[Coral-List] Crown-of-Thorns outbreaks

[Arthur Bos]

Dear colleagues,
 
Considering the recent crown-of-thorns outbreak in the GBR, I would like to bring the latest publication about this topic to your attention:
 
Management of Crown-of-Thorns Sea Star (Acanthaster planci L.) Outbreaks: Removal Success Depends on Reef Topography and Timing within the Reproduction Cycle. Ocean and Coastal Management
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0964569112002669?v=s5
 
Although this publication describes smaller-scale outbreaks, it contains useful information and recommendations for the management of the recent outbreak in the GBR: Removal initiatives should primarily focus on isolated reefs, and, considering that the southern hemisphere populations will reproduce in 1-2 months, it is crucial that removal efforts will be initiated, performed, and/or intensified within the next couple of weeks.
Feel free to contact me for more information.
Regards. Arthur


Dr. Arthur R. Bos
Assistant Professor Marine Biology
Biology Department
The American University in Cairo
P.O. Box 74, New Cairo 11835
Egypt
Tel.: +20 2 2615 2903
Email: arthurrbos at yahoo.com
Website: http://science.naturalis.nl/bos