Protecting Reef biodiversity and resilience
Blue Planet Marine plays a central role in managing and executing the Crown-of-Thorns Starfish (COTS) Control Program on the Great Barrier Reef.
Reef Protection
Crown-of-Thorns Starfish (COTS) Control Program Summary
The Crown-of-Thorns Starfish (COTS) Control Program is a major environmental initiative led by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (the Reef Authority) to manage outbreaks of Acanthaster cf. solaris—a coral-eating starfish that poses a significant threat to coral reef health. COTS outbreaks are one of the primary causes of coral loss on the Great Barrier Reef, and timely, targeted control efforts are vital to protect biodiversity, enhance reef resilience, and support the broader Reef 2050 Long-Term Sustainability Plan.
The program combines science-driven operational control, data collection, innovation, and community engagement to reduce COTS populations in high-value reef areas. This is achieved through targeted removals, ecological monitoring, and adaptive management strategies.
BPM's Role Overview
Delivering quality, reliable, and actionable data to The Reef Authority
Blue Planet Marine (BPM) plays a central role in managing and executing the Crown-of-Thorns Starfish (COTS) Control Program on the Great Barrier Reef. This initiative is crucial to protecting the Reef’s biodiversity and resilience by reducing the impacts of starfish outbreaks. BPM prides itself on delivering high-quality, reliable, and actionable data to The Reef Authority, facilitating informed decision-making and effective management.
BPM leads one of the primary field delivery teams, operating under a multi-year work order (2024–2027) as part of the broader COTS Control Program.
Culling Operations
Culling is the core operational activity BPM delivers as part of the COTS Control Program. Our teams use efficient and humane methods to remove Crown-of-Thorns Starfish from targeted reef areas, helping to protect coral cover and promote reef resilience.
Culling data – including the number of starfish removed, reef site characteristics, and operator effort – is logged and reported as part of the program’s performance and ecological monitoring framework.
Key components of BPM’s culling operations include:
Culling: Trained SCUBA divers search for and remove COTS across various reef zones. This technique allows for precision in high-risk reef areas and minimizes disturbance to non-target species.
Strategic Targeting of Priority Sites: Culling efforts are focused on priority reef sites identified through program data, Traditional Owner input, and real-time ecological assessments. This ensures that efforts are directed where they will have the greatest impact on coral protection.
In-Field Decision-Making: BPM field teams are empowered to make operational decisions based on live observations of COTS density and reef conditions. This adaptive approach allows for responsive, site-specific culling strategies.
Safety and Ethical Compliance: All culling operations are performed under strict safety protocols, including pre-start briefings, buddy systems, surface supervision, and vessel safety procedures. BPM adheres to approved COTS euthanasia methods and environmental protection principles at all times.
Surveillance & Monitoring
BPM delivers structured, science-informed surveillance operations to support the early detection of Crown-of-Thorns Starfish (COTS) outbreaks and to contribute to the broader ecological understanding of reef condition. These monitoring activities guide targeted control efforts and form a vital part of adaptive reef management.
Manta Tow Surveys
Manta tow involves a snorkeller being towed slowly behind a vessel to visually survey large areas of reef in a short period of time. This method enables rapid assessment of broad spatial patterns in COTS distribution and coral condition, especially on mid and outer-shelf reefs.
Reef Health Impact Surveys (RHIS)
BPM operators conduct RHIS assessments as part of their ecological data collection. This standardised method, developed by the Reef Authority, allows for consistent reporting on indicators such as coral cover, recent coral bleaching, disease, and damage—providing an ecological snapshot that complements COTS-specific data.
Eye on the Reef Integration
Data from RHIS and field observations are fed into the Eye on the Reef program—an integrated monitoring platform managed by the Reef Authority. BPM’s contributions help build a real-time picture of reef condition across the Great Barrier Reef, supporting reef managers, researchers, and the broader community.
Site Monitoring and Re-Inspections
Targeted reef sites are revisited as needed to evaluate the effectiveness of control actions and to detect re-infestation. These inspections allow for timely follow-up and reduce the likelihood of re-outbreaks.
All surveillance findings are documented and submitted as part of BPM’s performance reporting. This data supports reef-scale planning, informs future operational priorities, and contributes to the cumulative knowledge base guiding reef protection efforts.
Indigenous Participation
Engagement Initiatives: BPM implements an Indigenous Participation Plan (IPP) which involves direct collaboration with Traditional Owners in reef management activities.
Employment and Capacity Building: The program includes training and employment opportunities for Indigenous communities, integrating Traditional Ecological Knowledge into the management framework
Safety and Compliance
Work Health and Safety (WHS): BPM strictly adheres to Queensland’s Work Health and Safety regulations, particularly those governing occupational snorkelling.
Risk Management: Comprehensive procedures to manage risks associated with snorkelling activities, including fitness assessments, emergency response preparedness, and mandatory surface supervision.
Community and Stakeholder Engagement
Awareness and Stewardship: BPM actively promotes awareness about the ecological significance of COTS management and encourages community stewardship of the Reef.
Partnerships and Collaboration: Close collaboration with the Reef Authority, Indigenous groups, research institutions, local communities, and stakeholders is central to the program’s success.
Innovations and Adaptive Techniques
Research Integration: BPM adopts innovative techniques and tools emerging from scientific research and applies adaptive strategies to enhance control efficiency.
Continuous Improvement: Regular reviews and integration of technological advancements, ensuring BPM remains at the forefront of effective COTS management practices.
Our Proud Achievements
At BPM we have demonstrated success in improving coral cover and ecosystem health on managed reefs.
We are recognised for excellence in resilience-based management, making significant contributions to the broader objectives outlined in the Reef 2050 Plan and the Blueprint 2030 strategy.
BPM's Commitment
Blue Planet Marine is dedicated to the long-term health and resilience of the Great Barrier Reef, continually working towards enhancing ecological outcomes, community involvement, Indigenous participation, and safety standards within the COTS Control Program.
Resources
Reef Authority
GBRMPA has significant resources such as Zoning Maps, Reef Snapshot, Reef Health Updates, Traditional Owners plus many publications.
AIMS
The Australian Institute of Marine Science’s research supports the sustainable use and protection of our oceans.
GBR Foundation
Formed in response to the first mass coral bleaching of the reef, the Great Barrier Reef Foundation helps protect and preserve the Great Barrier Reef.
Queensland Government
The Reef Authority’s Crown-of-thorns Starfish (COTS) Control Program is a proven, effective and scalable management action that protects coral and supports the Great Barrier Reef’s health and resilience.
CSIRO
Their experience in understanding ecosystem dynamics and managing threats is being applied to help reduce the threat to the Great Barrier Reef from predation by Crown-of-thorns starfish.
Join Us
We are always on the lookout for experienced divers and crew to join our team.