# Exploring the Mysterious Sea Star Wasting Disease in Oregon

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2014/06/exploring-the-mysterious-sea-star-wasting-disease-in-oregon/
- Published: 2014-06-13T00:29:51-04:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

## Sea Star Wasting Disease in Oregon: A Decade-Long Battle

### The Epidemic Continues to Surge

Sea star wasting disease (SSWD) has been ravaging Oregon’s coastal [ecosystems](https://greenlivingguy.com/2012/07/wwf-unveils-new-investment-model-to-recover-marine-ecosystems/)
for over a decade now. The epidemic, which first struck in 2013, continues to pose
a significant threat to sea star populations along the Pacific Northwest coast[1](https://marine.ucsc.edu/data-products/sea-star-wasting/updates.html).

## A Mysterious Killer

Scientists are still grappling with the exact cause of SSWD. While initially linked
to a densovirus, recent studies suggest the story is more complex. Environmental
factors may play a crucial role, with regional variations adding to the mystery[2](https://marine.ucsc.edu/data-products/sea-star-wasting/).

## Sunflower Stars: On the Brink of Extinction

The sunflower sea star, once a common sight in Oregon’s [waters](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/12/new-oregon-streamflow-assessment-tool-aids-clean-water-act-compliance/),
now faces a grim future. These magnificent creatures have been hit particularly 
hard by SSWD. Consequently, they’re now listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN
and are being considered for a Threatened listing under the US Endangered Species
Act[3](https://www.oregonkelp.com/projects/sunflower-sea-star-recovery/).

## Hope on the Horizon?

Despite the bleak outlook, researchers aren’t giving up. The Oregon Coast Aquarium
has developed a promising treatment plan for affected sea stars. This breakthrough
offers a glimmer of hope for captive populations and could potentially aid in future
restoration efforts4.

## The Ripple Effect

The decline of sea stars, especially the sunflower star, has had far-reaching consequences.
Purple sea urchin populations have exploded, leading to the decimation of kelp forests.
This domino effect underscores the critical role sea stars play in maintaining healthy
marine ecosystems[5](https://www.aza.org/connect-stories/stories/oregon-coast-aquarium-staff-develop-sea-star-wasting-treatment).

## What’s Next for Oregon’s Sea Stars?

As we look to the future, collaborative efforts are underway to monitor and potentially
restore sea star populations. The Oregon Kelp Alliance (ORKA) is working on plans
to reintroduce captively-bred sunflower sea stars to Oregon waters. These initiatives
could be crucial in tipping the scales back in favor of these iconic marine animals
[6](https://www.aza.org/connect-stories/stories/oregon-coast-aquarium-staff-develop-sea-star-wasting-treatment).

The battle against sea star wasting disease is far from over. However, with continued
research, innovative treatments, and dedicated conservation efforts, there’s still
hope for Oregon’s beloved sea stars.

[4]: Internal source: Oregon Coast Aquarium research team [5]: Internal source: 
ORKA scientific studies [6]: Internal source: ODFW marine conservation reports

[The ochre sea star](https://www.flickr.com/photos/oregonstateuniversity/14159301438/)
l

![The leg of this purple ochre sea star in Oregon is disintegrating, as it dies 
from sea star wasting syndrome. (Photo by Elizabeth Cerny-Chipman, courtesy of Oregon
State University)](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/
06/14159301438_05acdb0d79_b.jpg?resize=300%2C225&ssl=1)

The leg of this purple ochre sea star in Oregon is disintegrating, as it dies from
sea star wasting syndrome. (Photo by Elizabeth Cerny-Chipman, courtesy of Oregon
State University)

 1. [Partnership for Interdisciplinary Studies of Coastal Oceans, or PISCO](http://www.piscoweb.org/),
    which is a collaboration of OSU, the University of California/Santa Cruz, UC/Santa
    Barbara and Stanford University.

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s=300&d=monsterid&r=g)

 greenlivingguy

 The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living
expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author,
Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The
Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides
and more. Seth's books range from: # Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant
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