Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION. An Extraordinary Species. Acanthaster planci in the Culture of Pacific Islanders. A Brief History of Public Awareness of Acanthaster. ACANTHASTER IN TIME AND SPACE. Taxonomy. Morphology. Geologic Record. Geographic Distribution of Acanthaster. Origin and Age of the Species. Population Densities of Acanthaster planci. LIFE HISTORY. General. Reproductive Biology of Acanthaster planci. Larval Biology. Juvenile Biology. Adult Biology. Physiology and Life History. ECOLOGICAL INTERACTIONS. Predation on Acanthaster. Pathogens and Symbionts of Acanthaster. Protective Associates of Corals. Protective Effects of Acanthaster planci on Coral-Reef Communities. Recovery of Coral Communities. Facilitating the Recovery Process. CONTROL PROGRAMS AND METHODS. Objectives. Previous Control Programs. Requirements for a Successful Control Program, Large or Small. Bounty, Volunteer, and Employed Control Teams. Methods for Small-Scale Control Efforts. Methods for Large-Scale Control Efforts. Should Acanthaster planci Be Controlled? POSSIBLE CAUSAL FACTORS for OUTBREAKS. REFERENCES. Apppendix I: BASIC Program for Coral Population Recovery. Appendix II: Subject Index

About the Author

Birkeland, Charles; Lucas, John