The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in the region called on professional scuba divers to respond to the outbreak of coral-eating seastars in Culasi, Antique. BFAR Regional Director Remia Aparri sought the help of professional divers following the outbreak of the sea pest, crown-on-thorns (COTs) in Culasi, Antique. According to Aparri, the local government already placed the town under a state of calamity on June 11, 2019. Dr. Jon Altamirano of the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center/Aquaculture Department (SEAFDEC/AQD), explained that the presence of COT actually indicates a healthy reef however an outbreak can cause a massive impact to the coral reefs.

Santiagudo, E. R. (2019, July 22). BFAR calls for help in seastar outbreak. Daily Guardian, pp. 1, 14.