609 crown-of-thorns starfish removed from Buyayao Island reef

CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro — Volunteers and environmental groups removed 609 crown-of-thorns starfish (COTS) from the waters off Buyayao Island in the southernmost town of Bulalacao, Oriental Mindoro, during a two-day reef conservation activity over the weekend.

This starfish species is a natural component of coral reef ecosystems but can threaten reefs when its populations reach outbreak levels. 

The starfish feed on living coral tissue, and large concentrations can consume coral faster than reefs can naturally recover.

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READ: Crown-of-thorns starfish cleared from Leyte reefs

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The loss of live coral can affect marine biodiversity and coastal communities because reefs provide habitat and food for marine species and support activities such as fishing and tourism.

Healthy coral reefs also help sustain marine tourism, including diving, freediving and snorkeling, while reef degradation can diminish the appeal and ecological value of coastal destinations.

The COTS removal activity on Oct. 3 and 4 brought together Mindoro AdvenTours, the Center for Environmental Studies of the Mindoro State University, Freediving Coaches of Asia in Calapan, Mindoro Freediving Buddies, and the Bulalacao local government, including its tourism, municipal environment and natural resources, agriculture, disaster risk reduction and management, and Bantay Dagat offices.

Individual volunteers also joined the activity, combining their time, diving skills, and resources to help protect the island’s coral reefs.

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“For us, conservation is not just about removing COTS. It is about building awareness, inspiring people to care, and creating a community that takes responsibility for the ocean we all depend on,” said Tina Jarabe of Mindoro AdvenTours.

“Every volunteer who joined this activity became part of that mission,” she added.

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Organizers said removing 609 COTS demonstrated the value of cooperation among local governments, coastal communities, environmental organizations, tourism stakeholders, and diving and freediving groups.

The activity also highlighted how recreational diving and freediving communities can contribute to marine conservation by using their skills to support reef protection initiatives.

READ: Batangas waters cleared of harmful starfish species

The organizers stressed that reef conservation should not be left to a single organization or sector, saying sustained protection requires continuing collaboration and community participation.

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They expressed hope that the initiative would encourage more people to help protect Mindoro’s marine ecosystems and lead to further reef conservation activities in Buyayao Island and other coastal areas./coa