Researchers identify cause of devastating sea star die-off

Researchers identify Vibrio pectenicida as the cause of sea star wasting disease, threatening marine ecosystems along the West Coast.

Massive sea star die-off linked to Vibrio pectenicida

Scientists have identified the bacterium Vibrio pectenicida, known as "V-peck," as the cause of sea star wasting disease. This discovery comes after more than ten years of research, during which over 5 billion sea stars have died along the West Coast. The disease, which causes sea stars to twist and lose limbs, appears to spread through direct contact or contaminated water. Once infected, sea stars almost always succumb to the illness. Alyssa Gehman from the Hakai Institute emphasizes the importance of this finding, stating it enables researchers to explore treatment options and containment strategies.

The identification of Vibrio pectenicida represents a significant turning point in marine conservation efforts. With the scope of the sea star die-off and its impact on marine ecosystems, understanding the pathogen shifts the focus towards recovery. As sunflower sea stars are vital predators, their decline has led to an explosion in sea urchin populations, harming kelp forests that support diverse marine life. The urgency now lies in developing methods for raising resistant sea stars, which scientists believe could help restore ecosystem balance.

Highlights

The next steps in sea star recovery will be crucial for marine biodiversity.