Abstract
We describe a simple cellular automata model of many individual reefs within the “Great Barrier Reef” (GBR). Each reef contains coral and its predator, the crown-of-thorns starfish, and may contain a fish predator of the starfish. The reefs communicate through the dispersal of starfish larvae. Waves of starfish outbreaks travelling down the length of the system, similar to those observed on the GBR, are generated by a combination of communication and predation regimes: neither regime is sufficient by itself. This suggests that hypotheses which rely on oceanographic dispersal or recruitment predation processes alone will be inadequate in explaining the observed dynamics of the phenomenon.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
