THE Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) has set aside P1 million to mitigate the outbreak of crown-of-thorns seastar, a type of coral-eating starfish, in 50 marine-protected areas.

“Na-discuss sa meeting na mao ni ang unahon ug nagkailangan pud ni og divers aron nga atong ma-address ang outbreak (It was discussed in a meeting that we need to prioritize this outbreak. We will also need divers),” PDRRMO officer Rhee Telen Jr. said.

The towns of Cordova, Dalaguete and Moalboal have reported the need for a cleanup to address the crown-of-thorns outbreak.

The crown-of-thorns is a seastar named for the spines that cover its body and arms.

Mario Marababol, a marine biologist, said crown-of-thorns naturally occur on coral reefs and help regulate the growth of corals. During an outbreak, it will likely kill the corals where the fish feeds itself. (RTF)