Starfish Invasion Threatens Taiwan's Precious Coral Reefs: Urgent Action Needed

Kaohsiung's Dongsha Atoll National Park at Risk as Crown-of-Thorns Starfish Devour Coral, Potentially Wiping it Out in Two Years

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – The Taiwan Coral Reef Society has issued a stark warning: a surge in crown-of-thorns starfish populations is devastating the coral reefs within and near Kaohsiung’s Dongsha Atoll National Park.

At a recent press conference, the society detailed the dire situation, emphasizing that without swift and decisive government intervention, the coral reefs could be completely decimated by these voracious starfish within the next two years, according to CNA reports.

Crown-of-thorns starfish, known for their appetite for coral, are formidable creatures. Adult specimens typically measure 25 to 35 centimeters in diameter, sporting between nine and twenty arms and covered in sharp, toxin-secreting spines.

Jeng Ming-shiou (鄭明修), Chair of the Taiwan Coral Reef Society, reported that the National Park Service organized divers to remove approximately 14,000 crown-of-thorns starfish in August alone. Earlier in the year, between March and April, a further 33,000 were removed, far surpassing initial estimates.

Jeng also highlighted the starfish’s rapid reproductive rate, with a single adult capable of producing up to 300 million eggs annually. He stressed the urgency of the situation, urging the establishment of clearer regulations and increased resource allocation to effectively combat the infestation.

The starfish plague isn't the only threat. The Taiwan Coral Reef Society highlighted that high sea temperatures and typhoons are also inflicting severe damage on coral reefs. Coral bleaching, a visible sign of stress, has been observed in the waters off Kenting and Xiaoliuqiu Island, with up to 80% of the coral in the Kenting area affected.

Jeng further noted that crown-of-thorns starfish have been found in waters off Pingtung and Green Island as well. He appealed to the government to increase public awareness regarding the multitude of threats facing Taiwan's invaluable coral reefs.

Taiwan’s favorable environmental conditions, including warm temperatures and the influence of the Kuroshio Current, have fostered the growth of 558 coral species in its waters. However, the Ocean Conservation Administration points out that factors like climate change, human activities, land development, and wastewater discharge have significantly contributed to coral reef decline.