SEA STAR WASTING SYNDROME
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From 2014 - 2024 the Ucluelet Aquarium collaborated with citizen scientists, research groups and universities to monitor the distribution of Sea Star Wasting Syndrome.
What is Sea Star Wasting Syndrome (SSWS) you might ask? We're still figuring that out. Symptoms of the SSWS include lesions, limb autotomy, loss of turgor, and eventually death by rapid tissue disintegration.
British Columbia has the highest biodiversity of stars in the world. While we're learning more and more that these echinoderms have vital roles in the ecosystems that we rely upon, we didn't always value them. When the SSWS plague began spreading across the coast of western North America in 2013, we were caught playing catch-up - learning about the distribution and physiology of more than 40 species. This epidemic spread from Howe sound where it was first identified, down to the sea of Cortez and up into Alaska.
More than 20 species have been affected by this epidemic. While some have stabilized since the initial years of the 2013 plague, some species such as the Sunflower Star have become so scarce that they've been listed as an endangered species.
The Ucluelet Aquarium had partnered with the Strawberry Isle Marine Research Society and UCSC to conduct monthly sea star surveys. The surveys helped researchers assess the progression and extent of the disease.
After 10 years of surveys, we've concluded our chapter in this project. We want to thank all the volunteers, staff, colleagues, and researchers who joined us and others at all hours of the day and in all manner of weather.