Outbreaks

Example: Crown-of-thorns starfish on the Great Barrier Reef

1970s- 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

http://www.reefresilience.org/coral-reefs/stressors/predator-outbreaks/crown-of-thorns-starfish/