What Killed 5 Million Sea Stars Off the Coast of North America?

Researchers believe they have discovered what killed billions of sea stars off the Oregon and west coasts • Lincoln Chronicle

After more than 10 years of searching, researchers have identified the pathogen responsible for sea star wasting disease all along the West Coast. Killing billions of starfish, the disease has affected more than 20 species in waters from Mexico to Alaska, including the sunflower sea star found off the coast of Oregon. It’s the largest epidemic to sweep through a non-commercial marine species. The post Researchers believe they have discovered wha…

These sea stars were nearly wiped out — but B.C. researchers say fiords provided refuge

August 6, 2025  “B.C. researchers have found that the fiords of the Central Coast may be providing refuge for the critically endangered sunflower sea star, a discovery that could have implications for wider ecosystems at risk due to warming seas.” Read the full CBC story.   Initiatives: Ocean EcosystemsTitle: These sea stars were nearly wiped out — but B.C. researchers say fiords provided refugeShow Image:

What killed 5 million sea stars off the coast of North America?

Starting in 2013, sea stars along the Pacific Coast began dying by the billions. Their once full and vibrant arms shriveled, twisted, and fell off. Within a few days, what was a living, colorful creature melted into the ocean floor. This epidemic, known as sea star wasting disease, swept from Mexico to Alaska, hitting over 20 species and collapsing one of the ocean’s most important predator populations. The most devastated was the sunflower sea …