Scientists discover that cooler waters shield sea stars from deadly wasting disease

Scientists race to save rare creature after mysterious disease killed 94% of them: 'We can hit the ground running'

A quiet yet powerful rescue mission is underway in the cold waters off the Pacific coast.  The nonprofit Sunflower Star Laboratory is leading the charge to revive the critically endangered sunflower sea star — a predator essential to the survival of underwater kelp forests. The mission? To travel to an aquarium in Alaska and inject the facility's sunflower sea stars with a hormone to induce spawning. The team of researchers planned to return to …

Scientists discover that cooler waters shield sea stars from deadly wasting disease

A mysterious disease that has plagued sea stars for more than a decade may have met its match in the frigid waters of British Columbia's fjords. Researchers have discovered that sunflower sea stars, which are critically endangered due to sea star wasting disease (SSWD), are thriving in these cooler waters, providing valuable insight into how temperature may offer protection from the disease. The study, published in April in the Proceedings of th…

Cool water could protect sea stars from a mysterious disease

Sunflower sea stars discovered taking refuge in fjords may offer clues to saving the critically endangered species from sea star wasting disease.

PHOTO FRIDAY: Sea stars seen at low tide at Three Tree Point - The B-Town (Burien) Blog

Courtesy Gregory Rehmke comes this photo montage of colorful sea stars (aka “starfish”) taken during a low tide this week at Three Tree Point: EDITOR’S NOTE: “Photo Friday” is an occasional post we publish that showcases photos from readers, and we’re always looking for more great local pics to feature! If you have a great photo (or more) you’d like us to share, please email a medium/high-res image to scott@southkingmedia.com and try to include…