For years, billions of sea stars along the West Coast have been dying from a disease called wasting disease, with losses reaching 90% in certain areas. Researchers at the University of British Columbia and the University of Washington have identified Vibrio pectenicida bacteria as the cause. This illness affects over 20 sea star species from Alaska to Baja Mexico. The dramatic decline of sunflower sea stars has allowed sea urchin populations to explode, resulting in significant and detrimental changes to marine ecosystems.
Researchers at the University of British Columbia and the University of Washington have identified a strain of bacteria, Vibrio pectenicida, as the cause of wasting disease killing starfish.
Since 2013, a mysterious disease has led to the death of billions of sea stars along the West Coast, with some populations losing up to 90%.
The disease, known as wasting disease, affects more than 20 species of sea stars from Alaska to Baja Mexico, greatly impacting marine ecosystems.
The decline of sunflower sea stars has resulted in the unchecked growth of sea urchins, leading to profound ecological consequences along the California shoreline.
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