Settlement collectors as an early warning system for outbreaks of crown-of-thorns starfish (Old ID 22846)

Australian Museum
Role

Principal Investigator

Description

The purpose of this project is to quantify patterns of larval settlement using purpose-built settlement collectors. If effective, this will provide an early warning system to forewarn of new or continued outbreaks up to 18 months before increased densities of Acanthaser sp. Are typically detected within reef habitats. This research will not only help to target current control efforts but help to establish when and where COTS actually settle (ie preferred settlement habitats) which will facilitate improved predictions about the distribution and spread of starfish across the Great Barrier Reef.

Date

12 Jul 2016 - 30 Jun 2017

Project Type

GRANT

Keywords

Acanthaster;Crown-of-Thorns Starfish;Settlement;Disturbance;Management;Genetics

Funding Body

Australian Museum

Amount

25000

Project Team

Vanessa Messmer