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+6012 772 9880
Enquiry
+6012 772 9880
+6012 772 9880
+6012 772 9880
Protecting Tioman’s Coral Reefs – Why Crown-of-Thorns Starfish Matter
If you’ve ever snorkeled in Tioman, you already know—our reefs are magical.
Colorful corals, dancing fish, and the quiet rhythm of underwater life. But like everything precious, our reef needs protection.
One of the biggest threats to coral reefs in this region?
It’s not plastic. It’s not fishing nets.
It’s a spiny, sneaky predator called the Crown-of-Thorns starfish (COTS).
So, what is it? And why should you care?
At first glance, the Crown-of-Thorns looks like just another sea creature.
But don’t be fooled by its name. This spiky starfish isn’t royal—it’s a coral-eating machine.
Grows up to 60 cm wide
Covered in venomous spikes
Feeds by wrapping itself around live coral and digesting it
Can destroy entire coral gardens if left unchecked
And worst of all? It multiplies fast. One female can release millions of eggs in a single season. When conditions are right (like warm water and fewer natural predators), COTS populations explode.
COTS outbreaks have become more frequent around coral reefs in Southeast Asia, including Tioman Island.
Each adult starfish can consume up to 6 square meters of coral per year—and when you multiply that by hundreds or even thousands, it’s devastating.
Healthy coral = happy marine life = vibrant Tioman snorkeling and diving.
But damaged coral? It means fewer fish, less biodiversity, and a fragile ocean ecosystem.
That’s why this matters—not just to marine biologists, but to anyone who loves Tioman.
To you. To us. To future generations.
Even though this year’s COTS Removal Activity is fully booked (thank you to all our eco-volunteers! 🙌), we want to keep the conversation going.
At Aman Tioman Beach Resort, we believe that awareness is the first step toward action.
Our team continues to:
Support local marine conservation groups
Educate guests about reef safety & responsible snorkeling
Reduce single-use plastics in our resort operations
Promote eco-tourism that gives back to the island
We’ve seen firsthand how guests—yes, people like you—get inspired to protect nature simply by learning the facts. 🌿
Even if you’re not a diver or scientist, you can still help protect Tioman’s coral reefs:
✔️ Snorkel responsibly – Don’t touch coral, avoid standing on reefs
✔️ Don’t litter – Always bring back what you bring out
✔️ Say no to reef-harming sunscreens
✔️ Ask questions – The more you learn, the more you care
✔️ Support resorts and businesses (like ours) that care for the environment
So the next time you swim above a coral reef, take a moment to appreciate the world below the surface. It’s alive, delicate, and it needs us—not just once a year during a cleanup event, but always.
Even though our COTS Removal for August is full, we’re already planning future awareness events and conservation programs.
Stay tuned, stay curious, and keep loving the ocean.
Book your stay at Aman Tioman Beach Resort and experience the best island vacation ever!
Let Aman Tioman Beach Resort be your space to reconnect, recharge, and remember why you chose each other in the first place. 🌿❤️
Also read: Best Time to Visit Tioman Island in 2025
📞 Contact us now to book your perfect island vacation!
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