Outbreaks: Difference between revisions
From coraldigest
No edit summary |
|||
| Line 3: | Line 3: | ||
1970s- major coral decline due to Acanthaster planci (Crown of thornes starfish) | 1970s- 8 years of recorded, major coral decline due to Acanthaster planci (Crown of thornes starfish) | ||
A. unrestricted carnivorous diet | A. unrestricted carnivorous diet | ||
B. causes of outbreaks | B. causes of outbreaks | ||
1. phytoplankton increase due to run-off | 1. phytoplankton increase due to run-off | ||
2. weather patterns like El Nino | 2. weather patterns like El Nino | ||
C. possible solutions | |||
1. reduce run-off pollution promoting phytoplankton as source of food for COTS | |||
2. population control of COTS - ethical? safe for surrounding environment? | |||
http://www.reefresilience.org/coral-reefs/stressors/predator-outbreaks/crown-of-thorns-starfish/ | http://www.reefresilience.org/coral-reefs/stressors/predator-outbreaks/crown-of-thorns-starfish/ | ||
http://www.aims.gov.au/en/web/guest/docs/research/biodiversity-ecology/threats/crown-of-thorns-starfish | |||
Revision as of 14:38, 24 February 2015
Outbreaks
Example: Crown-of-thorns starfish on the Great Barrier Reef
1970s- 8 years of recorded, major coral decline due to Acanthaster planci (Crown of thornes starfish)
A. unrestricted carnivorous diet
B. causes of outbreaks
1. phytoplankton increase due to run-off
2. weather patterns like El Nino
C. possible solutions
1. reduce run-off pollution promoting phytoplankton as source of food for COTS
2. population control of COTS - ethical? safe for surrounding environment?
http://www.reefresilience.org/coral-reefs/stressors/predator-outbreaks/crown-of-thorns-starfish/ http://www.aims.gov.au/en/web/guest/docs/research/biodiversity-ecology/threats/crown-of-thorns-starfish