An organization of divers in this island resort is vigilant on the possible proliferation of crown of thorns, a starfish species known to cause coral reef destruction, in the sea here. Crowns of thorns (Acanthaster planci) have been found in several diving areas in the island, Mike Labatio of the Boracay Association of Scuba Schools said yesterday. Crown of thorns is a large, multiple-armed starfish that usually preys on hard or stony coral polyps (Scleractnia).

Boracay divers wary of 'crown of thorns'. (2014, January 29). Panay News, p. 6.