Pratchett, Morgan S., Chandler, Josie F., Choukroun, Severine M., Doll, Peter C., Lang, Bethan J., Kwong, Sarah, Chen, Carla C.M., Emslie, Mike J., Caballes, Ciemon F., Uthicke, Sven, and Matthews, Sam A. (2024) Biophysical Processes Involved in the Initiation and Spread of Population Irruptions of Crown-of-Thorns Starfish on the Great Barrier Reef. In: Wolanski, Eric, and Kingsford, Michael J., (eds.) Oceanographic Processes of Coral Reefs: Physical and Biological Links in the Great Barrier Reef. CRC Press, Boca Raton, Florida, USA, pp. 290-305.

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Abstract

Recent and recurrent population irruptions of the western Pacific crown-of-thorns starfish (Acanthaster cf. solaris) have had a major effect on the biological structure of coral reefs in the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) and have greatly influenced research, monitoring, and management. Understanding and management of crown-of-thorns starfish (CoTS) has improved during each of the four successive well-documented population irruptions that have occurred since the 1960s, which corresponds with increased data on the spatiotemporal incidence of population irruptions. Most critically, the purported location for the initiation of population irruptions is becoming increasingly resolved, and this has had a major bearing on the debate regarding causes of population irruptions. However, insufficient consideration has been given to the key biophysical processes that likely influence the initiation and spread of population irruptions. Most critically, more research is needed not only to understand the interaction among larval production, nutrient levels, and hydrodynamics, especially in the far northern GBR, but also to account for inter-annual variability in the strength and direction of water flow. Ongoing biological and ecological research and monitoring for CoTS will be greatly improved through increased collaboration with oceanographers and integrated monitoring of key biophysical processes.

Item ID:	82483
Item Type:	Book Chapter (Research - B1)
ISBN:	9781003320425
Copyright Information:	© 2024 selection and editorial matter, Eric Wolanski and Michael Kingsford; individual chapters, the contributors
Date Deposited:	09 Jul 2024 03:10
FoR Codes:	31 BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES > 3103 Ecology > 310305 Marine and estuarine ecology (incl. marine ichthyology) @ 100%
SEO Codes:	28 EXPANDING KNOWLEDGE > 2801 Expanding knowledge > 280102 Expanding knowledge in the biological sciences @ 50% 18 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT > 1805 Marine systems and management > 180501 Assessment and management of benthic marine ecosystems @ 50%
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