A $5 million investment in controlling crown-of-thorns (CoTS) starfish populations in the Cairns region of Far North Queensland has been shown to create 61 new jobs and generate $20 million in economic activity, according to a new study by researchers at James Cook University. The study, published in the journal Marine Policy, highlights the broader economic impact of the CoTS program, which uses lethal injection to manage starfish numbers that can devastate coral reefs. The program, which ran from 2024 to 2025, generated a total economic output of about $20 million, including $10.5 million from direct activities, $4.9 million from related supply chains, and $4.8 million from consumer spending. It also supported 61 full-time-equivalent jobs, with the majority being direct jobs in the field, followed by jobs in local supply chains and consumer-related sectors. Dr. Rickard Abom, a co-author of the study and program manager for the CoTS initiative at the Reef and Rainforest Research Centre, explained that the program not only helps protect the Great Barrier Reef by reducing damage from invasive starfish but also supports local employment and contributes to the regional economy. Young workers have been particularly impacted, gaining experience and contributing to the community through these roles. The research underscores the value of such environmental programs in delivering both ecological and economic benefits. Dr. Henry Bartelet, who led the research while working at James Cook University’s Cairns Institute, emphasized the importance of analyzing the socioeconomic effects of marine conservation efforts. He noted that while economic analyses are routine for large-scale projects like coal mines, they are less common for reef-related initiatives in Australia. The study revealed that the CoTS program's economic benefits were distributed across the Cairns region, with a significant portion of the funds directly supporting workers in the field. Additional economic activity came from local suppliers providing fuel, food, and beverages, as well as administrative support and boat maintenance. Professor Stewart Lockie, another co-author of the research, pointed out that the funding for the CoTS program was spent locally, creating a multiplier effect that helped sustain the regional economy. He highlighted the need for professional jobs that offer long-term career opportunities for people in regional areas. The study provides valuable insights into how environmental conservation efforts can be both ecologically effective and economically beneficial, offering a model for future marine protection initiatives.