How did the Crown of Thorns Starfish get to Australia?

The Crown of Thorns Starfish (Acanthaster planci) is native to the Indo-Pacific region, and its presence in Australian waters is natural, as it has existed in the Great Barrier Reef for thousands of years. However, significant population outbreaks have been linked to factors such as nutrient run-off from coastal development and agricultural practices, which can lead to increased food availability for the starfish. These conditions have contributed to its rapid proliferation, impacting coral reefs in Australia.