Beneath the azure waters of the South China Sea, a silent battle unfolds as crown-of-thorns starfish threaten vital coral ecosystems. The third episode of the Amazing Sansha series reveals how Chinese marine biologists are pioneering solutions to protect these underwater rainforests in 2026.
Corals covering over 3,500 square kilometers in the Paracel Islands now face unprecedented predation from the venomous starfish. A single adult can consume 13 square meters of coral annually, with population surges occurring every 15 years since 1990.
Chinese research teams from Hainan University recently deployed targeted intervention strategies, including:
AI-powered underwater drones for population monitoring
Environmentally-safe protein solutions to neutralize starfish larvae
Community programs training local fishers in sustainable removal techniques
This year's efforts aim to reduce starfish density by 40% while preserving other marine life. The initiatives align with China's broader marine conservation goals under its 14th Five-Year Plan for Ecological Protection.
