Conservation efforts have reduced crown-of-thorns starfish outbreaks on the Great Barrier Reef by protecting natural predators.

Conservation efforts since 2004, including expanded no-take zones and stricter fishing rules, have helped reduce crown-of-thorns starfish outbreaks on the Great Barrier Reef by boosting populations of natural predators like emperors and groupers. Research by CSIRO and AIMS shows fewer outbreaks in protected areas, with modeling indicating a fourfold increase in outbreaks by 2050 without ongoing efforts. The findings highlight the effectiveness of marine protection and targeted culling programs in supporting reef resilience amid climate threats.