Concern is growing in Aitutaki over the increasing spread of taramea (crown-of-thorns starfish) in the island’s lagoon, with community leaders calling for an urgent, coordinated response.

Amuri/Ureia MP Toa Isamaela raised the alarm after a recent visit by a film crew from Rarotonga and New Zealand brought attention to the severity of the issue.

Isamaela said that meeting the visiting film crew from Rarotonga and New Zealand several weeks ago, they now realize the considerable threat taramea has on the fragile coral system.

In response, the Amuri Konitara held an urgent meeting last week, leading to a community-led effort to remove the invasive species from the lagoon.

 Volunteers, including community leaders, an Orometua, retired elderly, private sector workers, mamas, and youth, answered the call to action despite a lack of manpower support from the Island Council due to other commitments.

Co-ordinator Mata Isamaela said their spirits were not dampened, and the group was determined to make a difference.

After a safety briefing, the volunteers targeted the stretch from Amuri passage towards Pacific Resort and back to the causeway, removing as many taramea as possible.

The threat is already inside the reef, and areas from Nikaupara to O’otu are reaching critical levels, Toa Isamaela warned.

He stressed the need for a comprehensive plan to tackle the issue before it worsens.

He urged an island-wide approach to combat the problem, calling on the Island Council to take decisive action.

“We must act upon this now as it affects everyone so I urge Council to be proactive and mobilise an island response to this potentially devastating threat,” he said.

The Ministry of Marine Resources (MMR) has provided both administrative and financial support for the initiative and has pledged continued assistance to help the community protect its lagoon and coral ecosystems.

Kōrero O Te ‘Ōrau chairman and marine biologist Doctor Teina Rongo was contacted for a comment on the growing impact and their project on taramea.

Meanwhile, earlier this year, Te Kōrero O Te ‘Ōrau had surged past its target of removing 10,000 taramea (crown-of-thorns starfish), a notorious coral predator, from the deep blue of Rarotonga.

The environmental non-governmental organisation consisting of Cook Islanders who are passionate about protecting our culture, environment, wellbeing and indigenous peoples, initiated Operation Taramea in 2020.

Close to 15,000 taramea have been collected, surpassing the initial target of 10,000.

Last year alone, over 6000 taramea were pulled from the sea – the highest number removed in a year.

Rongo at the time said last year’s effort was concentrated on the western side of the island between The Edgewater Resort to The Rarotongan Beach Resort and Lagoonarium.

Release/ Talaia Mika.