Crown-of-thorns starfish (Acanthaster planci) have reduced Green Island Bay’s coral cover by as much as 60% since 2007. The bay harbours one of the Philippines’ few remaining populations of dugong.

Crown-of-thorns populations swell each summer, when the ocean is at its warmest. Outbreaks can reach plague proportions, with adults capable of laying up to 60 million eggs at one time.  

To save the remaining coral cover, a series of cleanup operations are being implemented by WWF-Philippines, the Local Government of Roxas and the Bantay Dagat, with help from the Western Philippines University, Community Environment & Natural Resources Office of DENR and a growing army of local volunteers and fishermen.