Crown of Thorns
(Sea Songs Pt.2)*
In normal numbers on healthy coral reefs, COTs are an important part of the ecosystem.
They tend to eat the faster growing corals which gives the slower growing species a chance to catch up, enhancing the coral diversity of our reefs.

However, when the coral-eating starfish appear in outbreak proportions, the impact on coral
reefs can be disastrous.

A 2012 study by the Australian Institute of Marine Science revealed that crown-of-thorns starfish and tropical cyclones were the two leading causes of coral cover loss on the Great Barrier Reef over the previous 27 years.

Crown of Thorns

COT Issue

* Number 2 in a potential canon of songs about the Sea (just like we did previously with Heaven Songs!)

Lyrics

The heat is rising, an aftermath of acid rain
Along the barrier it's a fight for life again

UNESCO stands and waits as the coral icon fades
From tropical cyclone and coral bleaching waves
The Starfish are feeding with a Crown-of-thorns
Not heeding the danger as a change of climate warns

Down here in the blue of blues
Clinging to the shorelines
Queensland above is quietly asleep

In currents of salt
There is nowhere to hide
But we are alive, and we are certainly old
Inner Space is so cold

The dolphins and whales
Play their turtle chase games
Spiralling through the warm waters and turning with ease

In currents of salt
There is no where to hide
But we may survive, and we are certainly old
A glorious thing to be left uncontrolled on the carousel of Man

The future of this wonderland now lies in human hands
So, make up your minds now, it's time to take some stand
Look around you, look around you, look around you!
Let's start making plans