[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” next_background_color=”#ffffff” admin_label=”Header Section” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_color=”#000000″ bottom_divider_style=”ramp” bottom_divider_flip=”horizontal” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_fullwidth_header subhead=”Crown Of Thorns Starfish in Raja Ampat” button_two_url=”https:\/\/theseapeople.org\/donate\/” _builder_version=”4.25.1″ title_font=”Oswald|||on|||||” title_font_size=”20px” title_letter_spacing=”3px” title_line_height=”1.5em” content_font=”Lora||||||||” content_font_size=”22px” content_line_height=”2em” subhead_font=”Lora|700|||||||” subhead_text_align=”left” subhead_font_size=”60px” subhead_line_height=”1.2em” background_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0)” background_image=”https:\/\/theseapeople.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/Crown-of-Thorns-Raja-Ampat.jpg” background_enable_video_mp4=”off” custom_button_one=”on” button_one_text_size=”16px” button_one_text_color=”#ffffff” button_one_bg_color=”#40b8d3″ button_one_border_width=”15px” button_one_border_color=”rgba(210,159,104,0)” button_one_border_radius=”100px” button_one_letter_spacing=”3px” button_one_font=”Oswald|||on|||||” button_one_use_icon=”off” custom_button_two=”on” button_two_text_size=”16px” button_two_bg_color=”#d29f68″ button_two_border_width=”15px” button_two_border_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0)” button_two_border_radius=”100px” button_two_letter_spacing=”3px” button_two_font=”Oswald|||on|||||” button_two_use_icon=”off” height=”550px” custom_margin=”|||” custom_padding=”115px||115px||true|false” animation_style=”zoom” animation_duration=”2000ms” animation_intensity_zoom=”4%” subhead_font_size_tablet=”” subhead_font_size_phone=”50px” subhead_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” subhead_line_height_tablet=”1.2em” subhead_line_height_phone=”1.2em” subhead_line_height_last_edited=”on|tablet” button_one_border_radius_hover=”100px” button_one_bg_color_hover=”#cc8d66″ button_two_bg_color_hover=”#d29f68″ global_colors_info=”{}” button_one_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_radius__hover_enabled=”on” button_one_border_radius__hover=”100px” button_two_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off|desktop” button_one_bg_color__hover=”#cc8d66″ button_two_bg_color__hover_enabled=”on” button_two_bg_color__hover=”#d29f68″][\/et_pb_fullwidth_header][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Opening Text” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ background_color=”#ffffff” background_enable_image=”off” custom_padding=”80px|0px|80px|0px|true|false” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.25.1″ custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.25.1″ text_font=”Lora||||||||” text_font_size=”18px” text_line_height=”2em” link_font=”||||||||” ul_font=”||||||||” ol_font=”||||||||” quote_font=”||||||||” header_font=”||||||||” header_2_font=”||||||||” header_3_font=”Oswald|||on|||||” header_3_font_size=”20px” header_3_letter_spacing=”3px” header_3_line_height=”1.5em” header_4_font=”||||||||” text_line_height_last_edited=”off|desktop” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
The crown-of-thorns starfish (COTS) is a large, venomous starfish known for their voracious appetite for hard corals. Found throughout the Indo-Pacific region, COTS play a natural and important role in coral reef ecosystems by consuming faster-growing corals, thus allowing slower-growing species to thrive and maintaining coral diversity. However, under certain environmental conditions, such as increased nutrient levels from agricultural runoff, COTS populations can surge, leading to outbreaks. These outbreaks can overwhelm the natural balance, resulting in significant hard coral loss and reef degradation.\u00a0 In extreme cases of outbreak, such as the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, large areas of reef have been affected: coral cover on surveyed reefs in the GBR declined 50% between 1985-2012, with COTS responsible for almost half of this decline (Australian Government, Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority).<\/p>\n
COTS outbreaks have become a focal point of concern for marine conservationists. The starfish’s ability to rapidly multiply and devastate large areas of coral reefs has prompted various strategies for monitoring and controlling their populations. Understanding the life cycle and behaviour of COTS is crucial for developing effective management plans. These plans often involve a combination of biological research, community engagement, and direct intervention methods to mitigate the impact of outbreaks and protect vulnerable reef systems.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ next_background_color=”#ffffff” admin_label=”Our Work” _builder_version=”4.25.1″ use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_stops=”#ffffff 0%|rgba(255,255,255,0) 30%” background_color_gradient_overlays_image=”on” background_color_gradient_start=”#ffffff” background_color_gradient_end=”rgba(255,255,255,0)” background_image=”https:\/\/theseapeople.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/TSP-Website-2024-Images-Portrait.png” background_position=”center_left” custom_margin=”-50px||||false|false” custom_padding=”0|0px|150px|0px|false|false” bottom_divider_style=”ramp” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.25.1″ text_font=”||||||||” header_font=”||||||||” header_text_align=”left” header_2_font=”Lora|700|||||||” header_2_font_size=”50px” header_2_line_height=”1.2em” header_5_font=”Oswald|||on|||||” header_5_text_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.4)” header_5_font_size=”20px” header_5_letter_spacing=”3px” header_5_line_height=”1.7em” text_orientation=”center” module_alignment=”center” text_line_height_last_edited=”off|desktop” header_2_font_size_tablet=”50px” header_2_font_size_phone=”40px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.25.1″ text_font=”Lora||||||||” text_font_size=”18px” text_line_height=”2em” link_font=”||||||||” ul_font=”||||||||” ol_font=”||||||||” quote_font=”||||||||” header_font=”||||||||” header_2_font=”||||||||” header_3_font=”Oswald|||on|||||” header_3_font_size=”20px” header_3_letter_spacing=”3px” header_3_line_height=”1.5em” header_4_font=”||||||||” text_line_height_last_edited=”off|desktop” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Whilst COTS are a species native to coral reefs in the Indo-Pacific region, Raja Ampat has not been immune to (area specific) COTS outbreaks. These outbreaks threaten the health of coral reefs in affected areas, which are vital for the local ecosystem and the livelihoods of communities that depend on them. \u00a0Recognizing the urgency of the situation, in collaboration with local stakeholders, The SEA People initiated a comprehensive management effort to address this issue. This approach combines scientific monitoring, community training, and active intervention to manage and mitigate the impacts of COTS.<\/p>\n
\u00a0The collaborative efforts focus on manual intervention (culling via specific technique, and\/or manual removal of COTS) real-time data collection and analysis to track the extent of COTS outbreaks and the effectiveness of mitigation activities. By utilizing advanced technologies and interactive maps, we can digitally visualise the spread of COTS and coordinate timely responses as needed. This data-driven approach allows for adaptive management, ensuring that conservation strategies are continually refined based on the latest information.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Healthy Reefs mean Healy Communities” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.25.1″ text_font=”||||||||” header_font=”||||||||” header_2_font=”Lora|700|||||||” header_2_font_size=”50px” header_2_line_height=”1.2em” header_4_font=”Lora||||||||” header_5_font=”Oswald|||on|||||” header_5_text_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.4)” header_5_font_size=”20px” header_5_letter_spacing=”3px” header_5_line_height=”1.7em” text_orientation=”center” module_alignment=”center” text_line_height_last_edited=”off|desktop” header_2_font_size_tablet=”50px” header_2_font_size_phone=”40px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.25.1″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.25.1″ text_font=”Lora||||||||” text_font_size=”18px” text_line_height=”2em” link_font=”||||||||” ul_font=”||||||||” ol_font=”||||||||” quote_font=”||||||||” header_font=”||||||||” header_2_font=”||||||||” header_3_font=”Oswald|||on|||||” header_3_font_size=”20px” header_3_letter_spacing=”3px” header_3_line_height=”1.5em” header_4_font=”||||||||” custom_margin=”-35px||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”-35px||||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”-35px||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|desktop” text_line_height_last_edited=”off|desktop” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Effective management of COTS outbreaks relies heavily on accurate and timely monitoring. The SEA People have implemented a robust system for collecting real-time data on COTS sightings and intervention efforts. This system includes an interactive map<\/span><\/a> that displays the locations of reported COTS outbreaks and ongoing mitigation activities. The map serves as a crucial tool for coordinating response efforts, enabling conservation teams to prioritize areas most in need of attention.<\/p>\n In addition to technological tools, the success of management and monitoring efforts depends on the active participation of local communities and stakeholders. The SEA People have established a network of trained individuals who regularly report COTS sightings and contribute to data collection. This community-based monitoring approach not only enhances the accuracy of data but also fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility among local residents. By involving the community in conservation efforts, The SEA People ensure a more sustainable and effective response to COTS outbreaks.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/theseapeople.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Crown-of-Thorns-Interactive-Map.png” alt=”Crown of Thorns Interactive Map” title_text=”Crown of Thorns Interactive Map” url=”https:\/\/theseapeople.org\/cots-outbreaks-interactive-map\/” _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-15px||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”-15px||||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”-15px||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|desktop” border_radii=”on|5px|5px|5px|5px” border_width_all=”1px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.25.1″ text_font=”Lora||||||||” text_font_size=”12px” text_line_height=”2em” link_font=”||||||||” ul_font=”||||||||” ol_font=”||||||||” quote_font=”||||||||” header_font=”||||||||” header_2_font=”||||||||” header_3_font=”Oswald|||on|||||” header_3_font_size=”20px” header_3_letter_spacing=”3px” header_3_line_height=”1.5em” header_4_font=”||||||||” custom_margin=”-30px||||false|false” text_line_height_last_edited=”off|desktop” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Click Here to access the COTS Interactive Map<\/a><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/theseapeople.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/COTS-Crown-of-Thorns-Removal-Raja-Ampat.png” title_text=”COTS Crown of Thorns Removal Raja Ampat” _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”default” border_radii=”on|5px|5px|5px|5px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.25.1″ text_font=”Lora||||||||” text_font_size=”18px” text_line_height=”2em” link_font=”||||||||” ul_font=”||||||||” ol_font=”||||||||” quote_font=”||||||||” header_font=”||||||||” header_2_font=”||||||||” header_3_font=”Oswald|||on|||||” header_3_font_size=”20px” header_3_letter_spacing=”3px” header_3_line_height=”1.5em” header_4_font=”||||||||” text_line_height_last_edited=”off|desktop” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The success of COTS management efforts in Raja Ampat relies on the active involvement of the broader community. Individuals can contribute by participating in COTS monitoring and removal events, reporting sightings, and supporting conservation efforts through donations. By engaging in these activities, community members and visitors play a crucial role in protecting the coral reefs that are vital to the region’s biodiversity and local livelihoods.<\/p>\n Supporting The SEA People’s initiatives not only helps control COTS outbreaks but also contributes to broader conservation goals. Donations and volunteer efforts enable ongoing training, data collection, and the implementation of effective management strategies.<\/p>\n By working together, we can ensure that Raja Ampat’s coral reefs remain vibrant and resilient, supporting the diverse marine life and communities that depend on them.<\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row module_id=”cotsinteractivemap” _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.25.1″ text_font=”||||||||” header_font=”||||||||” header_2_font=”Lora|700|||||||” header_2_font_size=”50px” header_2_line_height=”1.2em” header_4_font=”Lora||||||||” header_5_font=”Oswald|||on|||||” header_5_text_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.4)” header_5_font_size=”20px” header_5_letter_spacing=”3px” header_5_line_height=”1.7em” text_orientation=”center” module_alignment=”center” text_line_height_last_edited=”off|desktop” header_2_font_size_tablet=”50px” header_2_font_size_phone=”40px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text disabled_on=”off|off|on” _builder_version=”4.25.1″ text_font=”Lora||||||||” text_font_size=”18px” text_line_height=”2em” link_font=”||||||||” ul_font=”||||||||” ol_font=”||||||||” quote_font=”||||||||” header_font=”||||||||” header_2_font=”||||||||” header_3_font=”Oswald|||on|||||” header_3_font_size=”20px” header_3_letter_spacing=”3px” header_3_line_height=”1.5em” header_4_font=”||||||||” text_line_height_last_edited=”off|desktop” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_code disabled_on=”on|on|off” _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nfield based, data driven\u00a0<\/h5>\n
Monitoring & Reporting<\/strong><\/h2>\n
COTS Outbreaks in Raja Ampat:
An Interactive Map<\/h2>\nClick HERE<\/a><\/span> to access the interactive map on your mobile device. <\/span><\/h2>\n