Boracay divers vigilant against 'crown of thorns'

The Boracay Association of Scuba Schools (BASS) is currently vigilant against the possible proliferation of "crown of thorns" starfish in this resort island.

Mike Labatio, former president of the BASS, said that they have first uncovered presence of "crown of thorns" (Acanthaster planci) in several diving areas here.

The "crown of thorns" not only is considered harmful for humans who are either into swimming or diving. It is also considered a threat to the corals here.

The "crown of thorns" is a large, multiple-armed starfish (or seastar) that usually preys upon hard, or stony, coral polyps (Scleractinia). The crown-of-thorns receives its name from venomous thorn-like spines that cover its upper surface or the crown of thorns.

"There is no outbreak of 'crown of thorns' in Boracay. The BASS however continues to monitor presence of the said specie of starfish in Boracay," said Labatiao in an interview Tuesday.

The "collecting" of said starfish is now included in the priority during the regular under the sea clean up being undertaken by the BASS here.

Diving experts said that the "crown of thorns" in the early 2000's causes major damage to several coral reefs in Boracay.