Crown of Thorns

Crown of Thorns Starfish have been a source of almost continual controversy on the Great Barrier Reef for the last 15 years. Major peril or cyclical phenomena? That's what scientists have been discussing, arguing and indeed procrastinating about in laboratories and at conferences all over the world. Meanwhile, the Australian Government has stepped back, hoping and wanting to believe that the cheapest option (ie. to let nature run its course) is the correct one. But as one scientist puts it, 'if you put two scientists in one room you'll end up with three questions!'