Scientists along the West Coast are seeking action to help sunflower sea stars recover from catastrophic population declines.
The Astorian reports experts say a wasting disease epidemic that started in 2013 has decimated about 95% of the population from the Aleutian Islands of Alaska to Mexico’s Baja California peninsula.
The source is unknown, but some say warming waters due to human-caused climate change could have triggered the outbreak. The National Marine Fisheries Service is expected to announce by early next year whether the species should be listed under the Endangered Species Act. Without sea stars to keep them in check, sea urchins are causing a troubling decline in kelp forests that provide food and shelter.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Scientists call for action after billions of sea stars perish on West CoastScientists along the West Coast are calling for action to help sunflower sea stars, among the largest sea stars in the world, recover from catastrophic population declines.
Read more »
Present potential: West Coast holiday gifts for the homeGift ideas like Floral and Stone Palo Santo Bundles\u003B Goldilocks Sustainable Goods beeswax wraps and Everlasting Candle Co.\u0027s flame
Read more »
450-pound sunfish discovered on North Carolina beach; scientists are overjoyedA massive sunfish was discovered Wednesday on a North Carolina beach and was so heavy that scientists required a horse scale to obtain its weight.
Read more »
US Coast Guard delivers shipload of Christmas trees at Navy PierIn the cold, sunny light Saturday morning, the Coast Guard cutter Mackinaw disgorged its holiday holdings: Christmas trees for Chicagoans.
Read more »