Distribution of Acanthaster planci outbreaks on the Great Barrier Reef between 1966 and 1989

Abstract

Analysis of data from 1966 to 1989 indicates 2 periods of abundant starfish outbreaks on the Great Barrier Reef (GBR). While the data for the first peak of activity (1966-1975) are relatively limited, the data for the most recent peak of activity (1981-1989) support the hypothesis of southward moving waves of outbreaks. The southward drift of outbreak activity is consistent with speed and direction of average summer currents on the GBR but the concept of a discrete seed area to initiate the wave is not substantiated, nor testable, with presently available data. As the present wave of outbreaks appears to be declining in the central section of the GBR (17-19°S) small residual populations may remain. If the outbreaks are coupled to coral recovery patterns then the next period of high starfish activity in the central section would be expected in the late-1990's. Show more