The Great Sea Star Comeback

Around the waters of California, a species of sea star was has been found. Originally, this special sea star was thought to have been extinct a long time ago. These sea stars are called sunflower sea stars for their unique appearance. They can grow up to a meter wide and they have as many as 24 legs (or rays).

Sadly, around 2013 and 2017, many sea stars died due to a disease. This led to an unbalanced food chain. Because the sea star mainly eats sea urchins, the lack of sea stars resulted in the overpopulation of sea urchins. These sea urchins thrive without predators and they feast on the delicate kelp forest ecosystem. Because of just one species of sea star, many types of animal lives have been changed, from fish to sea otters to sharks.

Luckily, 18 sunflower sea stars have been found off the coast of California. Scientists hope that more can be found and that the sea stars will increase in numbers. will bring balance to the marine ecosystem and stabilize the fragile kelp forest ecosystem.