In a concerted effort to protect the province’s coastal ecosystems, Mindoro State University (MinSU) joined a collaborative Crown-of-Thorns Starfish (COTS) collection activity along the coastal waters of Barangay Cabalwa, Mansalay on October 9, 2025. The initiative aims to help control the population of the coral-eating species and safeguard the health of local reef systems.
The activity was spearheaded by Dr. Katherine P. Sanchez-Escalona, biologist, University Professor, and Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at MinSU, in partnership with Ms. Tina Shella Jarabe, founder of Mindoro AdvenTours, and members of the Mindoro Mountaineers and Adventurers Club. Support was also extended by the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO), Municipal Agriculture Office, and Municipal Tourism Office of Mansalay.
Dr. Escalona explained that while the Crown-of-Thorns Starfish plays a natural role in maintaining coral balance, its overpopulation can cause extensive reef damage. “When COTS populations exceed 30 individuals per hectare, a population outbreak occurs - rapidly destroying corals and reducing fish populations, which affects both livelihoods and tourism,” she said.
Field observations confirmed COTS clusters in fishing areas of Barangay Cabalwa, with densities reaching up to 16 individuals per square meter. Dr. Escalona emphasized that each starfish can produce up to two million eggs per spawning, underscoring the need for early intervention through regular monitoring and removal.
Local officials expressed full support for continued reef protection efforts, committing to strengthen community-based monitoring through bantay-dagat initiatives and partnerships with local organizations.
“This activity is our shared mission of environmental stewardship and community engagement,” Dr. Escalona added. “Through science-based outreach, we aim to empower communities to take an active role in conserving marine resources for sustainable development.”
The COTS collection activity forms part of MinSU’s ongoing environmental outreach program, which promotes sustainable resource management and ecological awareness across Oriental Mindoro.
Photo courtesy | Tanglaw ng Mansalay
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