Scientists have discovered 18 healthy Sunflower sea stars living in the ocean off the coast of California. The exciting discovery was announced in June 2026 and gives researchers hope that this rare species may be making a comeback after almost disappearing XXX years earlier.

Sunflower sea stars are one of the largest sea stars in the world. They are important because they eat sea urchins, which can damage underwater kelp forests when left unchecked. Kelp forests are home to more than 800 kinds of marine animals, including fish, sea otters, and sharks. They also help absorb carbon dioxide, which helps fight climate change and makes them an essential part of our oceans’ ecosystem.

Between 2013 and 2017, billions of Sunflower sea stars died from a disease caused by bacteria. Without enough sea stars to keep sea urchins under control, the sea urchin population grew quickly. As a result, many kelp forests were damaged by urchins eating too much of the kelp.

Scientists were excited to find the 18 healthy Sunflower sea stars because they had believed the species had almost disappeared. Although 18 sea stars may not seem like many, scientists say it is an important discovery, as researchers hope these sea stars can help restore the population in the future.

This discovery reminds us that nature can recover when it is given a chance. With careful research and conservation, these amazing sea stars could help rebuild kelp forests and keep the ocean ecosystem healthy for many years to come.