northeast coast of Tutuila. A total of approximately 486 900 individuals were removed from the ocean (Birkeland and Randall 1979, in Birkeland 1982). The later collection used a bounty system and cost a total of $US 73 000 (Birkeland and Lucus 1990). Barnum's Wall
The dive shops profiting from the natural beauty of such reefs have been criticised for not taking it upon themselves to initiate clean-up efforts. Double Reef
In November 1968 divers removed 886 starfish from the reef. Egypt
The Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency (EEAA) have reduced the impact to the reefs by organising the removal of over 60 000 starfish between 1998 and 1999. Feather Is. (Great Barrier Reef)
Done (1988) used a computer modelling system to estimate recovery times for these locations to range from 9 years to greater than 100 years. Estimates increase with increasing coral size and are based on data collected for Porites spp. Fiji
Approximately 9 900 individual A. planci were destroyed (Owens 1971, Weber and Woodhead 1970, in Birkeland 1982). German Channel
The dive shops profiting from the natural beauty of such reefs have been criticised for not taking it upon themselves to initiate clean-up efforts. German Wall
The dive shops profiting from the natural beauty of such reefs have been criticised for not taking it upon themselves to initiate clean-up efforts. Great Barrier Reef
The Reef Monitoring Database contains research data from 1982 to present. Initially data were derived mainly from ecological surveys of the crown-of-thorns starfish A. planci and associated benthic communities on the Great Barrier Reef (Baker and Coleman 2000). Green Is. (Australia)
Done (1988) used a computer modelling system to estimate recovery times for these locations to range from 9 years to greater than 100 years. Estimates increase with increasing coral size and are based on data collected for Porites spp.
44 000 individual A. planci were killed at Green Island but many remained (Barnes 1966, Endean 1973 1974, Endean and Stablum 1975, Harding 1968, in Birkeland 1982). However the control project would have had to commenced earlier for there to have been any chance of success (in terms of reducing damage to coral) (Pearson, in Birkeland and Lucus 1990). Grub Reef
A crown-of-thorns starfish control program was conducted at Grub Reef (central Great Barrier Reef) in an area (0.64 km²) which encompassed 53 individual patch reefs. During a two week period, 15 divers injected 3175 starfish with copper sulphate. The program was considered unsuccessful. Although starfish abundance had declined significantly after the control efforts, biological surveys indicated that a relatively large numer of starfish remained. The surveys also indicated a general decline in the number of starfish along the reef perimeter, outside the control area. The total cost of the control program was $A35 per starfish. These results have important implications for the implementation of future control programs and highlight the need to undertake before and after biological surveys to assess the effectiveness of the control efforts (Johnson Moran and Driml 1990). Holbourne Is. (Great Barrier Reef)
The small size and isolation of the area encouraged an attempt to entirely eradicate the population. 20 Army and Navy divers injected approximately 8000 starfish with copper sulphate, eliminating about 70% of the population. However the program was considered unsuccessful because a major portion of the coral was killed. Delays resulting from bad weather contributed to the failure (Birkeland and Lucus 1990). John Brewer Is. (Great Barrier Reef)
Done (1988) used a computer modelling system to estimate recovery times for these locations to range from 9 years to greater than 100 years. Estimates increase with increasing coral size and are based on data collected for Porites spp. Light House Reef
This site is a primary focus of Palau's clean up efforts. Clean up efforts involve visual searches for A. planci from a speed boat. The first site found was heavily infested with starfish with about 50% live coral cover remaining. The site was dominated by Acroporas, Montiporas and Fungiids, all of which were being destroyed. Boulder type Porites were also present but less affected by the starfish. The second site of starfish infestation was located outside the reed midway between the light house and the cliff faces of Ngeruktabel island (Coral-feeding starfish clean-up 2002). Between April to June 2002 a total of 1120 starfish were collected, and over 4000 starfish have been removed to date (Quarterly Report 2002). Lolita's Coral Gardens
Although the coral-feeding starfish does not pose an immediate threat to this site constant monitoring is needed to ensure this valuable reef is protected from the impact of this invasive starfish. Okinawa
Approximately 240 000 individual A. planci were removed by control measures. Palau
In 1979 approximately 354 500 individual A. planci were removed from Ngederrak Reef, but more remained south of Urukthapel (Birkeland and Lucus 1990; S. Birk Pers. Comm., in Birkeland 1982). A bounty system was used to collect the starfish and cost approximately $US 71 000 (Birkeland and Lucus 1990). Support for the programme was high and participation was enthusiastic (Birkeland and Lucus 1990). The project was supported by the Marine Resources Division of the Government of Palau, who towed a pontoon barge to the collecting sites (Birkeland and Lucus 1990). The barge served as a site for the dumping of collected starfish, which were baked in the sun for 12 hours and then deposited in a designated landfill (Birkeland and Lucus 1990). Success of the programme probably depended on the ease of accessing starfish sites, which were easily accessed by snorkelling or wading (Birkeland and Lucus 1990).
More recent occurrances of the crown of thorn starfish in Palau have left authorities unsure of whether to act. In general their policy is non-intervention, however massive coral bleaching events have increased the need to protect as much coral as possible to ensure that as many corals as possible spawn (Palau Conservation Society 1999). The case seen in the late 1990s was not a population outbreak making it more likely that a control project would be effective and that there would not be a requirement for continual removal (Palau Conservation Society 1999). The Palau Conservation Society proposed the following management programme (1999): collect data of pre-control densities of A. planci, remove and kill A. planci recording numbers removed and cost of operation, describe corals in the area and collect data of post-control densities. The areas selected for control were high-value areas that were assessed according to the amount and type of living corals and the use of the area for tourism and recreation. By 2002 Palau had shifted to a clean-up policy much different to the "shot gun" clean-up of the past (Quarterly Report 2002). Only a few priority sites were focussed on by authorities but removal of starfish was thorough, with work effort concentrated on these sites until all A. planci had been removed (Quarterly Report 2002). Another positive aspect of efforts to mitigate the effects of the invasive starfish was an attempt to attract other organisations, such as dive shops and tour operators, to "adopt a reef" (Quarterly Report 2002). Organisations supporting the cause include: The Palau International Aquarium, Palau Conservation Society, Koror State Rangers, Koror State Government, Planet Blue Sea Kayak Tours and Sam's Dive Tours (Quarterly Report 2002). As crown of thorn starfish outbreaks are quite extensive in Palau it has become obvious that the present efforts are valuable but not comprehensive enough to save the corals of Palau (Quarterly Report 2002). Pinchers West
No matter how many A. planci are removed new migrants are constantly found. The high artificial nutrient levels found inside Malakal Harbour may be a possible explanation for this. Potter Is. (Great Barrier Reef)
Done (1988) used a computer modelling system to estimate recovery times for these locations to range from 9 years to greater than 100 years. Estimates increase with increasing coral size and are based on data collected for Porites spp. Rarotonga Is.
Approximately 81 000 individual A. planci were destroyed. We are experiencing technical difficulties and unable to complete your request. Please try later.
Source: Microsoft OLE DB Provider for ODBC Drivers
Error: -2147217900 [Microsoft][ODBC SQL Server Driver][SQL Server]Incorrect syntax near the keyword 'and'.
Query: select * from L_location , LT_locationtype
where L_locationID =
and L_typeID = LT_Typeid
order by LT_Order ASC
File: /database/species/management_info.asp
Host: www.issg.org
URL: /database/species/management_info.asp
Referer:
Remote IP: 107.22.156.205
Server IP: 130.216.35.142
Request: si=1043&fr=1&sts=&lang=EN
si=1043
fr=1
sts=
lang=EN
|
