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