24/05/2025
Crown-of-Thorns Response Update – San Antonio & Abgao, Malitbog Led by GREEN, Inc.
Today’s Crown-of-Thorns starfish (COTs) response dive was successfully conducted, thanks to the combined efforts of passionate divers, local institutions, and community supporters dedicated to protecting Malitbog’s coral reefs.
In addition to the previously identified outbreak in San Antonio, we have now confirmed an active COTs outbreak in Abgao. Our team was able to inject and neutralize the majority of the COTs encountered at both sites.
While time constraints prevented us from visiting a few other sites with past outbreak histories, GREEN, Inc. is committed to continuing the monitoring and culling operations in the days ahead.
We extend our sincere appreciation to:
• Malitbog MENRO Office for their support
• Incoming Mayor Kenneth Blair Oben, who, although not on-site, offered key assistance and expressed his full commitment to supporting future marine conservation initiatives in the municipality
• The Marine Biology Department of SLSU Bontoc, whose team provided technical support and valuable fieldwork contributions during the dive
This activity reflects how strong collaboration among local leaders, academic institutions, and civil society groups can make a real impact in preserving our marine ecosystems. The work continues—and today’s efforts are a reminder that Malitbog’s reefs are worth protecting.
Thank you to all the volunteers, partners, and allies who helped make this possible.