Tebbett, Sterling B., Ling, Scott, Doll, Peter C., Keane, John P/, Miller, Kelsey I., and Pratchett, Morgan (2026) ‘Prickly problems’ on Australian reefs: comparative ecology and management of crown-of-thorns starfish and long-spined sea urchins. Marine & Freshwater Research, 77 (10). MF25249.

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Abstract

Context: Overabundant echinoderms can dramatically alter reefs, with this problem being exemplified along Australia’s coast, with recurrent outbreaks of crown-of-thorns starfish (CoTS) (Acanthaster cf. solaris) on the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) and high densities of long-spined sea urchins (Centrostephanus rodgersii) on the eastern Great Southern Reef (GSR). Aim: To foster cross-system knowledge exchange on ‘prickly problems’ across reef systems. Methods: Synthesise and compare the ecology and management of CoTS and C. rodgersii, focusing on the GBR and GSR. Key results: Population dynamics differ, with recurrent boom-and-bust outbreaks in CoTS, whereas C. rodgersii can increase to high-density stable populations, forming urchin barrens that last decades or more. Differences in nutritional ecology (obligate corallivore, CoTS, v. omnivore, C. rodgersii) and regeneration rate of nutritional resources are linked to population dynamics. For both species, there is evidence of effective, local, top-down active management by culling or harvesting, but large differences in funding exist (funding for GBR CoTS management is >40-fold higher than for Tasmanian urchin management). Conclusions: Spatially structured management aimed at prevention is more efficient and cost effective than reactive control efforts. Implications: The review emphasises the value in bridging research and sharing knowledge across parallel but largely independent research fields across tropical and temperate reefs.

Item ID:	92559
Item Type:	Article (Research - C1)
ISSN:	1448-6059
Keywords:	Acanthaster, Centrostephanus rodgersii, coral reef, Great Barrier Reef, kelp forest, reef restoration, sea urchin fisheries, urchin barren
Copyright Information:	© 2026 The Author(s) (or their employer(s)). Published by CSIRO Publishing. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License (CC BY-NC-ND).
Date Deposited:	03 Aug 2026 07:02
FoR Codes:	31 BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES > 3103 Ecology > 310305 Marine and estuarine ecology (incl. marine ichthyology) @ 50% 41 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES > 4104 Environmental management > 410401 Conservation and biodiversity @ 25% 41 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES > 4104 Environmental management > 410404 Environmental management @ 25%
SEO Codes:	18 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT > 1805 Marine systems and management > 180501 Assessment and management of benthic marine ecosystems @ 20% 18 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT > 1805 Marine systems and management > 180503 Control of pests, diseases and exotic species in marine environments @ 60% 28 EXPANDING KNOWLEDGE > 2801 Expanding knowledge > 280102 Expanding knowledge in the biological sciences @ 20%
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