SEA STAR WASTING SYNDROME
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Do we do research? Yes we do!
From 2014 - present, the Ucluelet Aquarium collaborates 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 conducts monthly sea star surveys from March to September every year. The surveys helped researchers assess the progression and extent of the disease.
Email ruby@uclueletaquarium.org if you're interested in volunteering at our next survey!