More or less 400 coral-destructive crown-of-thorns (COTs) were removed from the Malabagon Reef in Escalante City, Negros Occidental. COTS is a large starfish with spines that cover its body and arms. It could permanently damage coral reefs, and scientists consider it a species of concern because locally high numbers can threaten other species.

400 ‘crown-of-thorns’ removed from Escalante coasts. (2023, April 14). Panay News, p. 4.