This video shows the manual collection of adult Crown-of-Thorns Starfish (COTS) in an affected reef area. In a short period of time, a large number of adult COTS were removed, clearly showing signs of an outbreak. These starfish feed on live corals and, when left unchecked, can cause severe and rapid reef destruction. Manual removal is one of the most effective and environmentally responsible ways to control COTS populations in sensitive reef ecosystems. Early intervention helps protect healthy

The crown-of-thorns sea star is a multi-armed, venomous starfish that feeds on live coral by spreading its stomach over the surface. A single one can eat 65–110 sq ft of coral a year. Because females can release up to 60 million eggs per season, their populations can boom, causing serious damage to reefs. | Cendrawasih Sea Productions