Effectiveness of the removal of coral-eating predator Acanthaster planci in Pulau Tioman Marine Park, Malaysia

Published source details Chak S.T.C., Dumont C.P., Adzis K-AAbd & Yewdall K. (2018) Effectiveness of the removal of coral-eating predator Acanthaster planci in Pulau Tioman Marine Park, Malaysia. Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom, 98, 183-189.
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This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

	Action	Category
	Control spread of non-native/invasive/problematic invertebrates using biological, chemical and/or mechanical methods Action Link

Control spread of non-native/invasive/problematic invertebrates using biological, chemical and/or mechanical methods

A replicated, controlled study in 2009–2010 at three coral reef sites in Malaysia (Chak et al. 2018) found that seasonal removal of invasive crown of thorns starfish Acanthaster planci led to higher live stony coral cover, but increased mortality for one stony coral species and had no effect on community composition, compared to sites where no starfish were removed. For six months after the removal season, live coral cover increased in sites where starfish were removed (0 months: 31–78%; 6 months: 44–78%) but decreased in sites with no starfish removal (0 months: 40–69%; 6 months: 7–52%). Starfish removal had no effect on mortality for Acropora (removal: 27–71%; no removal: 29–64%), Montipora (removal: 2–17%; no removal: 0–25%), and Pavona (removal: 2.3–100%; no removal: 0–100%), but increased Porites mortality (0–38%; 50–95%). Starfish removal had no effect on the coral community (data reported as graphical analysis). From March–September each year since 1998, invasive crown of thorns starfish were removed manually by volunteers and through clean ups organized by dive shops. Three sites were surveyed after the 2009 removal season: twice in August 2009 and twice in April 2010. They were compared with three control sites, where no removal had taken place for 10 years. At each reef site, 20 photo-quadrats (50 cm²) were taken in each of eight belt transects (50 x 2 m) at 2–10 m depth during daytime. Coral composition and percent cover were estimated from 25 random points/5 x 5 grid cell/photo-quadrat. Mortality was measured as the relative percent of dead corals.

(Summarised by: Vanessa Cutts)