Something fishy in Semporna

Crown of thorns starfish collected from a coral reef in the east coast Semporna district being dried before they are discarded. Divers feel they are fighting a losing battle in trying to contain the outbreak of the coral eating marine creatures.

KOTA KINABALU: A population surge in crown-of-thorns starfish (pic), which consume corals, is worrying the diving community in Semporna.

Divers noticed the sharp increase at some coral reefs near Semporna, the gateway to the renowned diving haven of Pulau Sipadan and the Tun Sakaran Marine Park.