Interior Minister Liu Shyh-Fang announced a plan to send 141 volunteers to the Dongsha Atoll National Park to protect the coral reef ecosystem from the overpopulated crown-of-thorns starfish (Acanthaster planci). The announcement was made at a pep rally to mark the establishment of a special task force to tackle the issue. The plan is part of a cross-agency effort that combines the support of the Ministry of National Defense, the Ocean Affairs Council, and the Ministry of Agriculture with the expertise of academic institutions and professional divers.

The coral reef ecosystem, which is endangered by the rapid increase in the population of the crown-of-thorns starfish, requires human intervention. This holds especially true as the population of the crown-of-thorns starfish has reached an alert level of 20 to 30 starfish per 100 square meters. Although the intensive removal of the starfish is only a stopgap that does not get to the root of the problem, it is currently the most effective method of control.

The task force adopted Charonia tritonis, a species of large sea snail commonly known as Triton’s trumpet and the natural enemy of the crown-of-thorns starfish, as its mascot. Minister Liu emphasized that the plan showcases the determination of Taiwan’s marine experts and citizens to protect the coral reef ecosystem. Liu hopes that the population of the crown-of-thorns starfish can be reduced to preserve the precious marine habitats.