The Marine National Park Headquarters (MNPH), together with the Penghu Marine Biology Research Center of the Fisheries Research Institute, the Penghu County Government Agriculture and Fisheries Bureau, and the Penghu National Scenic Area Administration, conducted a comprehensive coral reef survey and crown-of-thorns starfish removal operation on June 23–24, 2014, in the Yuping and Xiji waters of South Penghu Marine National Park. Survey results from eight transect lines showed an average coral cover of 62%, with coral coverage in the waters of Dongyuping reaching as high as 75%. A rare large triton shell was also discovered. Coral cover in the southeastern waters of Xiji Islet increased from 46% last year to 65% this year, indicating that the coral reef ecosystem in this area is undergoing recovery.
　　MNPH stated that in 2013 (Year 102), a total of 181 mature crown-of-thorns starfish (averaging over 35 cm in size) were removed from the southeastern coral reef waters of Xiji Islet. This year, no crown-of-thorns starfish were found in the same area, nor were there signs of coral predation. At the same time, many newly settled coral colonies were recorded. Coral cover increased from 46% last year to 65% this year, further demonstrating ecological recovery in the southeastern waters of Xiji Islet.
　　Crown-of-thorns removal efforts in the waters of Xiji have now continued for four consecutive years. The number removed annually increased from 100 individuals in 2011 to 181 individuals in 2013. Last year’s removal was conducted just before the species’ breeding season. Dissection revealed that each removed individual had well-developed gonads, and their population exhibited aggregated reproductive behavior with signs of pairing. However, in 2014, no crown-of-thorns starfish were found in the same area. The reasons for this absence require further monitoring. Nevertheless, the clear recovery of the coral reef ecosystem and the improving ecological balance in the area represent encouraging conservation achievements.

2014 Coral Reef Survey and Crown-of-Thorns Starfish Removal in South Penghu Marine National Park

Only one crown-of-thorns starfish was recorded at the Xiyuping survey station.	A blacktail snapper swimming among coral reefs.
Newly settled corals recorded at the Xiji survey station indicate gradual ecological recovery in Xiji waters.	A large triton shell discovered at Dongyuping, a natural predator of crown-of-thorns starfish.