Predatory Starfish Threatens Indonesian Waters

Jan. 15, 2008 -- The predatory crown-of-thorns starfish is threatening Indonesia's portion of the "coral triangle," the richest area of coral reef biodiversity on the planet, scientists warned Tuesday.

The starfish have been discovered in large numbers by researchers from the Wildlife Conservation Society and the Australian-based ARC Center of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, which surveyed reefs around Halmahera in Indonesia's Maluku Islands, a press release said.

The triangle lies between Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands and contains more than half the world's reefs, considered building blocks for marine life.

More than 600 species of coral -- 76 percent of those known -- and more than 3,000 plant and fish species live in the triangle's waters.

Scientists said they feared the growth in numbers of the starfish was caused by poor water quality and could be an early warning of widespread reef decline.

"We witnessed a number of active outbreaks of this coral predator. There was little to suggest that the reefs have been much affected by climate change as yet. The threats appear far more localised," said Andrew Baird from the Centre of Excellence in the statement.

The starfish feeds on coral by spreading its stomach over them and using digestive enzymes to liquify tissue.

Researchers also saw evidence of blast-fishing which had occurred following communal violence in recent years.