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Biocontrol of crown-of-thorns starfish using genomics and proteomics (2018–2022)

Abstract:
This project aims to address a major threat to coral reefs: destructive outbreaks of the crown-of-thorns starfish, a voracious predator of corals. This project builds upon our recent sequencing of COTS genome and proteomes to identify communication factors that attract COTS to each other. Based on these natural attractants, we will fabricate COTS-specific baits for future large scale deployment. Currently COTS are culled using expensive diver-based approaches. Outcomes for this project are expected to augment, if not alleviate, these inefficient biocontrol approaches and provide an environmentally-benign and scalable solution to one of the biggest threats to the health and resilience of the Great Barrier Reef and reefs worldwide.
Grant type:
ARC Linkage Projects
Researchers:

  • Professor Bernard Degnan

    Professorial Research Fellow
    School of the Environment
    Faculty of Science
    Professorial Research Fellow
    School of the Environment
    Faculty of Science

  • Professor David Craik

    UQ Laureate Fellow - GL
    Institute for Molecular Bioscience
    UQ Laureate Fellow - GL
    Institute for Molecular Bioscience
    Centre Director of ARC COE for Inno
    ARC Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science
    Institute for Molecular Bioscience
    Affiliate Professor of School of Bi
    School of Biomedical Sciences
    Faculty of Medicine

  • Professor Sandie Degnan

    Professorial Research Fellow
    School of the Environment
    Faculty of Science
    Professorial Research Fellow
    School of the Environment
    Faculty of Science

  • Dr Conan Wang

    ARC Future Fellow and Group Leader
    Institute for Molecular Bioscience
Funded by:
Australian Research Council