Plenary4

Building on decades of scientific data, field intelligence and operational experience, the Crown-of-thorns starfish (COTS) Control Program has progressively developed and expanded into a core management action to protect coral and support the resilience of the Great Barrier Reef. It is the largest scale intervention program on the Reef, targeting approximately 200 reefs and protecting hundreds of hectares of reef habitat from COTS predation each year. The Program's evolution and effectiveness hinge on the strength of the research and industry partnerships that continue to drive innovation and inform strategic planning and tactical deployment of control effort. Here we provide an overview of the history, operations and outcomes of the Program, highlighting the importance of collaborative multi-disciplinary research that underpins our ability to predict, detect and respond to COTS outbreaks. Recent outputs from the COTS Control Innovation Program (CCIP) are delivering critical insights and demonstrating the value of research that is co-developed and co-delivered in partnership with management agencies. Our innovation comes not only from the scientific discoveries and capabilities developed, but also in the way that we work together to deliver research that directly informs management decisions and on-water actions. Proactive engagement and genuine collaboration can empower targeted research to deliver useful, deployable innovations that ultimately improve operational delivery and amplify conservation outcomes. We reflect on key lessons learned and emerging opportunities for the future.