Saudi Arabia Takes Action to Protect Coral Reefs from Crown-of-Thorns Starfish Outbreak
In a proactive move to safeguard the health of coral reefs in the Red Sea, Saudi Arabia’s National Center for Wildlife Development (NCWD) has initiated a comprehensive survey plan. The plan aims to gather essential data on crown-of-thorns starfish populations, enabling timely management of outbreaks and preserving biodiversity.
Workshop Sparks Action Against Destructive Starfish
The NCWD’s action plan follows a workshop held in late 2022, highlighting the threat posed by crown-of-thorns starfish outbreaks in the Red Sea environment. According to a Saudi Press Agency report, discussions during the workshop emphasized the detrimental impact of these organisms on coral reef ecosystems.
The spread of crown-of-thorns starfish has been associated with significant damage to Red Sea coral reefs, particularly during the breeding season from late July to early August.
Cause of Outbreaks Linked to Food Chain Disruption
Marine experts at the workshop attributed the starfish outbreak to disruptions in the food chain and overfishing of key species like the humphead wrasse, also known as the Napoleon fish or tarpani locally.
Recognizing the importance of the humphead wrasse in maintaining coral reef health, the NCWD’s survey plan aims to establish protocols for outbreak detection, identify causes, and collaborate with global experts on damage control measures.
Preserving the Humphead Wrasse for Coral Reef Health
The humphead wrasse, scientifically known as Cheilinus undulatus, plays a crucial role in controlling crown-of-thorns starfish populations. According to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), efforts are underway to protect the humphead wrasse from overfishing and restore their populations in protected coral reefs.
The WWF has successfully halted the export of humphead wrasse in Malaysia and is working with other countries to implement similar conservation measures. Through buyback programs and repopulation initiatives, over 860 humphead wrasse have been released back into the wild since 2010.
Due to their slow reproductive rate, with sexual maturity reached in 5-7 years, humphead wrasse are vulnerable to overfishing, making conservation efforts crucial for their survival and the health of coral reefs they inhabit.