Over 600 Crown-of-Thorns Starfish Removed from Oriental Mindoro Reef

CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro — A coordinated reef conservation initiative in Bulalacao has successfully removed 609 crown-of-thorns starfish from the waters surrounding Buyayao Island, environmental officials reported Monday. The operation unfolded over two days during the weekend, bringing together volunteers and environmental groups committed to protecting the region's marine ecosystems.

Crown-of-thorns starfish are naturally present in coral reef environments and play a role in maintaining ecological balance. However, the species poses significant threats to reef health when population numbers surge unchecked, as they feed voraciously on coral polyps and can degrade large sections of reef structure within relatively short timeframes.

The removal effort represents part of broader reef management initiatives taking place across Oriental Mindoro's coastal areas. Environmental groups have increasingly focused on population control measures for the starfish species as coral degradation continues to concern marine conservationists throughout the Philippines.

Local authorities did not immediately provide details on the disposal methods employed for the collected specimens or planned follow-up monitoring activities at the Buyayao Island site.