Scientists along the West Coast are seeking action to help sunflower sea stars recover from catastrophic population declinesASTORIA, Ore. -- Scientists along the West Coast are calling for action to help sunflower sea stars, among the largest sea stars in the world, recover from catastrophic population declines. The sea stars, which are among the largest in the world and can span more than 3 feet (91 centimeters), are predators to the kelp-eating sea urchin. Rumrill contributed to a recently published roadmap to recovery for the sea star as a guide for scientists and conservationists. The sea star wasting disease is estimated to have killed over 5.75 billion sunflower sea stars, according to the document. While sunflower sea stars appear to be the most affected by the sea star wasting disease, they are among about 20 documented species of sea stars at risk along the West Coast.

Source: ABC News December 04, 2022 01:35 UTC