(BV / 11-06-10)  A shocking video by Mr Layang has been uploaded on youtube. It was shot some weeks ago in reefs in Malay Layang Layang Island, one of the diving “havens” in the South China Sea.

The images, along with the text we attach below, show how a species of sea star (Acanthaster planci), which feeds on corals, leaves behind a trail of death. The problem is that this species is demographically uncontrolled due to the fact that its main predator, the giant triton shell (Charonia tritonis) has disappeared.

The most worrying thing is that we find silent about this serious imbalance of nature. Commercial interests are more important than any negative information about the island. Tourism is the only means of livelihood there and everyone involved in it: authorities, hoteliers, resort and many others do not want to listen to divers and do nothing to try to alleviate the problem.

This week, divers who collaborate with this magazine are going to dive in the waters of Layang Layang and in a few days we will have information and images in “Buceo Virtual”, with a long article of what is happening there.

Clic here to watch the video.

Text of the video:

<<Until 2008 the island was one of the best dive sites in the world.

Then… the barrier coral was still alive.

With the arrival and subsequent invasion of sea star Acanthaster planci, ecosystem balance has been broken.

It keeps attacking, leaving behind its white trail of death, sweeping all coral life and stopping reef formation definitely.

The disappearance of the giant triton shell, its main predator and tourist exploitation causes of its proliferation.

Nowadays corals continue suffering attacks and destruction.

Nobody does anything to avoid it. 

Layang Layang is no longer one of the Malay paradises to practice diving. >>